Once insecure about his musical ability, 25-year-old MC Pryslezz credits a boastful older brother with urging him to share his talents with the world.

"Mike would have me come up to his place and freestyle for his friends. He'd be like, 'My baby brother's got skills!' " Pryslezz recalls. "I started to get a little confidence because of it. The encouragement just lit a fire in me."

One of his sibling's friends was NFL wideout Chris Chambers, who took a particular interest in Pryslezz and in early 2007, suggested the two join forces. By May, the pair independently released Pryslezz's first single, "More Than a Love Song," featuring R&B artist Dwele. By midyear they launched their own label, King Ape Entertainment.

In December 2007, the song entered Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No. 95 and peaked at No. 88 five weeks later. "More Than a Love Song" also entered the Hot Singles Sales chart that same month at No. 37, topping out later at No. 3.

Now, Pryslezz is prepping his debut album, "Death of a Man, Rebirth of a King," due Feb. 24 on King Ape/Lightyear Entertainment, with distribution from Caroline. In addition to Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn, Jason Derulo, Slum Village and fellow King Ape artist/co-founder Nox appear on the set, while Blackout Movement, Ill Poetic and Black Milk lend their production talents.

Appearing on the album are such songs as "Block Star," which was recorded with live instruments; the R&B-laden "Tango"; and the second single, "Sideways," featuring Nox and Derulo. An accompanying video was shot in the middle of January and will be serviced to radio in coming weeks.

To promote the album, Pryslezz is performing one-stop shows throughout the country, as well as part of an independent college tour. An official trek for after the album release is in the works.