TAMBA HALI - Artist Profile

Real name: Tamba Boimah Hali
Official website: tambatunes.com
Born: November 3, 1983
City: Kansas City, MO (born in Gbarnga, Liberia; grew up in Teaneck, NJ)

Image source: NFL

Tamba Hali was born in Gbarnga, Liberia, and came with his father to the United States to escape the civil war in Liberia. Hali attended high school in Teaneck, NJ, where he became an all-American in football and earned a scholarship as a defensive end to Pennsylvania State University. Hali was recognized as a unanimous All-American, Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, and first team All-Big Ten following his senior season, leading the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship and Orange Bowl berth. He was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (for best defensive player in the nation) and Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award, and won the Robert B. Mitinger Award for the Penn State player who best personified courage, character, and social responsibility.

Following his decorated collegiate career, Hali entered the 2006 NFL Draft and was the third DE drafted, behind Mario Williams and Kamerion Wimbley. Hali impressed scouts with his combine interview and statistics, and was drafted 20th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been the Chiefs' starting DE every season since aside from an injury-plagued 2017. In 2006, he won the Mack Lee Hill award as the Chiefs' top rookie and has been selected to two Pro Bowls (2012 and 2013). In 2016, he was named the 84th best player in the NFL by his fellow players.

In addition to Hali's NFL career, he makes rap music, recording in a studio in his basement. Although he hasn't yet recorded a full-length album, he has released several singles, which are available on iTunes and can be streamed through Tidal, and he has collaborated with Nigerian producer Masterkraft as well as fellow Kansas City artists like Krizz Kaliko and Steven Cooper.

Solo Discography

SINGLES

• Can We Go (2016)
• I Want It All (2016)
• Look What I Started (2016)
• Things Won't Be the Same (2016)
• Chief (2017)
• The One For Me (2017)
• Samba (2017)
• To the Gals In the World (2017)

GUEST APPEARANCES

• 
  2013
• "Fast Lane," Steven Cooper feat. Kemet the Phantom, Krizz Kaliko, and Tamba Hali (Stereotype)
  2017
• "Master," Masterkraft feat. Tamba Hali (Unlimited [The Tape])