In 2003, once back in New Jersey Ryan connected with Super Producers Vidal Davis and Andre Harris. Dre & Vidal were working on songs for platinum plus recording Artist Usher. The threesome collaborated on several tracks and three were chosen. “Caught Up”, “Superstar” and “Follow Me” made the 2004 chart-topping Usher album titled Confessions. The album was an instant commercial success in the United States, selling 1.1 million copies in its first week. Over eight million copies sold in 2004. The Confessions album has been certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and, as of 2012, has sold 10 million copies in the US.
After working on the film Sister Act II: Back in the Habit, Toby attended college at Grambling State University and he also had a daughter. He later on found love with fellow City High member, Claudette Ortiz, after the band split. They had two sons and married in 2004, but divorced in 2007. Toby eventually moved to Los Angeles in 2009 and continued to pursue his music career of writing and producing. In 2011, he embarked on a new sound for his music and Artist development and also found new love as well.
While enjoying the success of working on the Will Smith project, Ryan ran into his old manager Marvin Thompson again. Thompson was working with an Artist signed to Wyclef Jean’s Booga Basement/Interscope Records label. Jean invited Ryan to sign with his label when his deal with Jazzy Jeff expired. Ryan was partnered with Robby Pardlo by Thompson. Nevertheless, Wyclef heard a female voice on some of their demos, Claudette Ortiz. Wyclef decided that he wanted Ortiz to join the group so he could create another Fugees. Ryan, Robby & Claudette named the group City High. The self-titled debut album released in 2001 garnered a Grammy Nomination. The albums sold millions worldwide and the threesome toured for approximately two years.
