Feature Article Assignment: Tyrone ‘T-Rexx’ Edwards (revised)
Style, swagger and confidence are a few of the words that come to mind when you think of Tyrone ‘T-Rexx’ Edwards; former host of MuchMusic’s RapCity, entertainment host for E news and founder of the brand 1LoveTO are just a few of the items on his resume. He has made such a name for himself in a short period of time, it’s hard to imagine that he never planned to end up in this field and that his first love was actually basketball. He makes it very clear that all his success has not and will not change him at any point. “Never did I think I would have gotten this far. And though it may sound cliché, it’s the truth. He says "It almost feels like a dream but I’m enjoying it so much that I’m not going to complain.” He takes pride in giving back and trying to give other young black kids the opportunity at success by offering his time to the Remix Project. A free program that offers workshops in varies areas of the arts to help keep youth busy, while helping them link up with mentors in their field of choice to offer advice and networking.
Edwards first got his taste at hosting for a few small gigs around the city and found it fitting because of his outgoing personality. “It was easy for me, because I love to talk and converse with people to hear their stories. Everyone has a story and once you get them going you can really learn interesting things about them but it’s all about how you talk to them" he says. When you speak with him it is easy to see why he is so good at what he does. He has been given the opportunity to meet artist and actors that he grew up watching. But being good at talking is nothing if you do not have the professional style to match. According to Edwards the fashion is really high up there. You can imagine that his style for RapCity is very different from his dress code for E. Another perk is having a stylist! “I actually love how my style has evolved because I’m a lot more willing to try new things and when you look good, you feel good. Helps your confidence.” He has become such a style icon that he has had the opportunity to walk and host fashion shows from right here at home to Trinidad and Tobago, building a great relationship with Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung Chee to collaborate and create a costume for Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2015. Becoming a recognizable face pushes you to make a statement he says: “I think my favourite look will always be a t-shirt (1LoveTO of course), jeans and Timberlands, but fashion is taking the basic and taking it a step further. So now I will add a dope jacket, sunglasses and a Russian fur hat. You now have a fashionable outfit with minimal extra effort.” He never use to think so much about the details, but with menswear finally undergoing a change, Tyrone wants to move with it!
T-Rexx calls 1LoveTO his baby. “It literally came from nothing and became something.” 1loveTO came from an idea of building a brand that would represent Toronto as a whole and bring it into the forefront. So he, along with three others, decided to make t-shirts and sell them at Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival back in 2008 out of an Ikea bag. Not exactly the story you would expect, but now they have become so popular that with every pop-up shop recently located a Roots Eaton Centre for a collaboration called "Show Your Roots", they are guaranteed to sell out in every colour and size. Now the band generally just sells their merchandise online where they also host a blog. That is the power of Toronto and how much Torontonians love their city. They started a website blog and they encourage customers to wear their t-shirts when abroad and take pictures. People have taken pictures wearing 1LoveTO in places like Australia and Dubai! Edwards looks forward to expanding and pushing the company to its maximum capacity.
Very devoted to his career, Edwards wants to keep on this successful train not only for himself but for his daughter whom he says he does everything for. “I want her to have every opportunity and see that my dad did it, so I know it is attainable.” Big things are in the works for him, but we will just have to wait and see what he does next.
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