GETTING OUT HIS OWN WAY-An Interview With Tyrese Gibson

An Open Invitation.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

What more can we say? To be on top of your game in the entertainment industry is one thing, but to be at the top of four games is just incredible. When someone has versatile and diverse talent in two fields like say a Frank Sinatra, or a Dean Martin did, or a Harry Belafonte everybody credits the singer/actors as being a double threat. Still, recently triple-threat territory has been traversed by the likes of the multi-talented actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx who really is everything entertainment...but then there's someone else. Someone who dominates the industry across the board. That someone is Tyrese Gibson.

Ever since this 'Baby Boy' got film credits and record deals after catching a bus for a commercial and singing about Coca Cola, this model talent has kept on top of his game all whilst keeping it real and never selling out. Right now Tyrese is in England's capital London following the Olympics keeping a Heptathlon of events on the go. You can currently find him with multi-talented likes of Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, Ludacris, Sung Kang and more revving up 'Fast Six', the latest in the full throttle 'The Fast and The Furious' franchise. Still, even though he's hard at work you can best believe he doesn't stop motoring on when he heads back to his trailer.

It's almost like he's trying to best his career year of 2011. A year which saw 'Fast Five', the latest in the 'Transformers' series (his 'other' big franchise pictures) and just a few more things. Those things being an inspiring, New York Times best selling book ('How To Get Out Of Your Own Way') which has made it into the hands of everyone from Will Smith to Michelle Obama and a new album. Did we forget to mention this Grammy nominated, platinum certified star was a force in music too? After all it's his singing on a bus which has ensured he will never have to ride on a bus again. Reference his critically acclaimed book to see just how far the man who now "just pulls up in a McClaren" has come.

He's making it all look too easy. Last year-after his self-titled debut and more classics like the '2000 Watts' juggernaut and the breakthrough 'I Wanna Go There'-Tyrese released his fifth and arguably best R&B album 'Open Invitation'. A classic which ignited his independent imprint 'Voltron Records' to rave reviews and hit singles like 'Too Easy' (with 'Fast' co-star Ludacris in tow), the sublime 'Stay' and the hands down 'Nothing On You' to join an all killer no filler record. This was the 'Sweet Lady' singers first release since his ground-breaking double disc set 'Alter-Ego'. An album which showed both sides of his musical personality.

To follow his classic R&B side, Gibson gave us his rap alter-ego, Black-Ty with the singers most diverse and bold work to date. Last month we we're reintroduced to Black-Ty via the free 'Invisible Bully-The Lost Tapes' mixtape. A more than generous offering of 53 tracks, that already broke download records just days after its release. The inspired Tyrese and Black-Ty look to double up again on the forthcoming 'Black Rose' album (oh and that's coming with another book too). That will come in between all the other movie deals and projects this multi-skilled man looks to offer up in-between tweeting and video and audio-tuning inspiration to his two million plus Twitter followers.

Tyrese looks to get even more numbers out of his collaborative projects too. We haven't even begun to mention his next book 'Manology' with Run-DMC legend Rev Run or the legendary legacy he looks to make with fellow kings of R&B, Tank and Ginuwine with the supergroup TGT and their album due next year. Did we forget anything? Movies, books, R&B and rap, that's four. That's a quadruple talent. It looks like Tyrese Gibson is working this year to make next year even better than his last. What more can we say? Maybe it's time to hear from the man himself?

We caught up with Tyrese in London.

"Every single day I just try my best to be the best version of me I can be. That's pretty much it. I think we're all a gift and some people don't recognize their own gifts and that's why they don't use them and some people want to give up on their gifts and the timing, the energy and like these random kind of stars line up. Then you start paying attention to you gift and work hard to elevate it to another level. So you know its kind of the gift that keeps on giving. You have a gift and you're not afraid to use your gift."

Q. So Tyrese it's safe to say you've been a busy man of late, your looking to make next year even better than your last. Where do we start? How you doing?

Everything is alright man. You know just taking it all in. You know what I've up to you've seen it on Twitter.

Q. Paris!

Paaaris.

Q. Getting into a bit of trouble?

Just a little bit,

Q. Nothing you can't handle?

I got it all covered.

Q. You've been in London for awhile now filming how are you enjoying this city and country?

Its cool man you know I don't go out as much as I should. There's a lot of history and architecture out here. You know I'm still trying to get adjusted to the time zone 'cause we're 8 hours ahead of L.A. but you know it’s been good man. We getting a very, very big movie shot and everyone's enjoying themselves, the cast, the energy is right we just having a good time. It's beautiful.

Q. Your return to the 'Fast & Furious' franchise really has helped re-energise the series. What's it like to be properly back in the driving seat?

Well you know I think its very powerful to be part of such a huge cast, but yet Justin Lin and the writers as well as us-I don't want to discredit the work we've put in-we've all figured out a way to coexist and we've all figured out what we individually bring to this franchise. Nothing that I'm doing will remind you of Vin, nothing that Dwayne is doing will remind you of Paul, nothing that Ludacris is doing will remind you of Sung or Gal. I mean everybody is playing their role and it’s very incredible to be part of this process you know. If it was horrible I'd tell you but it’s been very powerful to be a part of this franchise.

Q. What can you tell us about 'Fast Six' and the location of London? A lot of people have wanted me to ask you about a tank on the motorway. I was thinking TGT, like what's Tank doing on the motorway.

Well a lot of the tank stuff has been happening in Austria I think or Oslo, I believe, don't quote me but they've been doing a lot of second unit stuff out there with a whole other crew. Doing a lot of big action, so a lot of the tank stuff has been going on over there. I haven't done anything with a tank. Shit the car that Dwayne drives looks like a tank but he hasn't done anything with a tank. I got a big action sequence coming up with a tank but I haven't got to that yet.


Q. Can you share with us some of your favourite memories and experiences being a part of the 'Fast Five' and '2 Fast, 2 Furious' movies?

You know I feel very honoured to be a part of this franchise you know if it was a guest appearance or a leading role I'm just very grateful man. I mean there are so many actors, so many actresses out there and the fact that we've been chosen to be a part of this is an honour man. It's beyond amazing. I didn't look at it as replacing Vin or out-doing him or out-shining him. I just look at it as sometimes you lose a team member and you got to pick up the pieces and keep on moving and the movies have got to be made regardless of who's in them and whatever happens behind the scenes you have to keep it moving. Keep it going and that's what happened with '2 Fast'.

Q. It's hard to believe it's been ten years since '2 Fast 2 Furious'.

Shiii...10 years?

Q. Yeah I was 16/17.

You where 16? How old are you now?

Q. 27

Damn…

Q. Ludacris had the 'fro, you where wearing the Allen Iverson armband.

You know I had Allen Iverson say to me; "yo I love you man, as soon as the movie came out my kids went to see it and they saw you rocking the wristband man and I became their favourite dad for like a year" because I wore that 'The Answer' wristband. You know things that you think nobody would notice. I'm also the biggest Allen Iverson fan whether he's in the NBA or not. He's a legend. He's on fire man. He reminds me of Derrick Rose, just that fire just so aggressive going to the basket and always smooth at the end. Like (mimics a lay-up) 'heeeey'.

Q. Keeping it basketball, you're from L.A. does that make you a Lakers fan?

Oh absolutely.

Q. Me too (we shake hands) we got a good team this year.

Dwight Howard and who else did we just get Steve Naaaash from Arizona, Phoenix Suns right? Yeah.

Q. Still, that's another blog. Keeping it on screen, in 2011 you had a big year with 'Fast Five' and 'Transformers-DarkOf The Moon'. Any plans for more 'Transformers' or other pictures in the pipeline?

You know I don't really know how this 'Transformers' thing is going to work out man. You know the idea of not being a part of something I helped build really hurts man. I just hope Michael Bay decides to figure out a way to make it work. You know Shia has gone public and clearly said he's not interested, in a different space as an actor and doesn't want to come back and do 'Transformers'. I just hope Michael specifically figures out bring some of the other parts back. They're in the middle of production and tweaking the script and doing everything else they're doing. I hope they call and say 'hey we figured something out' I don't know. But Michael Bay created my character out the clear blue sky. My character didn't really exist at all. As a matter of fact a lot of people don't know this but Michael actually wanted me to play the role Bernie Mac had in 'Transformers 1' but then when we hung out more he just created Robert Epps out the blue and put me in this crew with Josh Duhmel, you know Lennox. I just hope he figures something out and we can move from here.

Q. Speaking of Shia thanks for the 'Lawless' recommendation that could be the film of the year?

(Nodding) Shia is a motherfucker (in a good way) man. Shia.is.a.motherfucker.

Q. This is the burning question I've been meaning to ask you; who would really win arm-wrestling out of you and The Rock?

I don't know. I think I would definitely give it my best shot you know what I'm saying. I'd go all out. I don't know if I could take him out but I'd try.

Q. Is he brave enough?

I don't know if he'd actually do it. But I'd challenge him to it.

Q. You could take Paul Walker  (in an arm wrestle)though right?

Yeah, I could prob...yeah.

Q. You could definitely take me.

More than likely, yeah.

Q. From 'Baby Boy' to now could you share with us your favourite movies that you've been a part of? A personal favourite of mine is 'Four Brothers' you all really brought it with that one.

You know I’m going to be honest man. At this point my favourite movies tend to be the experience you know what I’m saying. The ones that I have fun while we're making them. 'Baby Boy', 'Four Brothers' man we laughed all day everyday, all four of our personalities man. Mark, Andre, Garrett we laughed so freaking hard. I wonder if we actually had a gag reel, we cracked so many jokes it was unbelievable. You know for me nothing compares to the outcome of Transformers, the special effects and the way Michael Bay moves that camera. There's no comparison. I just hope you know it works out.

Q. Speaking of 'Transformers' I love that scene when that building in Chicago snaps in half and you're all sliding down it, how much of that was C.G and how much was real?

That was all the combination of reality and C.G. we where sliding down the side of something. It wasn't quite that building but it was something. If you get the Blue Ray, you'll see the making of how it happened. It's pretty elaborate.

Q. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker aren't the only guys your teaming up with in music you've just made your group with Ginuwine and Tank official with Atlantic Records. What can you tell us about that and the forthcoming album?

You know it's a passion project and I don't really know if anybody see's how big this will really can be the way I do. Ginuwine and Tank can see it but I don't even think they see what I see as far as how big this can go. Right now when it comes to fans because of social media fans are spoilt and they have access to their favourite stars in a way like never before in the history of fans and stars. Also iTunes has single-handedly outside of Napster contributed to creating a shift in a major way in what we call the music business. As we all know iTunes created the lazy feeling of 'I don't feel like going to four or five different record stores to buy an album now I can just click a button and have it'. So therefore all of the traffic that was physically moving into the record stores like Virgin and Tower Records is gone. All these music companies aren't where they used to be. We're talking about full on music stores that have been shut down. A few of them still exist but for the most part their wiped out because the convenience of itunes, great for them, bad for the music business. Then you have chains like Walmart or Target, where if they where just in the music business they'd be wiped out but because they have 75 to 1000 options of things beyond C.D's and DVD's that you can buy then it becomes a one stop shot. So as crazy as an analogy that is that's why TGT makes all the sense in the world, because you got me, you got Ginuwine, you got Tank. We're all young legends in the music business so to speak individually but the idea that it becomes a one stop shop where you can get all these different flavours and colours and energy musically. It's going to contribute to the game in a major way. Where you can get everything you want to experience musically in one concert and one album. I'm not saying that me, Ginuwine and Tank are Walmart or Target but you get everything in one store and that's what makes us the R&B Avengers.

Q. I’m loving the logo, it’s like something out of ‘Tron’.

My man.

Q. You guys work very well together and have a great chemistry especially on tracks like the 'Please Don't Go' and the Let Me Grind' remixes, as well as 'One Night Stand' and 'Can't Blame You'. What do each of you bring to TGT and what influences and inspiration can you bring from both Ginuwine and Tank? 

Basically what I'm getting out the fans right now they want more. They want more. If you think about Young Money, if you think about people with clicks of talented artists and they're all touring together everyone realizes the power of combining the energy and effort. If you look at the success of 'The Avengers' it just goes to show you. All of the stars and the comic book characters have had huge success on their own and it's the ultimate fan experience to get Superman's biggest fan and Iron Man's biggest fan in the same row. They would probably decide they don't want to coexist in one theatre but because all of their favourites are in one movie that's why they're here. That's what we are. I've tweeted a picture of the three of us and said 'ladies just pick one' and they'll say 'Tyrese is my number one hands down, I like Ginuwine or Tank but they can't touch him', or 'Tank all day or every day, end of story. I got love for y'all but Tank is my baby' and it's the same for Ginuwine. You know it's arrogant to assume that fans of Ginuwine and Tank will love me too, but you know what? They will love me because now we're all in the same movie. You can come to the concert to see Ginuwine but they got to see me. I'm not sharing any of these screams, I'm not sharing any of these photo-ops. I'm stingy. They getting screams over me I ‘aint having it.

Q. Ginuwine say's he's Wolverine and Tank's the hawk so which Avenger are you?

I'm Iron Man. I'm Iron Man. Only because-damn this just hit me right now thank you-because I'm a very shrewd businessman. I think compared to Ginuwine and Tank's personality I'm the one that has the strongest bottom line. I'm very aggressive about everything and anything I do. That's just it man, that's where I'm at with it.

Q. Is it safe to assume that Tank will be manning some of the production? With the three of you already you have enough people but who are you looking to work with on the album? Maybe Tank's protégé Kris Stephens?

Yeah, I like her as a songwriter a lot but more importantly as a person. She's very very sweet, she's been to the house with Tank a few times while we where doing R&B boot camp. I told Tank she should be writing on the album.

Q. Can we expect to hear that friend of yours Black-Ty guest featuring on the album?

We'll see what happens. Right now Black-Ty is chilling waiting to be unleashed on this 'Black Rose' album. You know I'm full throttle right now.

Q. With that in mind congratulations on the huge success of your 'Invisible Bully' rapping mixtape how does it feel?

It feels great man. We're well over a million downloads right now. You know it's been about three or four weeks since it dropped. I think we're well over 2 million downloads if you really think about it, because outside of the DUBCNN download, people have created their own sites and tweeted the shit out. So the downloads are pretty endless. It was just my way of reintroducing Black-Ty. It's like Chris Rock said it best "you don't want to be the first black man to do anything". Of course I wasn't the first R&B singer to rap its happened plenty of times before. I think when I did it, itwas so full on, it wasn't a gimmick, I wasn't like me fucking around it caught a lot of people off guard. It messed a lot of people up. Now all of sudden you got Chris Brown, Trey Songz, you got Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and a bunch of different R&B stars rapping and they got alter-ego names. So for me I'm not looking at it like them trying to be like me but I will say I was the first one to jump into that world and make people think it's possible to fall all the way in love with an R&B singer and then listen to them rap at the same time. I will also say a lot of rappers have cleaned up their looks and image. If you where at home watching 106 & Park on mute you wouldn't know who's singing or rapping, because everybody looks the same. Everyone’s got the sexy girls in the video. R&B singers are wearing the big chains, the big earrings with the fancy cars and all the girls.

Q. I think what sets you apart is the concept rap songs. Like 'Lost With Guns' over Jay-Z's 'Lost One' or the 'Alter-Ego' one where you go back and forth with yourself. Where do you draw that creativity from? The acting maybe?

That's some other shit man.

Q. 'Alter-Ego' started it off with a great mix of tracks like 'One', 'Roses', 'Come Back To Me Shawty' and 'Fly Away' and now another double rap and R&B album 'Black Rose' will come next fall. It's early days yet but what can you tell us about the new album?

Well you know this word just dropped on me right now. I am on a mission to takeover emotions. That's what I'm on. So there is a lot of emotional outlets. You weren’t feeling that way till you heard that song. Or you weren’t feeling that way to you went to see that movie. Or you weren’t feeling that way, or considering those things until you read that book. So I'm on a mission to takeover emotions and you can't just do it through music you have to do it through as many areas as possible and so I'm very grateful that people have given me emotional access to them and ama ride this shit all the way out. Ama keep going.

Q. We can't not talk about 'Open Invitation' and the tracks 'Stay' and 'Too Easy'. We thought your previous work was classic but you really knocked it out the park with this one. First off congratulations, how does your return to music feel? I guess that so called expert that said you couldn't sell independently is on his own now? 

You know its so good man. I think more than anything I came into it very confident but equally as insecure because a lot of people are very consumed in other people’s opinions. What they should do, how they should do it, when they should do it and if they should even do it at all. I've decided all of a couple of years ago ama live my damn life. I'm not going to base what is successful in the eyes of the world to what it is successful to me. What's successful to me is I had a vision, a concept and idea and I got it out of my heart, out of my mind and I put it out there. When you release it to the world then people will decide whether to show up or not. You can't give power to the numbers. What is successful is getting it out. For you to have an article or a vision or a story in your mind Tim and it stays in mind because you're allowing people not showing up, paying for your hotel room or committing to interviews with the Lakers or whatever the fuck it is. You can't give them power because they're diminishing the gift and they don't even know they're wiping you out. They're just doing what they do. "Oh we where going to send you but now we're going to go with someone else", then you decide to shut your whole fucking career down and they don't even know they wiped you out, "oh shit I took him out". They don't know, but you know. I didn't know my album was going to sell the way it did 400,000 plus thousand. I didn't fucking know, but it happened, I went all out. So this TGT album....we're going to do our best album...period and when we hit the road motherfuckers better get ready. That should be the headline (taps table) motherfuckers.better.get.ready.

Q. What's it like working with someone like Ludacris both in movies and music?

I love Ludacris man. Ludacris is a good man. That's what I have to say about him. He is a good dude man for real. I hope to be friends with Ludacris for a very long time. We may never do another movie or record together...I hope we do, but that's my friend hopefully for a long time. He's a gift.

Q. You say your latest video is your greatest. You had a great time it looks filming 'Too Easy' and have acted alongside some leading ladies recently too but what remains your favourite video you have done?

I love the 'Stay' video because of my girl Taraji and you know this 'Best Of Me' video is going to take me to another level.

Q. How about your own favourite guest features your spot on the posthumous 2Pac album was truly inspired?

Yeah you know what scary man is. I don't know what's about to happen bro. This dude knows me (points to his friend G. Flowers) no two days are ever the same when you're around me. It's always some other shit. This is what's scary-in a sarcastic way-about my life is that this is normal for me. When other people come around and respond to me like "oooh shit" I realise it's not normal and the thing is it's not that I'm taking any of my blessings or access for granted. In the midst of everything I'm forever grateful for what's happening but this is my world and you come into my world there's a likelihood that you're going to be exposed to some life changing shit. And where not just talking about hanging out with stars, but where talking about one person who is literally involved in at least 12 or 15 different world simultaneously on an extreme level. I'm liable to be hanging out with Michael Bay and get a text from Vin Diesel. I'm in my back yard with Martin Luther King's son and daughter and Will Smith, Vin and Paul Walker are sitting to my right, the King kids to my left. I'm hanging out with a fucking holiday. Ooh shit, what the fuck? Like this is normal. It's some other shit man and they don't come to my house for like an hour, motherfuckers come to my house like 14, 15 hours straight. Me and Vin Diesel are in our house playing basketball in my backyard for like 6 hours, drink in hand. Vin comes to my house and buys me Starbucks (mock voice) "Hey Ty, (holds up cup that I brought him) I brought you some Starbucks". Like what the fuck is going on right now, I'm telling you man. It's some other shit I never take it for granted. Here I am man. The only Olympic game I go to I get on the phone I have a conversation with Elaine Wynn, the first lady of Las Vegas from the Wynn Hotel. She invites me to the Olympics. We have dinner, I bring her to the set the next day. She invites me to the Olympic Games. I have the best seats in the house. I get Vin to come down, Ludacris was there, he ended up blessing my whole friends with tickets to the game, that's why I love Luda man he's just a giver and I'm here to witness the American basketball team win the gold medal and whup some ass. With Elaine, Vin, Ludacris and everyone and their momma. Like, what is going on right now. I could of paid to go to the game but the way I went was on some other shit and that's my world man. That's my world bro and that's my shit.

Q. Even Jamie Foxx should be jealous of you.

Jamie ‘aint jealous of me. There are definitely some worlds that Jamie needs to jump into. Jamie's got so many stories to tell.

Q. More importantly from your self-titled debut to now what remains your personal favorite album and song?

My favourites are the ones I love listening to as well as performing. When you experience the reactions of the fans to the songs. The feeling you get when you're on stage, when I do 'Stay' it's bar non. 'Stay', 'Sweet Lady', 'How You Gonna Act Like That' these are records that are going to be around for a long time. When they come on in concert it's like some shit you'll never see, it's like the Holy Ghost. When the intro for 'Sweet Lady' comes on (mock sings and cheers) I don't even know if they're in church yelling like that. If it looks like when these songs come on it takes these peoples problems away.

Q. Is it safe to say in five or ten years that 'Stay' could be as big as 'Sweet Lady'?

It's already there. It is and I'll tell you why. First of all 'Sweet Lady' technically is not as big a song as 'Stay'. 'Stay' was number one for eleven weeks'. 'Sweet Lady' got to number 3 but it still did a lot for women’s confidence and is a classic record that everyone loves. 'Stay' is a record that's going to be around for a long time. It's pretty scary.

Q. Although you're all different. The thing you Tank and Ginuwine share is that you represent that more mature side of R&B, singing about themes like settling down instead of the throw away stuff that won't be around in years. Can you tell us more about what sets you apart? 

You get in the vocal booth you put your heart on the mic and you just hope people can relate and identify to what it is. Whenever you do anything and it comes from your heart it's going to find hearts and connect with hearts. This is why Autotune-even though I've used it a couple of times- with Autotune there's a disconnect because you can't feel peoples soul sounding like a robot. People can't connect to that. So you know that's it on that.

Q. Is TGT going to follow in the footsteps of the classic nighties R&B acts like 112 or Jagged Edge and even going further back then that Boyz II Men, Blackstreet, etc.?

I don't really know if we can be compared to anybody. Naturally because Gearld Levertt, Johnny Gill and Keith Sweat did LSG before. We don't even compare to them. Now the concept of three solo artists doing a three can be compared, but they where a much more mature and older demographic. We're young gunners. We about to get that...

Q. Maybe you represent that mid-point-because you're all in your thirties-bridgin the gap between the younger and more mature generations?

The thing is we just don't compare. If you heard our songs there's some other shit going on right now dawg. It's not fair that this TGT album sounds this good. It's not fair. Because this isn't coming from an arrogant place I'm just speaking facts. Like if you look at all three of us that's going to get women to show up but it's not FAIR that our music sounds this good. It's almost expected that the three of us getting together with all this much hype, we'll end up getting together and doing an album that is trash and horrible. But this shit sounds SO good it's scary.

Q. You guys on Slim Thug's 'Let Me Grind' remix and 'Please Don't Go' and you're duet with Ginuwine on 'One Night Stand' have already shown great chemistry and am sure we can expect more.

Yeah it's definitely way different then that.

Q. All this hard work has really paid off congratulations on the success of Voltron Records and your recent award nominations? How does all this feel? I guess it motivates you to just keep going? 

You know what it's one of them things where you put your best foot forward and the rest is on God and the fans. You know I worked my ass off on that 'Open Invitation' album and I had to remove the spirit of doubt. You can't go into anything having any type of doubt in yourself. You have to just say 'fuck it, if nobody is checking for this, that's what it is'. People said, there where comments like 'this is not todays R&B', 'this is like R&B of the nighties' 'R&B is very different these days'. Well R&B today ‘aint selling. So what's missing is the R&B you used to love, the albums you used to love where you could press play and listen to top to bottom. Albums these days sound like mixtapes because they have 12 different producers and I wanted to get back to the formula. Like when Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis did Janet Jackson's whole album, like when Jermaine Dupri did Usher's whole album. This is the formula. All the Wyclef and Lauryn Hill albums.

Q. Like Timbaland producing Brandy's 'Afrodisiac' which was easily one of the best R&B albums of the last ten years.

I don't know if that was her best. When she got with Rodney Jerkins for the 'Full Moon' album that was way better in its entirety. They where classic fucking albums. One producer, one batch of songwriters and just take flight. For me that's the formula.

Q. Which artists past and present influence and inspire you?

People compare me to other artists and I listen to a lot of other artists. I don't get into the vocal booth to purposely sound like anyone else. I'm just me you know. Just me man at all times and I'm a self confessed weirdo. It always has such a negative connotation but I think weirdoes are the most forward thinking individuals. You know I've tweeted this before. There is no such thing as thinking outside the box in my mind there isn't a box. I'm on some other shit. I've left earth a long time ago. I'm on Google maps. Motherfuckers looking up at me, everybody down there doing the same shit, I'm on some other shit.

Q. Of course music and movies aren't your only fortes. You recently penned a very inspiring book 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way' which congratulations was a New York Times bestseller. Can you describe what its like to inspire your fans in a different way and reach an even wider audience?

You know it's the most amazing thing man. First of all the timing of releasing that book was very important. Because there's a lot of people with the gift of the gab who just know how to talk a good game. You know people in the world respond to success. Statistics, numbers, results. I've never claimed to be the biggest star in the world. Nor do I think I'm interested. I don't like the pressure that comes with being a fucking megastar. Barely can move anywhere, can't go anywhere without being recognized, everyday, all day. It becomes this non stop feeding frenzy that becomes too much. I don't know if I want that always, always. So you know I just want to do me and be me and however far that goes and takes me, I'll take it.

Q. And now the 'Black Rose' book is coming with the double album what can you tell us about that?

'Black Rose' is in the embryo stage and where going to get that book in motion I'm very excited about that. I'm going to fly the woman who I wrote 'How To Get Out Your Own Way' to London so we can just try and get into it. It's going to be one of those real game changers. I'm excited. 'Black Rose' is going to be scary, that's going to be one of those books that have a flow and an energy to it like 'woo'. It's going to fuck people up.

Q. Is that what some of the video blogs you've posted on Twitter have been for?

We used a lot of that content for the 'Manology' book. Whenever I did a video these two girls that are beautiful would transcribe that and we'd use it for the book.

Q. You inspire a lot of people and we thank you but in and outside your industries who inspires you we know your close with R. Kelly, Will Smith, Michael Jordan and the Obama's?

You know I'm inspired by a lot of different people man in a lot of different areas. I'm inspired by people who think outside of the box. People who are unapologetically, boldly, doing their motherfucking thing period. Like, just do your thing. I'm a force I believe that, like the size of this building can't handle my thoughts. That's how I rock. I'm a giant in my mind that's how big my spirit is. If you don't have this type of mind state you're just average and I'm not average. So Denzel, Oprah, Will Smith, Steve Jobs, R. Kelly, Michael Bay, Steven Spielberg, I mean I just saw that trailer for that movie 'Lincoln'. Are you fucking kidding me son!? I'm ready for that Dr. King role because of that trailer. I got a lot to do. Let me tell you something man my biggest fear is dying. I don't fear anything but death and they say you don’t fear death and I'm not afraid of dying because of death. I'm afraid of dying because I got a lot to do man. I can't do shit if I'm gone. I don't want to die. That's why I'm kind of like a hypochondriac, as soon as I find myself under the weather man I go straight to the doctor. Fuck that. I'm feeling something in my chest (taps veins in his arm) man hook me up. Something ‘aint right. C'mon man.

Tyrese thank you it's been an absolute pleasure and really appreciated. I remember Ginuwine wrote in the thank you's of his 'Senior' album that "the game owes you". Things really are paying off now, I guess good things really do happen to those who work hard and patiently. I guess you won't have to sing 'Taking Forever' that much anymore hey!

REVIEW: LOOPER

4/5

Back To The Looper.

118 Minutes. Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis & Emily Blunt. Writer & Director: Rian Johnson.

Ever since Joseph Gordon-Levitt made his way from the '3rd Rock From The Sun' the baby faced star has always been ahead oh his time, from '10 Things I Hate About You' to spending '500 Days Of Summer' with a 'New Girl' the young talent has made mainstream hit after independent hit. Still over the last few years the 'Inception' of his legendary legacy has begun. Right now along with 'Dark Knight Rises' co-star Tom Hardy this is his year. The rising star has had a 'Premium Rush' of movies and 'Batman's' trusty sidekick doesn't look to give up soon. Now the boy wonder looks to continue writing his future with Sci-Fi smash 'Looper'.

A shotgun time travel affair that opened the Toronto Film Festival to a blunderbuss of five star reviews and critical acclaim thanks to Joe's irregular performance, capturing a young Bruce Willis in all his essence. Gordon-Levitt has it all done and down from the altered features to the eyes, walk and talk...the string vest also makes an appearance in a Josh Brolin/Tommy Lee Jones, 'Men In Black 3' chameleon portrayal. Levitt's incredible performance-which is one part Willis influence with an equal measure of his own inspiration-could result in an award 'Looper' scooper next year.

Still why is Joesph playing a young Bruce you ask. Well 'Looper' is a film and concept based on special assassins whose targets are zapped back from the future to be zapped and killed by hitmen who can carry out the killing and leave their victims permanently in the past. It's a strange idea but one that works and one that Phillip K. Dick would be proud of. Still what would happen if your old self was sent back from the future to be killed by your own hand? That's the question facing out protagonist here as Joe Levitt and Bruce Willis play the same Looper, young and old.

Don't go round in circles trying to get the idea of messing with time travel right in your head-"wait a minute if he does that, wouldn't that?"-just take the old saying of 'what goes around, comes around' to heart. Besides all will be explained in a tense, terrific, head-to-head diner scene which is only a few coffee's away from cooling down De Niro and Pacino's in 'Heat'. It's this interplay between the old and young lead that makes this film and as Willis refuses to 'Die Hard' we get to see this legend do what he does best in what will end up another underrated gem in this somewhat undervalued actors classic catalogue. With amazing action and dominating drama this is the hit man's next 'Twelve Monkeys'.

A killer cast featuring an American accented Emily Blunt and a bearded Jeff Daniels along with many more gives this film more substance. There's style to boot too, from the clothes to the weapons of choice. Rian Johnson's wonderfully wrote and decadent directed vision of the future is so well sought out it could even send 'Total Recall' back to the eighties. Mixing a high-rising future of a sublime, superior Singapore with the corn maize of Kansas gives this film textural parallels that mirror the tone of this reflective story. Science Fiction fans that dream of electric sheep will really be woken up by this one. Bringing it back to the future this is something to be learned about ourselves and the world from this one. It all comes around to an incredible end that will start you thinking. With all it's hidden silver linings, this hired gun shoots for gold. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: THE CAMPAIGN

3.5/5

Political Punchline Points.

85 Mins. Starring: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Cox. Director: Jay Roach. 

Forget Romney vs Obama for a moment...for 'The Campaign' is truly the funniest election battle of the year. For many terms now Will Ferrell has been the undisputed King of Comedy, from making 'Saturday Night' truly 'Live' to being the 'Anchorman' of classic comedies like 'Talladega Nights', 'Blades Of Glory', 'Semi-Pro', 'Step Brothers' and 'The Other Guys', but since one wild night, two 'Hangovers' and a 'Due Date' later Will has a one man wolf-pack to contend with in one of the funniest men around in Zach Galifianakis. 

Now the two go head-to-head in a campaign battle for congress with hilarious consequences mixing everything from snake bites to baby punches in this dog fight of rivals. This film pulls it all in the name of getting your vote and laugh with a battalion of gags and talent. Now who will win? Cast your ballot for who is the best in this picture... 

Vote for Will. Fresh off his impersonation trail of touring his George Bush stage show Will Ferrell is welcomed back to funny films with a familiar but fond, favorite performance as the perfectly named, too good to be true politician Cam Brady. Between all the shouting and pain induced rib-ticklers you remember just how funny he is. "America, Jesus and freedom"...you're welcome.

Vote for Zach. It may be Galifianakis that makes the last ditch, surprise run here. Trimming the trademark hair and shaving the legendary facial fuzz to a maestro mustache, Zach camps it up with a performance that is different then his usual style, making the Alan characterization forgotten (the only similarity to his beardy-weirdy is their love for gender-crossing accessories to keep all their things). With a sweet, charmingly shy character Marty Higgins will get your vote over his alpha-male opponent.

Still both candidates have plenty support in their respective blue and red corners. That's thanks to some hilarious support from guys like Brian Cox and Dylan McDermott, to go along with legends of laughs like John Lithgow and Dan Akroyd sitting in their chairs almost channeling those old, complaining Muppets from the balcony. It's all good though and someone to elect in the future is the rising talent of Jason Sudeikis, complete here with a campaign commentary worthy accent. The man who's stock rose last year with the two best comedies of last year ('Hall Pass' with Owen Wilson and the ensemble 'Horrible Bosses') will one day be the next top funny man of these United States.

Ferrell and Adam McKay have done it again. They may have a fuzzy bear and streets named '21 Jump' to contend with on this campaign trail for the president title of comedy of the year but as Ferrell and Galifianakis go neck-and-neck, commercial for commercial and cheap shot for cheap shot, with 'Iron Man', Tony Stark expo like expeditions to be the next Captain America the laughs rise like popularity lines. Armed with Jon Stewart satire but unfortunately no cameo (still, see their dual interview on 'The Daily Show' that really goes 'H.A.M.M.') this is one comedy that even the White House would find funny. After all in the middle of all the politics as usual it's nice to hear a little light relief that is really saying something. I'm Tim Harvey and I hilariously approve this movies message. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: KILLING THEM SOFTLY

3/5

Strumming Their Pain With His Trigger Finger.

Starring: Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta, James Galdofini & Sam Shepard. Director: Andrew Dominik.

"This is America..." Brad Pitt's character tells Richard Jenkins' in 'Killing Them Softly', "...and in America you're on your own". This notion could be arguably be attributed to Hollywood's biggest star who is still somewhat disregarded in this movie industry, despite his worldwide fame as one of the most famous faces in acting. Brad Pitt may be one of the biggest names around like his 'Ocean's' co-star George Clooney but still like his partner in crime his talent in still somewhat underrated.

He belongs with the Leonardo DiCaprios as the best in the game, but still some play him-like they did Leo-as just a pretty boy turned good. They should be thinking great. Perhaps they haven't seen his medicated magnificence in 'Twelve Monkeys' or the punches he pulls in 'Fight Club'. Nor his conflicted classic, flawless finale in the devilishly good 'Seven', or his latest out of the park big swing with 'Moneyball' to name just a select few. Just wait until these same people and critics are shot down by his chilling, killer performance in 'Killing Them Softly'.

No this is not a film about that rap group the Fugees, but instead a refugee of the law as Brad complete with all chain-smoking leathers, sinister, slicked back hair and hard worn beard plays a hitman that brings more darkness and death than a late Johnny Cash song. And they're the type of 'American Recordings' (see the trailer or Brad's opening act at least 20 minutes in) that make for the perfect soundtrack backdrop. When this man comes around you know there's trouble and when he takes names few will be free amongst the blamed. As he says he "likes to kill them softly...from a distance", and as Brad goes the distance like a 'Moneyball' strike he really hits home.

The rising city of New Orleans serves as a beautiful but brutal backdrop in a noir thriller that even scares the crap out of mafia veteran Ray Liotta. He, plus Soprano legend James Gandolfini, Jenkins and two guys pulling the job make for a great cast in a slow burner that ignites with the switch-click of a lighter towards ashes to ashes action before the last cigar. Through blowing smoke to putting everyone's lights out it's Pitt who illuminates, the shining star coolly walking amongst fireworks before a monologue closer as thrilling as the climax.

Set in the changing times of America from Bush's fall to Obama's elected rise this film has some political points of its own to make too. From the distorted, smack the side of the T.V. start it all gets as drawn out and sinister as Pitt's slow motion, stop camera, stop beat scenes. This bleak picture is delivered in a bold and brilliant way, from robberies more akward than a bad first date to cold calculated killings with clinical precision. From Tarantino like conversations to rain soaked classic cars this is a trip through past and present Americana. Talking the talk and muscling up for with the best this is real thriller that pays homage to the greats. Delivered with execution this murder tale does things the hard way. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

DVD REVIEW: THE AVENGERS

4.5/5

Avenge This.

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Joss Whedon. Screenplay: Joss Whedon

Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye and The Incredible Hulk are finally here comic book fans. 'The Avengers' initiative has assembled (especially in other countries where this film is called 'Avenger Assemble' due to copy-write laws from that 'Avengers' film starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman). It's hard to believe its been four years since 'Iron Man' bolted up our blockbuster screens back in 2008 but since then we've had a lot of great Avenger movies to Marvel at until this. An 'Iron Man' sequel, 'The Incredible Hulk', 'Thor' and 'Captain America-The First Avenger' where all bold and brilliant back-story movies all leading to this. Now after doing the reverse of fellow celluloid comic series 'X-Men' and having their origin stories first 'The Avengers' are all coming together for the ultimate battle and blockbuster.

By the hammer of Thor this is a great movie and by the shield of Captain America this is one of the best superhero movies of all time. By the metal of Iron Man its certainly the most entertaining and by the ripped shirt of Hulk its definitely the most thrilling. 'The Hunger Games' can take a back seat now and 'The Dark Knight Rises' can wait its turn because right now its 'The Avengers' that is rising and breaking and setting box office records. Its time is now. All those Samuel L. Jackson cameos were worth it (he really IS in everything). Nick Fury has assembled a kick ass team and the gangs all here with some familiar favorite faces too. Geeks and fans who treat comic books like sacred text (stand up) can rejoice, look out for that Stan Lee cameo and wait after the credits as per.

New York City under attack serves as the biggest stage for this movie to be set and looking part like a disaster movie and part like the last 'Transformers' piece the sense of peril is pitched perfectly. The evil, manipulative schemes of Loki (from 'Thor') are back and this time with an army. Once again Tom Hiddleston plays Loki incredibly hamming it up to a Shakespeare level when needed but being seriously sinister for the most part. Chris Hemsworth steps up the bold bravado once again for a Titan strong representation of 'Thor' but the hammer doesn't just drop there.

Of course there's Iron Man played with all the classic charisma and charm of Robert Downey Jnr, but add a little more concern, desperation and that good, deep acting that made Downey Jnr who he is and you really have some character development here. We can't forget the Captain too as Chris Evans once again leads strong as the famous 'First Avenger' with all the pride and honor of a battle-tested soldier. We're just glad they broke the ice. With more screen time Samuel L. Jackson shows just how great he is at bringing everything together as Nick Fury with a little bit of great help from Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson. While Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) give killer performances as the Avengers super assassins. With this, and a new aim on the 'Mission Impossible' and 'Bourne' series' Renner has really hit the bulls-eye.

The biggest and greenest new addition is Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk. It seems the mean green machine has been played by more people then Doctor Who, from Eric Bana playing Dr. Banner to Edward Norton's recent rebooted turn as Bruce. Still with Norton's blessing Ruffalo really steps in and breaks out of the torn clothes perfectly. His anger is managed incredibly, from his tense and taught acting to being the first actor to actually perform the Hulk scenes...of course with a lot of green screen and leotard. Now wouldn't that be funny to see standing next to a bunch of guys that already look like they're at some strange fancy dress party?

A freak show this special force is not though. From formidable forest battles to city scraping, sky high action the enthusiasm and energy of this ensemble piece is incredible. Sure its not as dark as 'Batman' or as tailored to kids as much as 'Spiderman' but this middle-ground, movie medium makes for the happiest. It's tense and thrilling but also hilariously funny and even moving in parts. 'Buffy' director Joss Whedon has really slayed this one from drawing the tension between the Avengers, all whilst showing the initiative to bring it all together like he was wearing an eye patch. This just all looks so good. Its on trail to exceed 'The Dark Knight' and 'The Hunger Games' at the box office and its already exceeded all expectation. The 'Justice League' better bring it as now we can't wait for 'Iron Man 3' or if they can assemble again 'The Avengers 2'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

DVD RACK-THE AVENGERS SPECIAL

With 'The Avengers' assembling this week our 'DVD Rack' special looks at the origin films of this Marvel series.

IRON MAN: Let's take a look back to where it all started. With his charisma and charm Robert Downey Jnr breathed new life into the 'Avengers' superhero genre with Gwyneth Paltrow by his faithful side. Hilarious and thrilling, the graphics and the action where sublime thanks to Jon Faverau's direction (he'll be missed). Speaking of those missed by the franchise Terrence Howard raised his and the films stock (although Don Cheadle got his 'next time baby'). While fan favourite and all time nice guy Jeff Bridges (dude where's your hair?) made a surprisingly sinister, coldly convincing villain. Like AC/DC on the score this heavy metal rocked!

IRON MAN 2: How about some more metal from Tony Stark? Jon Faverau may not be on board for 'Iron Man 3' and Terrence Howard may have been replaced but this sequel proved that the 'Iron Man' franchise was still working, even with a little tinkering. Robert Downey Jnr brought his usual effortless charm and humor as he helped lift this superhero off the ground one more time. Ironman got an even better villain this time with Mickey Rourke playing the menacing Whiplash. As for Tony Starks sidekick, Don Cheadle filled in quite nicely as Lieutenant Rhodes and once he supped up that War Machine suit 'Iron Man 2' brought an artillery of action. An army of A listers filled out the cast from the cheesily charismatic villain of Sam Rockwell to Scarlett Johansson and that brilliant costume department. With another hilarious Stan Lee cameo and another 'Avengers' preview, Iron Man showed he was the king of the Marvel franchise.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: You WILL like Edward Norton when he's angry! Ripping the Eric Bana, Bruce Banner shirt off before handing it down to Mark Ruffalo, Norton does an incredible job as the Hulk. In a mean and moody performance he casts a green light on the character for others to be envious about. Only Ruffalo has managed to be meaner and greater. With support from the brilliant and beautiful Liv Tyler and the sinister and sublime Tim Roth this movie is a beast. Growling proud the finale fight is incredible and gives a nod to the now closed but legendary iconic 'Sam Record's' store in Toronto, Canada. Timeless. After Iron Man helped The Avengers take off, The Hulk helped the rebooted franchise roar on.

THOR: It doesn't get much bolder and brilliant then this. Chris Hemsworth really put the hammer down as 'Thor' with a meaty performance. Joining legend Anthony Hopkins and the classically trained Tom Hiddleston the battle for who would be king and their fathers most favoured is hammed up to the max and what a bold blockbuster this is with plenty of bravado. With awesome action, genuine gags and a bit of Natalie Portman what else could you ask for? It's '300' on steroids with a Flash like Gordon between realms and worlds. It be arguably the funnest of all the Avengers adventures. BAWDY!

CAPTAIN AMERICA-THE FIRST AVENGER: The first Marvel superhero made for the final original Avangers movie before they all assembled for the ensemble picture released this week. Chris Evans gave a leading performance with charm and courage. In this perfectly placed, somewhat period piece our Captain shielded the notion that Captain America is an outdated or corny character, Evans helped swing the part to the modern day with class, With legends Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving and Stanley Tucci and the irresistible Hayley Atwell behind him. This picture armed itself with a battalion of talent. Dark and moody in parts but uplifting and inspirational in others, this is the perfect soldier for honouring the brave and best. Salute! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: LAWLESS

5/5

Flawless

18. 115 Minutes. Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke & Guy Pearce. Director: John Hillcoat. Screenplay: Nick Cave.

If you love classic, period crime pieces like 'The Untouchables' and 'Public Enemies' then you're going to be all over these 'Lawless' criminals. Based on the autobiographical book 'The Wettest County in the World' by Matt Bondurant (the story of his brothers are bonded here from the old pages to the cinematic stages) this act turner of liquor and lives flows perfectly. This is all thanks to the collaboration of director John Hilllcoat and singer/songwriter/screenwriter legend Nick Cave who provides an amazing audio backdrop to a brutal, beautiful, bold and brilliant American story of past times for a new generation.

'Lawless' concerns the small-town, true tale, illegal activity of the Bondurant brothers. It's whiskey business (moonlighting moonshine to be exact) but business is good. That's thanks to great performances by Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke and Shia LaBeouf who wants in too like Gary Oldman and his gang of Al Capone wannabes. Business may be booming, but a threat is looming as Guy Pearce and his squad of police want to put our bootleggers out of business. Add a couple of leading ladies to be (in Mia Wasikowska and Jessica Chastain) and you have a potent perfect mix that hits hard, straight with no chaser.

Set in old Franklin County, Virginia, this small town affair is a big-screen, post Summer blockbuster that is one of the best pictures of the year. Viciously violent but honestly heartfelt, this truly tense and grueling gripping film leaves you further to the edge of your seat than just another tired cliche. This classically worked, traditional tale is one that left this writer gritting his teeth and scratching at the arms of his seat. That doesn't even happen with horror movies anymore. Perhaps it's because of the horrific, hard-hitting violent action. Or maybe the thrilling emotional resonance which is rose with the stakes. Blood, sweat and tears are shed for the hardest worked and genuinely real, formidable feature.

If you thought that Tom Hardy's biggest, boldest and best performance this year (or ever) came with his incoherent but inspired, back breaking, muscle bound role as Batman's strongest nemesis Bane in 'The Dark Knight Rises' you'd be wrong. Just like he did in 2011 with last years best picture ('Warrior') Hardy surprises us again. Now why the man-who is overcoming the likes of Fassbender and Gordon-Levitt to be the current, go-to, best around-is still surprising us with his talent is beyond us.

Maybe it's because he's just that good. The most versatile, chameleon character around. Another one of those actors you forget is British. As the last of the Batman trilogy is still drawing a post-Summer crowd and record breaking box-office returns Hardy hits us once again with another stellar show. The Marlon Brando mumbling is back-along with the weight-but with an accent that is distinctive by the drawl and more seriously sublime scenes than he has cardigans, Hardy's hard-worked, distant but right there depth of emotional acting rules over this picture like his big brother characters legend.

If you think that method acting is magnificent then wait until you see the maddening methods of Guy Pearce. In some ways looking even older than his 'Prometheus' character the ever versatile and vastly underrate Pearce toes the opposite line of the law than his goody, two shoes character in the classic 'L.A. Confidential'. For the record here Pearce's feet are placed firmly in the bad guy boots. With a sinister sneer this vicious, vile villain is as disgusting as his slicked back hair. With every guilty act he combs over in the name of the law, you'll be convinced he's on the wrong side and just how callous his character is will make you-for this film-hate the good Guy Pearce. Now that's the mark of an incredible actor.

He even makes Gary Oldman's tommy-gun toting gangster look tame. Still as Gary joins up with Batman co-star Hardy like he did on 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' he gives another signature performance alongside great support from Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke. Still the real draw of this movie is the surprise, breakthrough, performance from Shia LaBeouf. With heart and soul and plenty of resonating, emotional tears to boot, Shia develops as an actor through this film like his character. From bashfully shy and retiring to confident, this coming of age part transforms this former Disney child to a significant player just like his afforded role in 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' did for his acting account. LaBeouf brings sheer brilliance to this film. Those who underrated him will understand this man now. If he keeps bringing the passionate parts like this, the love and roles are going to craft quite a career.

'Lawless' is flawless. This prohibition era piece is perfectly epic. The cinematography is as classically beautiful as the old fashions, automobiles and Western style saloons. This cowboy tale is a wildly worked classic. Blazing like brimstone the taught tension boils as the blood does. From formidable fist and fire fights to intimidating and influential matters of the mind you have to get a cut of this. They didn't make films like this anymore...until now. The old ones are always the best and this really is the new timeless motion picture captured for the mainstream. Now you'll drink to that. TIM DAVID HARVEY.