Ty Fortune, a Southside Jamaica Queens native, is stepping into the spotlight with his latest track, Sunkissed. The single marks a pivotal moment in Fortune’s career, showcasing not only his versatility but also his ability to tap into the current musical waves while staying true to his roots.
The track, which dropped after months of preparation, was crafted during the summer of 2024 as Fortune fine-tuned a project he describes as being released in a “playlist format.” For this release, he drew inspiration from Sexy Drill, a subgenre buzzing in his hometown, with the production helmed by Toronto native and longtime collaborator, KADDYX4.
Fortune recalls the moment that sparked the creation of Sunkissed. After expressing to KADDYX4 that he needed a fresh, sexy drill beat to round out his project, the producer delivered two instrumentals, one of which immediately resonated with Fortune. “I knew it was the one off the first listen,” he explains. Within two days of playing the beat on repeat, the hook began to form naturally in his mind. The rest of the track fell into place swiftly, with his team providing input to perfect the details. By the end of the week, the verses were recorded, and the track was sent back to KADDYX4, cementing its place in Fortune’s upcoming project.
One of Fortune’s favorite aspects of Sunkissed is a specific set of bars that captures a quintessential summer night. “It’s New Jersey living, But it’s New York City nightlife, Hit Carbone for dinner, Then Pergola for the night spot, Hennessy over ice shots, Ice lemonade hookah piped up,” he recites, explaining that these lines are personal, born from experiences and conversations shared with someone special. The essence of those moments, coupled with the vibrancy of New York summers, is woven throughout the track, providing listeners with a glimpse into his life during that period.
For Fortune, this release is more than just another single—it’s a statement of his versatility. He prides himself on embodying his unique sound, even when working within trendy genres like drill. While creating the record, he aimed to have fun, resisting the urge to take things too seriously. The biggest challenge, he admits, was the wait for the final masters to return. “Once I heard the mix from my engineer Tommy Love, I knew Sunkissed was one of them ones for real,” he shares.
The inspiration behind Sunkissed is rooted in Fortune’s summer experiences—fleeting romances, late nights that turn into early mornings, and the electric energy of New York’s nightlife. “There’s really nothing like summer in NYC,” he reflects, adding that he hopes the track paints a vivid picture of those moments for his audience. Musically, Fortune was also influenced by the cover art of SZA’s Z and G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer, which helped shape the aesthetic of the single’s visuals.
Fortune’s relationship with KADDYX4 goes beyond music. The two are not just creative partners but blood cousins, a fact Fortune reveals with pride. “That’s my cousin, but that’s really my brother though,” he says, highlighting their seamless collaboration. Their bond and understanding of each other’s strengths have produced something undeniably special in Sunkissed, with Fortune crediting their ability to give each other the space to shine.
As for what’s next, Fortune has ambitious plans for the future of Sunkissed. He envisions the track lasting for “10 summers on” and is even considering brand partnerships, including a dream collaboration with Sunkist Soda. A music video for the track is already in the works, and Fortune is planning to release his playlist project before the end of 2024, with more details dropping soon. On top of that, his clothing brand will be launching in early 2025.
Fortune’s independent label, Fortune Sounds, which he co-founded with Cameronn Pinn, continues to grow. The label not only handles music but also encompasses in-house video production and marketing, born from the desire to build something without relying on external forces. Fortune describes their journey as a self-made operation, with aspirations to follow in the footsteps of iconic industry moguls like Jay-Z and Dame Dash. Fortune Sounds is not just a label—it’s a movement, and Sunkissed is just the beginning of what’s to come.
Stream Ty Fortune’s “Sunkissed” above.
