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Singer/songwriter/producer TQ hit the music scene in 1998 with a style that made him different than any other R&B singer on the market. A native of Compton, California, his swagger and delivery made some fans regard him with the same appeal as a rapper. In fact, he has been told that he reminds many of a “singing Tupac” with his realistic lyrics in songs that deal with real life issues. Now with a solid 15 years in the business to his credit, TQ will debut his new album Paradise on April 1, 2008 in a partnership with Gracie Production and distribution through EMI.
While most R&B artists sing about mainly about love, TQ set himself apart with cutting edge songwriting, branding his own type of “Reality R&B”. He started his professional music career in ’93 with a young B-Boy group Coming of Age. His own 1998 debut solo album They Never Saw Me Coming, which included the hits “Westside” and “Bye Bye Baby,” made him an instant worldwide success.
The single “Westside” debuted in the Top Ten in several countries, and in some countries at #1 the first week. The song stayed on top of the charts for weeks, collectively selling in excess of 1.2 million singles worldwide. TQ had fans from all over the world “throwing their dubs in the air” with the two-fingered Westside symbol, including many fans who didn’t speak a lick of English.
TQ then followed up with a second album The Second Coming with the classic hit “Daily,” which was exclusively distributed in Europe. For his third album, TQ returned to the U.S. market with Listen, which offered a perfect rendition of Prince’s hit ballad "Adore." Many fans and critics stated it was one of the best Prince cover tunes that had ever heard. The album also included production Manny Fresh, formerly of Cash Money Records.
While he has had both major label and independent success, TQ is staying the independent route in a partnership with Gracie Productions for the new album Paradise. The freedom to create is equally as important as being able to control his business. “I guess for me the biggest thing now is ownership of the biggest slice of pie,” explains TQ. “Due to the state of the music business, in order to be successful I have to make the highest dollar amount per unit. In order to do that you have to cut out a lot of the middle men. This situation with Gracie Productions allows me to get straight to the consumer, and that’s exactly where I want to be.”
After having such a phenomenal success with his first single “Westside,” it appeared that some of TQ’s songwriting talents got lost in the shuffle of his promotion. He is now in a position to let the world experience his full discography, which is still growing by the day. Throughout his career, TQ’s diehard fans from all walks of life respected his true talent. “After ‘Westside’ was an established hit, the damnest person would come up to me in the streets and give me props on my pen,” recalls TQ. “Like some guy wearing a suit in the elevator, or some old lady that you’d never expect. I think the most satisfying part of my work comes from the fans who write me and quote some of my lyrics in past songs. Now that’s hot!”
TQ has written, produced and collaborated with some of the top artists in the music industry from all genres including N’Sync, Lil Wayne, R.Kelly, Whitney Houston, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, Ron Isley, Swizz Beatz, Petey Pablo, Another Level, LFO, Donny Osmond, Juvenile, Krazyie Bone, Layzie Bone, E40, Too Short, The Outlawz and Sarah Conner. Needless to say, he loves staying in the studio making music.
With Paradise, TQ is bringing more of his stellar songwriting and production talent to the table. “I think that longevity breeds growth and vice versa,” he says. “I think my fans will recognize my growth in every aspect of this album. This is grown folk music, ya feel me? For new and potential fans, this is a break from the norm. This is real… like music therapy. It'll take you somewhere if u let it... I think people will appreciate the fact that this isn’t your average R&B.”
Although songs are naturally like children to an artist, TQ does have a couple of personal favorite songs from Paradise. “Off the bat, the title track ‘Paradise’ is my favorite song,” he expresses. “I love the pen on it. It deals with the past, present, and future - all the while taking some kind of gain out of loss. I think it's extremely serious, but definitely positive. The things that I'm singing about are the things that I live by. ‘Pumpin’ is another one of my favorites. It's a straight up hustlas' anthem... ‘nuff said. I got a chance to do some joints for the ladies on this one, and I think that ‘Sexy’ and ‘Ain't the Same’ are battling each other for second single right now.”
A man of many talents, TQ also branched off into an acting career. TQ landed four film roles in a short time, and plays the main character in two of them. Richard III, a Shakespeare film; Devil’s Grind, a hardcore urban film; and Rockin Meera, an internationally action-packed love story, are all due to release this year. TQ's latest project will be playing a lead role in a gritty, urban Romeo and Juliet modern day drama entitled One Love.
TQ’s mission is do more albums, more films, modeling and commercial endorsements. At the same time, he takes pleasure in remaining true to himself as Mr. Westside - the guy who always keeps it real. “I'm just really determined,” asserts TQ. “I set goals for myself at an early age, and I refuse to not reach them all. There have been times when I've been knocked down, but I just get the f*ck back up. The next time I'll see that punch coming and slip it. It's all a learning experience, but you gotta keep that fight in you. If you don't, then it just ain't worth it.”
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