The Flywire

Text: Nikia Wainwright  Photo: Wil Cunningham Not to be mistaken with your average chef, Hip Hop Chef Cookin' Tye has broken into the culinary world by servicing the palate of Hip Hop artists. Born and raised in West Baltimore, Cookin' Tye remembers his grandmother Margaret Jones, being the neighborhood cook. He attributes most of his cooking skills to her. "Grandma would cook these dinners and everyone went to her house to eat," he reminisces with a smile."She would cook everything from fried chicken to macaroni and cheese." Growing up in West Baltimore wasn't easy, however through the grace of God, Cookin' Tye was able to complete high school. He said that he wanted to make his grandmother proud and went to night school and Saturday school just so she could see him walk across the stage. Unfortunately,Tye got into some trouble and was ordered by a Judge to either do some time or go to the Navy. He decided for the latter and packed up for the United States Navy. After he enlisted he convinced his Captain to make him the ship's cook. He got his degree through the Navy as a Culinary Specialist. This job opened the door for him. After the Def Jam party different celebrities and record labels started contacting him to cater their events. Eventually, his client roster included national celebrities such as Bun B, Paul Wall,Young Jeezy, Anthony Anderson and Vivica Fox. The Hip Hop Chef says when dealing with celebrity clients you have to be specific to their needs. He creates a food bio for each client. The food bio enables him to get a full understanding of his clients. He has the clients tell him the foods they love, hate and if they have any food allergies. For now,Tye doesn't want a restaurant because he doesn't want to be confined. He loves that he can just pick up and go when needed for an event . His company has a highlyskilled crew that assists in preparing meals for his clients' staff such as the artist's management, publicist, and key assistants. When Cookin Tye is not scheduled to be on the road, his company takes the time to feed the homeless. "I believe it is necessary to give back to the community. Giving back allows me to flourish and shine in the future," After his stint in the Navy, a friend told him about a job explains Tye. "I want to be a role model for the Hip Hop opportunity at the BWI Double Tree Hotel.After speaking culture and show kids there are other ways to be in the with Executive Chef Johan Brandon,Tye got the job. Johan music industry besides rapping." took him under his wing and it wasn't long before he be- For now, he is traveling all over the world taking his culinary came the Banquet Buffet Chef at the hotel.While working skills wherever he goes. His future endeavors include at the Double Tree, Tye met a lot of heavyweights in the creating his own Hip Hop culinary clothing line. He believes music business. He met Biggie Smalls, 2Pac, LL Cool J and that being fly in the kitchen is a necessity. So while getting Run DMC. His conversations with these famous guests busy in the kitchen, he can look the part, too. Cookin Tye gave him the idea of becoming a.personal chef. has a lot of ideas in the works, but he is taking it one step Tye wanted to explore more avenues to advance his cooking career and decided to start his own catering business. He started working for local Baltimore celebrities. Then he got the opportunity of his career when Kevin Lyles, former president of Def Jam, contacted him for a party. 26  The Flywire at a time. Cookin' Tye is ready for any challenges coming his way. He has overcome so many obstacles in life and is ready to become the one and only renowned Hip Hop Chef because as he puts it, "I gotta eat too!"

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