Colonial Heights, Virginia-based artist TruthWhy, aka Tyreek, opens up to Lalaa Shepard on The Progress Report about his multifaceted life and career. TruthWhy, whose real name is Tyreek, explains that his stage name is derived from the 20th and 25th letters of the alphabet — “T” for the 20th and “Y” for the 25th. Raised in Colonial Heights, Virginia, he hails from Massachusetts and proudly identifies as biracial, with a Black and Italian heritage. He credits his parents, who have been together for 29 years, as role models for successful interracial relationships, reflecting his own commitment to unity and cultural understanding.
TruthWhy’s path into music began in 2020 after a life-changing experience at a Chris Brown concert. Inspired by the performance, he began rapping and soon co-founded the Black Thaa Familiar record label with his father. Alongside his music career, he reveals that he has made notable strides in entrepreneurship, launching a whiskey brand called “6X,” which is now sold in 125 ABC stores across Virginia. Additionally, TruthWhy has worked as a nail technician at Teresa’s Beauty Bar for nine years, showcasing his versatility in both artistic and practical professions.
His musical output includes singles that have garnered over 500,000 streams, with his latest single, Cold Conditions, released in October 2023. TruthWhy is currently gearing up for the release of his next project, Real Tie, scheduled for February 17, 2025.
Beyond his career, TruthWhy mentions that he is deeply committed to his family life. He is a father to two young children — daughter Genesis (3) and son Gracin. His perspective on fatherhood is rooted in a belief in consistent improvement and the importance of providing his children with the same support and love he received from his parents.
A former college football player, TruthWhy carries the mindset of hard work and persistence into all aspects of his life. He believes strongly in face-to-face marketing and community unity, emphasizing the need to break cultural barriers and seize opportunities when they arise.
The interview reveals TruthWhy as an artist and entrepreneur who balances his career in music, business ventures, and family life. His dedication to his roots, his community, and his unwavering drive to create and grow showcase a multifaceted individual poised for continued success.
