Album Notes

Tyka Nelson is an extraordinarily, anointed, talent, and is also the only full sister of Rock Legend Prince. Tyka grew up surrounded by music. The Minneapolis based artist is the daughter of Jazz singer Mattie Shaw, and accomplished musician John L. Nelson. Growing up Tyka listened to Mahalia Jackson records and began singing at the age of 2. She wrote her first song, at the ripe old age of 10. Tyka plays 4 different instruments, piano, guitar, bass and clarinet but admits; "I don't consider myself a musician, I play just well enough to put down my own musical ideas." Leaving her Minneapolis roots behind, Tyka moved to California to persue her music career. There she was guided into music and ministry by a host of Apotolic Christian friends, one of which was Bethany Church's late Bishop R.W. McMurray. There she studied under his direction and was soon baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit. Not being one to let grass grow under her feet, Tyka moved back to Minneapolis and continued her musical ambitions. Tyka signed her first 6 figure recording contract in 1986, with the London based Cool Tempo/Chrysalis label. Releasing Marc Anthony's Tune in 1988, which Tyka wrote, quickly rose to the top 40 Urban Contemporary charts, also being a summer hit in Holland that same year.
One fan recently spouted, "OH MY GOD..Tyka Nelson!!", I remember you back in my old skool days from the Royal Blue album - hey, I was only 15 then when 'Marc Anthony's theme' & 'Would You Be My Friend' were slamming all the way in Nigeria, Africa (yep, all the radios and deejays were playing it back then). As a matter of fact, I think i've still got the album somewhere..Hey you are wonderful and its a privilege getting an add from you...Thanks for the Add. Blessed that you are singing for the King of Kings. Great and keep on doing what your doing for his Kingdom. Will definately visit your page again. Shalom from the UK. After 2 more studio albums, the later, Yellow Moon Red Sky produced the single and received a warm reception in the Netherlands, Europe and Spain. Life for Tyka has taken many turns, but as the path twisted and bent, Tyka never forgot the good news that was sown in her heart, and happily she declares, "All of the streets, I have ever walked down have, led back to God" For the past 13 years Tyka has written and recorded gospel music." Rededicating her life to the word of God, she now shares her message with the world.
In October of 2007 Tyka started a myspace page, and in 4 short months the fan base has grown immensely. With over 44,500 views and over 500 comments, emails and offers. One prominent, major magazine, editor wrote, "I would love to interview you and feature some of your music in our music section. Please let me know if that is possible." The concept of the music is Christian meets Mainstream. Bridging the gap between the 2 worlds.Looking forward to hearing from you. As Tyka's Gospel Music appeal has reached the community of Christian listeners, more requests for magazine interviews and live performances have been pouring in and more forthcoming. The page continues to be bombarded daily, receiving requests from all over the world, for the anticipated arrival date of her new CD "A Brand New Me!"
Writing to Tyka a fan excitedly claimed, "YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT ME!!! THE NEW TUNES ARE IT GIRL!!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEW CD!!! I AM GOING TO WEAR IT OUT!!!! "A Brand New Me" is a 16 song compulation that inspires and uplifts it's listeners as one proclaimed in an online article intitled, "Tyka Nelson gave me my "JOY" back!" She wrote, "Listening to her song "Joy" in particular has encouraged me to find a church home so that I can have that weekly Joy with others who are striving for a spiritual balance in their life." Tyka wrote, sang lead and background vocals, produced, recorded and engineered each song, which lift up the name of Jesus, in Tyka's own uncompromising style. And when people have commented if Prince had anything to do with the production, Tyka simply admits, "I sing whatever comes out and if it sounds like him, I don't know it until someone tells me, then I think maybe I should change it, but then I think, since it's really me, why? It is not my intent to sound like anyone else, and I have strived to be original in everything I do. Even though my brother is someone I greatly respect, there can and will be only, one Prince."
People have also asked why she is not seeking the help of her brother and Tyka explains, "If he helps me then the songs would no longer be my own artistic expression. And although I could have never asked for a more wonderfully, helpful brother, he's the type that would take over, and then my masterpiece would become his. We already know, Prince can make great music that sells, the question is, can I?" The myspace/snocap singles have sold with a steady stream, and with very little effort. If this public response is any indication "A Brand New Me" should top charts and do very well leaving Tyka's audience begging for more. As one fan states, "U been holdin' out !!!! That right there--THAT'S WHATS UP! I dig it so much, but that right there it's BANGIN'--I NEEDED THAT today After all that i forgot to say what song, but you may be a mind reader!?! Well if not, TOUCH FROM HEAVEN is my joint."
It is no secret that Gospel Music is at an all time high with record sales reaching the millions, which in the past was unheard of. If the past 4 months are any indication then Tyka will be among one of the leaders in this explosive genre. New to the Gospel game, Tyka's music has already got people talking, as one helpful fan wrote, "Tony Washington from TV One, loved your music so much that he burned a CD and sent it to one of his good friends in the music business. Tony said you have a FRESH voice, and funk that he likes. He appreciated that I sent you to him!" Tyka's music has also crossed over the age barrier and has been impressively excepted with the younger generation, as one 17 year old fan writes; " You're very inspirational, whether you try 2 be or not. Not only your music but the way you speak. Your music is so funky and Im glad you can be funky while talking about Jesus...thats some madd cool points rite there,lol! My favorite song is Joy. I was actually singing it 2day in school.
"A Brand New Me" if given the opportunity will speak for itself and so without futher delay...It is with great honor and pleasure to re-introduce you to the incomprobable Tyka Nelson, Gospel Producer, Singer/Songwriter. (Sections of bio were written by djjillmonroe at emanipation radio, 2Serenity's MOG real people sharing real music and comments also taken from the Tyka Nelson myspace and facebook page).