Biography

Blaque Ahys consist of Irvin A . Young III (Skipp), Muhammad A. Rashid and Mark E. Tyree.

Skipp was born Irvin Young III, in Cleveland Ohio. By age five he realized that he wanted to be a drummer. Later Skipp went on to be mentored by a few of the swing era jazz greats, such as Chester & Thelma Clark who played alongside of the great Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and also along with "The Night Owls" swing drummer Troy Singer.

When Skipp met Lead Guitarist and Guitar coach Rick Higgins it where the rubber met the road,and a new beginning was forged as far as Skipp's ability to play and understand the guitar. Skipp has opened for a variety of act such as Public Enemy, Michael Franks, Melba Moore and has Co-produced with well known recording artist Brotha Shorty from "The Lench Mob". Skipp and fellow band members were featured in the BBC Documentary "The Life of Curtis Mayfield " which aired exclusively in the UK.

Mark Elliott Tyree, born in Cleveland, Ohio. Mark studied music Composition and Theory under a variety of mentors. Mark was determined to give the world a taste of his gift. The first mentor was his father Joseph Tyree, who played Coronet and Trumpet. Mark studied musical theory, whilew in elementary School.

He later studied piano under Alice Lander (Trochio) who led him deeper into Theory and Mechanics. Mark also sings in the baritone vocal range. As a young man, Mark studied Theory with the legendary Tony King as his mentor. The experience led him to write and style his own songs. He would arrange songs to suite his own energy. Influenced by Classics, Contemporary, Gospel, and Jazz, Mark could not begin to tell you his favorite artist or style.

Muhammad Rashid was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is the son of Malva and Fareed Rashid. As a young child he was first influenced by his father Fareed who played the flugle horn and percussions for Patrice Rushin, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, and has opened for many others to include Najee. Muhammad’s exposure to music not only came from watching and listening to his father practice and create new sounds, but from both of his parents who were great lovers of jazz and R&B. This made a major impact on Muhammad's future musical journey.

Many days were filled with the music from such artist as Freddie Hubbard, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Donald Byrd & the Black Byrds just to name a few. Muhammad studied music thoughout elementary school until he graduated from Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio. Muhammad began writing and producing music when he was 15 years old creating beats for local underground artist. Muhammad continues to study Classical and Jazz piano theory.