Ty Dolla $ign
Ty Dolla $ign is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He began his career in 2009 as a member of Cash Money Records group Diddy – Dirty Money. In 2012 he signed to Atlantic Records and released his debut album Free TC. His second studio album Beach House 3 peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. His third studio album Love Me Now debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200.
Early life
Ty Dolla Sign was born on April 13, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans where he attended school at John McDonogh School. His mother, Yvette, worked as a nurse while his father, Tyrone Sr., owned a construction company. He began rapping at age 12, inspired by Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur, and Notorious BIG. In 1999, he dropped out of high school and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to pursue music full-time.
In 2002, he signed with Atlantic Records. After being discovered by producer Polow Da Don, he recorded his debut album under the name “Tyrone”. He changed his stage name to Ty Dolla $ign in 2007.
He was one of the final contestants on season 3 of America’s Best Dance Crew. He placed third overall.
Career
Ty Dolla Sign began his musical career playing the bass guitar and later drum kit. He eventually picked up the keyboard and the MPC, and he even mastered the drums. In 2009, Ty Dolla Sign met producer DJ Mustard, who offered him a chance to work with YG. This led to Ty Dolla Sign working with fellow LA rappers YG and French Montana on several songs including “I Like”, “Look At Me Now”, and “My Nigga”.
In 2010, Ty Dolla Sign collaborated with singer Travie McCoy on the song “Show You Off”, which became a hit on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. In 2011, Ty Dolla Sign recorded vocals on YG’s debut album My Krazy Life and performed background vocals on YG’s second studio album Still Brazy. On May 10, 2012, it was announced that Ty Dolla Sign had been signed to Def Jam Recordings.
On July 15, 2013, Ty Dolla Sign released his debut mixtape titled Free TC, featuring production from DJ Mustard, Jahlil Beats, Young Chop, among others. The project features guest appearances from artists such as Wale, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Future, Yo Gotti, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Jeremih, Pusha T, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Usher, and Ludacris. The mixtape debuted at number three on both the US Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums Chart.
On September 11, 2013, Ty Dollasign released his second mixtape titled Back From Hell. The mixtape features guest appearances from artists like Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Kid Ink, Birdman, Fat Joe, Bun B, Slim Thug, Nelly, and many more. The mixtape peaked at number six on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the Top Rap Albums chart.
On October 16, 2013, Ty Dollazign released his third mixtape titled Welcome To Fazoland. The mixtape features collaborations with artists like Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Ester Dean, and many more.
On November 18, 2013, Ty Dollsign released his fourth mixtape titled A Night With Ty Dolla $ign. The mixtape features guests like Trey Songz, Meek Mill, Fetty Wap, and many more. On December 17, 2013, Ty Dollsign released his fifth mixtape titled Money Trees. The mixtape features collaboration with artists like Kanye West, Jay Z, Nas, and many more. After releasing five mixtapes, Ty Dolla Sign went on hiatus to focus on his solo career.
On January 26, 2015, Ty Dolla Sign announced via Twitter that he would be releasing his sixth mixtape titled Free TC2. On February 9, 2015, Ty Dollasign revealed that he was planning to release four projects over the course of the year.
