T-MONEY

YO! MTV RAPS CARD

1991 USA 1^st Edition

35 YEARS OLD

(Card Size: 3.5x2.5 in / 9x6.5 cm)

T-Money (b.Tyrone Kelsey) first made his mark on the hip hop scene as 1 of the leading pioneers in rap music, with the DJ group Concept Crew (later known as Original Concept). Formed with long-time friend Doctor Dré, his stage presence as T-Money was born as he deejayed at parties & clubs, making a name for the group. Their music was soon being radio broadcast. In ‘85, they released their famous promo single Knowledge Me. T-Money wrote the lyrics, performed vocals & co-produced it with Doctor Dré & Eric McIntosh. Def Jam Recordings picked it up & signed the group to the label. Soon after, the group changed their name to Original Concept at the suggestion of Adam MCA Yauch of the Beastie Boys. Original Concept's debut album Straight From the Basement of Kooley High (’88) features their song Pump That Bass, which is 1 of the most recognized & sampled hip-hop songs of all time. They began touring internationally with Queen Latifah (on her very 1^st tour). T Money's success with the group led him to find fame hosting Yo! MTV Raps alongside Doctor Dré & Ed Lover. He began reading the show's fan mail as a character known as The Mailman, which became so popular that it spawned a slew of other characters, such as Uncle Bobo Lovetree, The Nubianator, Clarence Coldwater Capsule, & Michael Jackson at 40. T-Money began acting with roles in movies Juice (‘92) & Who's the Man (‘93). Both movies featured a plethora of hip-hop greats. He deejayed on the hit gameshow Lip Service from ’92-’93 (winning a Cable ACE Award). From ’90-‘95 he joined the MTV Spring Break popular celebrity lineup. Continuing to pursue different ventures in the music industry, he worked with Stevie J. (of Bad Boy Entertainment & Love & Hip Hop fame) as part of his production team, working with high' profile artists such as LL Cool J, Heavy D., Boys II Men, & Mariah Carey. T Money has developed his own promotion, management, & marketing company (T450 Style & Launch), sharing his music & media experiences with a variety of clients, from music & media to products & services.