Mr. Omar Tyree

A New York Times best-selling author and 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient, Omar Tyree has sold more than 1.4 million copies of books worldwide. He has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African-American community. As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter, entrepreneur, creative genius and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary self-promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster.

Tyree's journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. His entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to: Hot Lava Entertainment, a synergy production company for books, music and film; and Flyy Girl Incorporated, coined after Tyree's 1997 critically acclaimed coming-of-age bestseller, "Flyy Girl." Under the umbrella of Flyy Girl Incorporated, Tyree launched Flyy Girl Magazine, which focuses on women of color' careers, lifestyle, and urban fashion.

Tyree has recently completed work on his 14th novel, "What They Want," which is set to hit national bookshelves in July. He's written 13 novels, including his Urban Griot series, which features raw material geared towards urban male readership. Tyree is presently creating business partnerships with the initiative of adapting several of his novels into feature films. He is also in negotiations to launch a talk show that highlights contemporary notable authors and their die-hard readers.