Born in San Francisco, California, Anthony Forte was raised in the Bay Area’s Fillmore District. Although the Fillmore contains poverty, gang problems and housing projects, it’s also the home to many businesses, political and community leaders, and a historically important arts and cultural district. Even before 4-TAY made a name for himself, he credits his exposure to community life as one of the primary reasons for his success.

During his youth while attending the High School of the Arts, he learned to read and write music, in addition to playing a half dozen instruments; it’s there where he created a solid musical foundation. Fellow Bay Area rap artist Hugh EMC said he remembered seeing the ambitious young man bringing his bassoon to school in a little kid’s toy wagon tied to the back of his bicycle. “The younger students admired 4-TAY, and he was an accomplished musician and talented writer at an early age.”

Although several Bay Area rappers strived for success, none has ever reached star status such as 4-TAY. With an extensive history of credits, including but not limited to: 1) Movie soundtracks for “Bulletproof” and “Dangerous Minds”; 2) Acting in director Spike Lee’s hit movie “Sucka Free”, Tupac’s “Resurrection”, Snoop Dogg’s “Snoop Doggy Dogg’s Doggstyle”, and “Winner Takes All”. In addition, 4-TAY has collaborated with numerous artists, notably as a performer and songwriter with Tupac Shakur “Only God Can Judge Me”, Too $hort “Never Talk Down” and “She’s A Sellout”, Bootsey Collins, Berry Gordy, JT The Bigga Figga “Game On The Shelf”, Snoop Dogg “Dogghouse”, and other artists too numerous to mention. Moreover, 4-TAY has released 8 albums and 7 singles during his career stretch.

He hasn’t forgotten his community roots, and he supports up-and-coming artists when he can. Currently, along with his own recording projects, 4-TAY is the CEO of his own record label “4FLAVAZ” and making connections to support and develop the talents of other Bay Area and artists abroad