Tyrese Gibson is opening up about the surprising story behind his 2002 R&B classic “How You Gonna Act Like That,” claiming the song was inspired by the relationship drama surrounding Kim Kardashian, Ray J and her then-husband Damon Thomas.
During a recent appearance on The Kenny Burns Show, the R&B singer discussed his connection to Kardashian and Thomas, revealing that he lived with the former couple while working on his album.
Tyrese Says He Was There When the Ray J Sex Tape Was Made
While discussing his time living with Kardashian and Thomas, Tyrese claimed he was present when the events surrounding Kardashian’s infamous sex tape with Ray J unfolded.
“You know, I lived with Damon and Kim when I worked on that album,” Tyrese explained, adding that he lived with them for three years.
When host Kenny Burns asked whether Tyrese meant he witnessed the filming of Kardashian and Ray J’s sex tape, the singer clarified his comments.
“No, no, no,” Tyrese said, explaining that he was present at the home around the time the sex tape was made.
Tyrese went on to describe Thomas as a close friend, saying, “Damon was my brother,” before claiming that everything happened while he was at the house.
Was “How You Gonna Act Like That” About Kim Kardashian?
The conversation took an unexpected turn when Burns brought up Tyrese’s 2002 hit “How You Gonna Act Like That,” which appeared on the singer’s album I Wanna Go There.
The song has since become one of Tyrese’s most recognizable R&B records and was ranked No. 51 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest R&B Songs of the 21st Century.
Tyrese explained that the song’s central question was connected to what he witnessed during Kardashian and Thomas’ relationship.
“It was inspired by wondering, how did she act like that while she was with Damon?” he said.
Thomas, a producer and songwriter, also received a co-writing credit on the track.
Kim Kardashian, Damon Thomas and Ray J’s Complicated Timeline
Kardashian married Damon Thomas in 2000, and the pair divorced in 2004. She later entered a relationship with Ray J.
Kardashian and Ray J’s private video was reportedly filmed in 2003 and later became public in 2007, turning the couple’s relationship into one of the most widely discussed celebrity scandals of the era.
Tyrese’s latest comments add a surprising connection to that period, suggesting that his experiences around Kardashian and Thomas helped shape the emotions behind “How You Gonna Act Like That.”
The singer’s claims have not been independently verified, and neither Kardashian nor Ray J has responded to Tyrese’s latest comments at the time of publication.