While I was in the process of developing a story for Tyrese to serve as an example in “Go for Yours” I found out he was writing a book of his own, How to Get Out of Your Own Way.” After reading his book, I decided instead of writing about him, I would like to use his book as a recommended read along with other books I find helpful when talking about success like, Think and Grow Rich a Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Do You by Russell Simmons.
I read the book once then skimmed through it again after it was selected by my book club. I remember telling my mom how much his book encouraged me to finish my book and get rid of some old habits in my life. More importantly, this book makes me proud of Tyrese because to me, he made a career out of a commercial. Whenever I think about it I get chills because it shows what happens when you are passionate enough to step out on faith and trust God with your plan.
Before I knew his name, I refered to him as the guy from the Coca-Cola commercial who could sang! In a little under 30 seconds, Tyrese proved he had a voice that was as crisp and refreshing as the Coca-Cola beverage he was singing about. It was like opening a bottle of Coke, taking your first sip, and mouthing “ah” because it’s so stimulating. After that commercial, I am sure he convinced many people to join the Coca-Cola movement. I remember going to school asking my friends if they saw the fine chocolate boy with pretty teeth in the newest Coca-Cola commercial. I was in 7th grade at the time and later saw him in a few advertisements and a couple of television shows, but since I didn’t know his name, I still referenced him as the guy in the Coca-Cola commercial who could sing really well.
I didn’t learn his name until my junior year in high school. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was at home on the phone one evening after school with my latest crush. This crush happened to be a white boy who was the new boy at school. He told me he had a song he wanted me to listen to. He put his phone up to the radio and all I heard was a unique, soulful voice singing “Sweet lady, would you be mine…” I immediately fell in love with the R&B melody coming through my phone.
“Who is that?” I was intrigued. “That’s Tyrese.” he answered “Who” I asked. “Tyrese, you know the guy in the Tommy Hilfiger ads.” “What?” I was still confused. “You know, he was in that Coca-Cola commercial” “Aw! That’s him?” I don’t know if I was more surprised by the fact that I finally knew the name of the guy from the Coca-Cola commercial or that a white boy was putting me on to such a hot R&B song! Whatever the case, that’s the day I fell in love with the voice of Tyrese Gibson. Soon after, I convinced my parents to buy me his debut album, Tyrese for me.
During my sophomore year in college, the movie “Baby Boy” came out. By then, I knew Tyrese by name and I was excited to support him. Now that I think about it, although everyone knew Tyrese by the time Baby Boy came out, after it was released, Taraji P. Henson was then referred to as, “The girl in Baby Boy” which quickly changed after her talents showed the world she was in her career for the long haul. Look at the irony in that. Anyway, when his album 2000 Watts came out, I was a broke college student and we used Napster at the time to download songs (sorry Tyrese). However, I remember how much I loved his song “What am I Gonna Do.” That song had the same affect on me as Sweet Lady did. I remember asking someone to make a CD. Despite the fact it was filled with my favorite college party songs from artists like Ying Yang Twins and Ludacris, I had to have that song on my CD so I could play it while walking to class! Yes, it was that serious.
By the time his third album came out, I was hooked. I don’t remember the first time I heard his song, “How you gonna act like that” which peaked as number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100. But I do remember listening to the song over and over again after a break up. I felt exactly what he was singing about and wondered what type of situation he encountered that led to making that song. Today, I enjoy listening to Tyrese’s music as much as I enjoy watching his career flourish as he went from commercials, to modeling, to singing and acting¬¬—starring in movies like 2 Fast 2 Furious, Four Brothers, Waist Deep and Transformers.
To me, the Coca-Cola commercial is Tyrese’s mustard seed that moved mountains, showing him and the people around him that when you have faith, nothing is impossible. If you want to read about the trials and tribulations Tyrese faced on his journey, and would like to overcome some trials and tribulations on your own make sure you pick up his latest book, How to Get Out of Your Own Way. Not only will you take a glance at some of the events leading to his success, you will be left with some valuable life lessons. Also, Go for Yours and check out his latest album, Open Invitation which can be purchased on Amazon, iTunes, Best Buy and Target.
Me with Tyrese at during All-Star 2008 in New Orleans.
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Tyrese Coca-Cola Video…This was one of the first videos I downloaded when I discovered YouTube!!! I love it!
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