Intuition enables understanding. By tapping into raw emotions through a keen sense of empathy, GRAMMY® Award-nominated songwriter, Kristal Oliver a.k.a. Tytewriter has collaborated with and told the stories of superstars—including Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Brandy, Estelle, Ledisi, Raheem DeVaughn, Ty Dolla $ign, and more—on many songs. However, she finally turns this intuition inward on her artist debut as Tyte. After numerous hits and hundreds of cuts penned from behind-the-scenes, she steps into the spotlight on her first full-length record, The Dreamin’ Album [TheWorldIsTyte], and more to come.

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“As a songwriter, I can put myself into the music to a certain extent, but I have to tell the artist’s story,” she affirms. “This time around, it was completely different. I didn’t have to streamline myself to fit anybody else’s criteria or hold anything back. I could put everything into the pot of gumbo exactly how I like it. I was able to express myself authentically.”

A lifelong journey brought her to this point. Growing up in Philadelphia, her mom served as the church’s choir director. She taught Kristal the songs and arrangements for her to basically help teach the choir members. “As much as I couldn’t stand singing back then, it helped me learn how to arrange,” she admits. Meanwhile, her sister introduced her to hip-hop via Yo! MTV Raps, dad shared his love for jazz, and a neighbor exposed her to reggae. She kicked off her career with an early placement for Philly rap collective Major Figgas. After grinding for years, she landed her first platinum single by co-writing Danity Kane’s “Showstopper” [feat. Yung Joc]. It opened the door for a creative relationship with Diddy as she contributed to “Wanna Move” [feat. Ciara, Big Boi, & Scar] and “Diddy Rock” [feat. Timbaland and Shawnna] on his platinum Billboard Hot 100 #1 album, Press Play. In between countless sessions, she garnered a GRAMMY® Award nod for co-writing Raheem DeVaughn’s biggest hit “Customer.” A handful of favorite compositions, including Chrisette Michele’s “You Mean That Much To Me” and Estelle’s “One More Time,” hinted at the personal style that would eventually define her solo artistry.

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“I wrote ‘You Mean That Much To Me’ for my ex,” she explains. “It really was me. Chrisette brought it to life in a way I hadn’t heard an artist bring a song to life. ‘One More Time’ cemented my friendship with Estelle. She was there for me through my break-up.”

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That break-up unexpectedly spurned the introduction of Tyte. While her life invariably changed in 2017, Kristal wrote “as therapy.” By 2019, the music started to come together, and she made a crucial creative decision.

“I decided not to talk about heartbreak since I was no longer in that headspace,” she reveals. “Instead, I decided to talk about what my version of reality is right now. In the past, I never took the time to shine the light on who I am. I’m coming of age and seeing myself through my own eyes.”

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Right out of the gate, the first single “Love Is” highlights the show-stopping power of her voice. Held down by a bright guitar riff and hummable beat, the track confronts racism fearlessly and melodically.

“I live my life based on how I can love others,” she reveals. “I was raised by a very loving mother and grandmother. I try to operate from a place of love. It’s a shame we get caught up in color. Culturally we may be different, but we have a lot in common. ‘Love Is’ took me back to that place when the world was simpler. I didn’t think so much about color. I believe that with understanding we can love each other without fear.”

On the other end of the spectrum, “Meditate” slips into a sultry lull upheld by lo-fi beats as her delivery nods to turn-of-the-century R&B.

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“It makes you want to sit back, light a candle, chill, and vibe out,” she smiles. “Every time I’m going

through these troubles, I can meditate, relax, let go of my problems, and know everything will be okay.”

Meanwhile, “American Pie” pairs glistening piano with a glitchy head-nodding beat that underscores a searing statement.

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“It felt angry,” she goes on. “I have issues with gentrification, the racial wealth gap, and lack of resources I see in my neighborhood. It was a moment to scream out and say, ‘I’m coming for mine’. I’m going to get my piece of the American pie, and everybody else should as well.”

Then, there’s “Free As Bird,” which takes flight over bouncy production as it tells a prospective lover, “I’ve been out here having a good time looking at the world but I’ll come back down to be with you.” Doubling as a spiritual companion to the latter, “Gold Daises” glimmers with a lot of soul in the vocals and the joy of new love in the lyrics.

“It’s about the same person,” she says. “It’s more about how this person is like sunshine for me. We have our differences, but the world still feels warmer and brighter with them.”

In the end, Kristal’s authenticity shines through the most as Tyte.

“When you listen to this, I hope you think, ‘She was true to herself’,” Kristal leaves off. “I don’t want to follow standard guidelines. I just want to express myself in the hopes that other people will do the same.”