Tyrese Gibson has done it all. Whether singing syrupy melodies on a city bus for Coca-Cola, modeling for Tommy Hilfiger or doing his thing on the big screen, he’s a tour de force. The Watts, Los Angeles, native’s street edge has not diminished his mass appeal and even caught the attention of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” masterminds Michael Bey and Steven Spielberg, who always had him in mind for the role. “I thought I’d have to wait another ten years before I ever received a call for a move like that,” admits Tyrese. “But here I am.” ESSENCE.com caught up with the single father to talk about his obsession with tattoos, how he really feels about his ex-wife, and why he’s that brother who’s going to cause mayhem while saving the day.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW