While he's most recognized for his acting career, Tristan Wilds is gravitating towards his bigger passion -- music.

"Music is my first love," he told EnStars during a recent interview at Sony Music Studios in New York City. "It wasn't necessarily like 'why the transition?' it's a long time coming type thing."

Wilds received his big break when he played Michael Lee on HBO's The Wire. He then played Dixon Wilson on 90210. When the series finale of the CW show aired in May, the 24-year-old found the perfect opportunity to take a hiatus from acting and focus on completing his debut album. He began working on the record in January and plans to release it in September under the stage name Mack Wilds. Mack is his middle name and it's used by his closest friends.

His album title, New York: A Love Story, holds special meaning for Wilds. As a fan of old-school hip-hop, the New York native hopes to revive the city's sound through his new music.

"It's some real good, hip-hop and soulful," said Wilds, who wrote the majority of the songs on his debut. "It's just a great album."

His throwback sound is demonstrated on the album's lead single Own It. With its emphasis on the drums and melodic vocals, the song is a toast to the 1990s. Wilds made sure to include several songs that focus on relationships, as well.

"There's definitely ones about love and the inner workings of it all," he said. "I always think love is such an intriguing topic because people have so many thoughts and ideas on it."

The singer and rapper also worked with several talented people to bring his vision to life. "If you want to think of it as a film, it's been a great cast of people," he said.

Notably he collaborated with Salaam Remi, a producer who has worked with some of the industry's biggest names such as Amy Winehouse and Miguel. Wilds defined their professional relationship as "amazing." Recording artist and producer Ne-Yo was also a major force behind the project. The two worked on the album's lead single.

"That's like my big brother," he said of Ne-Yo, whom he also starred with in the 2012 movie Red Tails.

Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Raekwon will also appear on the album.

Influenced by an array of artists, including Jay-Z and the rock band Queen, Wilds is aiming for a similar longevity in the music business as the aforementioned entertainers. Still, his music career won't permanently put a damper on his acting. Wilds noted that he will definitely take more roles, but only when the time is right.

"I'm the kind of guy that needs to focus on one thing at a time so I don't spread myself too thin," he explained. "Music is what I have to give everything to now."