| Ty | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ben Chijioke |
| Also known as | TY, T.Y. |
| Origin | Brixton, South London, UK |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupations | Vocalist, rapper, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, Rapping |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Labels | Big Dada, BBE Records |
| Associated acts | Drew Horley, Shortee Blitz, Estelle, Tony Allen |
| Website | Ty's Website |
Ty is the recording name of the British hip hop artist, Ben Chijioke.
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He was born in London, his family having moved from Nigeria to the UK. He is based in Vauxhall.
In the mid 1990s, he was involved in the Ghetto Grammar Organisation and it was here that his interest in poetry and rapping peaked. Chijioke began his musical career in a band with Kiss FM DJ, Shortee Blitz.
He has since released four albums and worked with Tony Allen, Terri Walker, Scratch Perverts and Estelle.
He performed on a UK only remix of Talib Kweli & Hi Tek's "Down for the Count", alongside Blak Twang, and in 2006 recorded "The Idea" alongside De La Soul. Ty's second album, Upwards was nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2004. His third album, Closer, was released on 16 October 2006. It featured collaborations with De La Soul, Speech of Arrested Development, Bahamadia, Zion I and Basement Jaxx vocalist, Vula Malinga. A single of the same name, "Closer", was also released.
On 13 July 2008, Ty performed at the RISE Festival in London.