He’s been making music for nearly two decades but for the first time in his career, Tyrese has a #1 record in Black Rose. So why isn’t his music being played on mainstream radio?
While in Abu-Dhabi to promote the home entertainment release of Furious 7, the star explained his motivation behind a Facebook post where he called out KIIS FM’s Ryan Seacrest and Z100’s Elvis Duran for neglecting to play his single, “Shame”;, that currently sits atop Billboard’s adult R&B chart.
“Just like Taylor Swift can write an open letter to Spotify and Apple and effect change, I was asking a question and that question is, “If Robin Thicke, Sam Smith and Justin Timberlake are being played at your radio station when they play R&B soul music, why aren’t you playing my soul music?'”;
The 36-year-old says there’s no malicious intent behind his query but he is confused by the double standard. “Why are you only playing R&B soul with white people singing? It’s time to get rid of race, limits and boundaries. I don’t create limitations for myself and I don’t like when people create limitations for me. Music is for everybody.”;
KIIS FM responded in a statement obtained by USA Today.
“Pop radio pulls from all genres. … You can hear hip-hop and R&B artists like Wiz Khalifa, Omarion, The Weeknd, Fetty Wap and Silento, in addition to Nicki Minaj, John Legend and many more, on KIIS currently. We will continue to consider all artists for airplay,”; assistant program director Beata Murphy told the website.
Outside of the music world, it’s been a huge year for Tyrese. Furious 7 dominated the global box office with a record-breaking $1.5 billion in ticket sales, and two weeks ago Lee Daniels confirmed he’s joining Empire for a multi-episode arc that will reunite him with Taraji P.Henson, 14 years after they appeared in the breakout rom-com-thriller Baby Boy. “I’m tired of all these dudes kissing on my girl,”; he laughed. “I love her and I’m coming to get her back.”;
The cherry on top of it all? In 2016, Tyrese is set to appear in Manology on OWN, a new show that will feature him alongside longtime friend Rev Run breaking down topics of marriage, love, and sex with celebrity guests and a studio audience. BUT….the big question is, has Oprah listened to Black Rose yet? “Gayle King has heard it!”; he told ET Canada. “I’m sure we’re going to get a copy to Oprah. It’s on its way.”;
