Tyrese Gibson is living proof the most difficult odds can be overcome. Born in Watts, a rough area of South Central Los Angeles on December 30, 1978, Tyrese found growing up a struggle.

Fortunately, his parents encouraged their youngest son’s musical interests and taught him to seek out positive role models. Tyrese found peace in his surroundings by escaping into his music. Guided by his Locke High School music teacher, Tyrese started winning talent contests when he was only fourteen.

Fate stepped in when Coca-Cola came to his high school looking for “fresh faces.” Tyrese was running two-and-a-half hours late and almost lost his chance to audition. When he broke into his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbon In The Sky,” the casting directors in the room knew their search was over. He was immediately signed for the Coca-Cola commercial and within months was appearing on televisions across the country walking the aisle of a city bus wearing headphones and singing the praises of Coca-Cola.

The commercial set off a bidding war. Every music company in town wanted to sign the attractive young singer. RCA prevailed and in the fall of 1998, Tyrese released his self-titled first album. The critically acclaimed album was certified platinum and earned him an American Music award and a Grammy nomination. Tyrese’s second album, 2000 Watts, was released in 2002 and early in 2003 he released his third album, I Wanna Go There.

Tyrese’s talents are multi-faceted – he’s a singer, songwriter, musician, model, and actor. As the first male GUESS? spokesmodel, Tyrese appeared on billboards and in magazine layouts around the world. Acting roles include a recurring part on the hit television series Moesha , guest spots on Martin and Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, hosting MTV Jams, and a small role in the made-for-MTV movie, Love Song. Tyrese made his big screen debut in John Singleton’s film, Baby Boy and is scheduled to star this summer in the film, 2Fast2Furious.

Tyrese has never forgotten his roots. He devotes much of his spare time to working with inner city youth, recently forming The 2000 Watts Foundation. The charity organization is currently building a state-of-the-art center for underprivileged girls and boys, the first of its kind in Watts.