Ryan Toby Net Worth

What is Ryan Toby's Net Worth?

Ryan Toby is an American soul singer, songwriter, producer, and actor who has a net worth of $5 million.

Ryan Toby is a multifaceted talent who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. First capturing public attention at age 15 with his memorable performance in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" (1993), Toby rose to prominence as one-third of the Grammy-nominated R&B trio City High. Throughout his career spanning three decades, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, writing and producing hit songs for artists including Usher, Mary J. Blige, and Justin Bieber. Beyond his commercial success, Toby has established himself as a respected figure in the music industry, making him one of the most accomplished yet understated forces in contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

Early Life and Breakthrough

Maurice Ryan Toby was born on November 26, 1976, in Willingboro, New Jersey, where he developed his musical talents from a young age. His breakthrough came in 1993 when he was cast as Wesley Glen "Ahmal" James in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit." Toby made a striking impression with his powerful vocals and wrote the rap portion for the film's "Joyful, Joyful" performance, showcasing his songwriting abilities.

Despite the film eventually gaining cult status, it was initially considered a commercial disappointment. Following this early exposure, Toby struggled for nearly five years to secure a recording contract, demonstrating the often difficult transition from early success to sustained career development.

Songwriting Career Takes Flight

Toby's songwriting career began when he was signed to DJ Jazzy Jeff's A Touch of Jazz production company in Philadelphia. This connection led to writing for Will Smith on his 1997 album "Big Willie Style," including the track "Miami."

This period proved formative for Toby's development as a songwriter and producer. He has described this time as similar to attending college, absorbing knowledge about recording techniques while collaborating with emerging talents who would later become influential artists in their own right, including Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild.

City High Era

The formation of City High in the late 1990s marked a turning point in Toby's career. The group came together when Toby encountered Robbie Pardlo, a fellow Willingboro High School alumnus who had recently signed with Wyclef Jean's label. Initially conceived as a duo, the group expanded to include Claudette Ortiz, whose addition helped create the distinctive sound that would define City High.

The trio released their self-titled debut album in May 2001, which achieved Gold certification within four months. Their breakthrough single, "What Would You Do?", became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when formally released in 2001. The group received a Grammy nomination, establishing them as one of the most promising new acts in R&B.

Despite their initial success, internal tensions affected the group's chemistry. City High disbanded in 2003 after completing their second album, which Toby later described as "rushed" and lacking the quality of their debut. The complex personal dynamics within the group, including the romantic relationship between Toby and Ortiz, contributed to the group's dissolution.

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Behind-the-Scenes Success

Following City High's breakup, Toby focused more intensively on songwriting and production. Andre Harris invited him to join Harris and Vidal Davis at their Philadelphia recording studio. This collaboration proved fruitful when they created "Superstar" for Usher's 2004 album "Confessions." The trio contributed several tracks to this diamond-certified album, including "Caught Up" and "Follow Me."

The success of "Confessions" opened doors for Toby to work with an impressive roster of established artists. His songwriting and production credits expanded to include work for Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, LL Cool J, and Tyrese. This period established Toby as one of the industry's go-to creators, demonstrating his ability to craft songs that resonated with audiences while adapting to the unique styles of different artists.

Solo Endeavors and Recent Work

In 2007, Toby released his debut solo album, "Soul of a Songwriter," through a joint venture between his own independent label and Mass Appeal Entertainment. In 2017, he released the R&B ballad "Icarus," marking a return to his solo recording career.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Toby demonstrated his continued creative drive by releasing a series of albums titled "Songs for the Lockdown," as well as a seasonal collection called "Songs for the Season."

Personal Life

Toby's personal life has occasionally intersected with his professional journey, most notably through his relationship with City High bandmate Claudette Ortiz. The two married in 2004 but divorced in 2007. They share two sons together.

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