Face2Face real name (Franck Toh)
Born into humble beginnings in the neighborhood of Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on November 8, 
1981, Franck Toh, known by his stage name Face2Face, draws inspiration from his father, a distinguished 
Celebrity Fashion Stylist in the U.S, and his mother, a dedicated Aerobic trainer and school teacher.
After spending fifteen years in the United States, he returns to his homeland with a mission to help his 
African brothers and sisters to love each other as they are and also awaken them mentally. His rapping 
talent was discovered in the lunchroom of Ferris High School (Jersey city) with his child hood friend 
Chung, it was in 1996 the same period of Tupac’s murder.
The name he adopted was 2Face, a character out of the Batman comic book, a normal thing to do for boys 
his age but after further thought he realized that each man had in him a good and a bad side. He was 
inspired by several artists such as Wu-tang whose lyrics he and his cousin use to memorize as they would
also search for new words in the dictionary.
Life as a young African in a foreign land was not easy to endure due to jokes from others. His father even 
asked him to conceal his identity and that it would be better to say that he was from France, despite all this 
it still did not prevent other kids from making fun of him. 2face’s desire to rap increased as he listened to 
Mobb Deep while walking on the dangerous streets of New Jersey.
You may compare Mobb Deep’s music to that “I don’t give a you know what” attitude which defines itself 
in the way of walking, talking and behaving in a certain way to let others know that you’re a tough 
guy.NAS was also one of the artists who influenced him in becoming a great song writer. Between the 
period of 1996-1997 Tupac’s popular album “ALL EYES ON ME” gave him more strength to the point 
where he started writing and recording his songs on a double cassette player.
He would play the instrumental on one side and record his voice on the other side, which is how he did his 
first recordings. After Tupac's murder, 2Face began to get more in depth in the lifestyle of Pac by studying 
his career and even attending the Black Panthers Seminars. He would begin to study the history and 
struggle of Blacks Americans. He would find it easier now to fit in with his brothers from America and his 
family was completely astonished at this strange adaptation.
It was different to see an African who rapped as he did. He therefore adopted the West Coast style of 
rapping and was now a cool kid in school. 1997 was also the year in which he would record his first song in 
a studio entitled “Black Power”. The Black Panthers and Hip Hop would enable him to accept where he 
comes from and be proud to be Black; thus African Warrior was the concept.
He also transformed the vulgarity that many black Americans would use “Black ass” into “Black Little 
African Clearly Kept Away Still Strong” which translates simply into “this little black African whom you 
try to shut down is present on the scene and remains strong”. In 1998, he returned to his native country for 
one month during summer vacations where he participated in a Rap contest on a radio show and won.
He started showing his talent to the youth of the neighbourhood and getting support from them. Now back
in the States more determined then ever he started listening to more West Coast artists including Snoop 
Dogg, Dr. Dre and Bone thugs who inspired him to adopt a better flow. He started getting into Rap battles 
and his style of rap was getting even faster.
One day a talent show was organized to celebrate the end of the school year, so the 4 Gunz (Ferris High 
school’s popular rap group) decided to participate. The 4 guns were notorious and no one could step to 
them so 2face decided to battle them but it was a fiasco. The students started to compare them to Tupac and 
Biggie. During this period of adolescence during which he had a couple of difficulties with his family he 
recorded a song called “No Place Like My Home” with Don Most and a high school friend called Brandy.
2face started to drink and smoke not just because of his problems but in order to have a hardcore voice. 
After two defeats by the 4 gunz he worked even harder and started hanging out with a much older 
individuals from the neighbourhood who taught him the in and outs of the streets. In July 2000 he 
graduated from high school went on to join his father in the West coast.
He lived with his father in Phoenix, Arizona but would not attend a University because his passion was 
music and so he decided to work for a living and get an apartment as things were not going pretty well 
between him and his father. He shared his apartment with a friend who wanted to be his manager. It was in 
2001 that 2face would release his debut underground album “African Warrior ” which would be the 
cataclysm of events that would lead to a terrible tragedy...
During his long career he ran into different individuals who wanted to steal the fruits of his labor. In the 
hood you either Rap, play ball or get into criminal activities but respect is all you have. 2face being tired of 
having disagreements with a certain producer decided to call up his boys and take revenge by robbing him 
of all that he got.
The producer was badly bruised but alive, the hit was successful! Two weeks later while 2face was getting 
into his red ISUZU TROOPER he suddenly hears cars pull up behind him, thinking someone was about to 
rob him he goes for his gun which fortunately was not there. A bunch of white men coming out of trucks 
aiming shotguns at him call him by his civil name(Franck Toh).
One of them with a smirk on his face continued and said ''you're Under Arrest''! This sentence completely 
changed the life of 2Face The agents handcuffed 2face under the eye of the children from neighbourhood, 
his only words to them was “Stay in school kids”. They searched his house but found no stolen material, 
they still went on and sent him to the phoenix city Precinct.
There they took his fingerprints and blood sample. After going through the metal detector and stripped of 
everything they gave him a cold shower, clothes and was thrown in a disgusting cell with other prisoners. A 
few days later he was transferred to another place where he had to wait several months the judge’s final 
decision. It was the gladiator school as they call it because every one was stressed waiting for their 
judgments but also a lot Riots were happening there.
It was also a preparatory phase before entering the belly of the beast. 2Face waited about six months before 
going to Prison or the belly of the beast it is called that way because the System or beast swallows you and 
then vomits you out or defecates you out. Time went by slowly in there but 2face never “snitched” on his 
accomplices, he was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
During his life in the Penitentiary he met a lot people who schooled him on life and shared their 
experiences with, there had to choose sides whether black, whites or Mexican. One day while working out 
he ran into a member of the Nation of Islam who started teaching him on the knowledge of self. In his cell 
he would read any book that he would find and write songs, that was how he would “kill time”.
He would also work out and take the commitment to never poison himself with drugs, alcohol or any 
practice that would take him away from righteousness. On June 2007 2Face was released from Arizona 
state prison only to be transferred to a Federal prison his family who came to celebrate his release never got 
the chance to see him that day...
On august 28 2007 during a lunar eclipse 2face would be deported to the Ivory coast escorted by 2 Federal 
agents. As soon as he arrives in Abidjan he is taking in for interrogations and put in a cell! Finally with the 
help of his step father & Family friend 2face is finally freed & ready to start his life from scratch but 
memories from his past still haunts him to this very day...
Now back in his homeland more determined than ever 2Face takes on a new name “Face2Face”, which 
would bring him face to face with his reality, his life. This name would give him the power to tell the truth 
and denounce those who lurk in the shadows ready to hate on him. With this name he will strive to be a 
better example to all his people and awaken them mentally!
Face2Face, the African Warrior with his new single out (Hip Hop Generation) through which he 
Challenges other rappers to present Hip Hop in its true form by being themselves which is the real meaning 
of Hip Hop. Certainly others have a similar story to share but together we can reawaken Hip Hop just like a 
Phoenix that is reborn from its ashes.

The Catalyst for Change:
Côte d'Ivoire Hip Hop Initiative (CIHHI)

In 2010, the synergy of Amina, Coolout Chris, and Ang13, representing the "Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative," 
sparked a cultural revolution in Côte d'Ivoire. This momentous occasion led to the founding of the NGO 
Côte d'Ivoire Hip Hop Initiative (CIHHI), helmed by none other than Franck Toh, aka Face2Face.
CIHHI transcends the boundaries of music, advocating virtues such as unity, nonviolence, and love of self. 
Franck Toh's leadership is a driving force, steering the organization towards positive action, workshops, 
artist promotion, concert organization, and mentoring the youth for responsible societal engagement.
Amidst the turmoil of the 2010-2011 war in Ivory Coast, Face2Face and his wife, Laetitia Toh (Queen 
Laetee D), orchestrated a global collaboration, resulting in the creation of the UNITY album. This 
groundbreaking project featured diverse artists and aimed to promote peace and unity, bridging political 
and ethnic divides.
CIHHI's initiatives extend beyond music, including workshops, short films, and radio shows, all dedicated 
to empowering Ivorian youth through the transformative power of hip hop.

The Versatile Professional: 

Franck Toh, a paragon of motivation and experience, is an unwavering advocate for the betterment of 
others. Returning to his roots in Côte d'Ivoire in 2007 after several years in the United States, Franck 
seamlessly blends his cultural insights with a proficient English accent, proving invaluable in 
collaborations with international companies based in Ivory Coast.
His multifaceted career includes not only being a musical luminary but also a mentor, educator, fitness 
coach, and entrepreneur. Fluent in both English and French, Franck has imparted knowledge through 
English language and self-improvement courses at various community colleges and universities. 
Additionally, his involvement as a fitness coach at several gyms reflects his commitment to holistic wellbeing.
A member of the Nation of Islam, Franck's dedication extends to establishing study groups and venturing 
into a home-based food delivery business rooted in the dietary teachings of the Honorable Elijah 
Muhammad from 'How to Eat to Live.' His active participation in numerous expos further propagates these 
teachings in the French language.
In the face of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Franck pivoted his career towards 
becoming a successful business consultant. His adept negotiation skills resulted in numerous finalized 
deals. Presently, he assumes the role of an AI consultant and ChatGPT teacher in Abidjan, showcasing 
adaptability and expertise in emerging fields.
A testament to professionalism, Franck consistently adorns a suit and tie, recognizing the significance of 
image, punctuality, and courtesy. His work ethic is marked by diligence, unwavering dedication to 
responsibilities, and a genuine willingness to extend assistance to others. Adept communication skills 
enable him to seamlessly connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, a quality that sets him apart 
as an indispensable asset to any team.