The marriage between rap and R&B is hitting a stride, creatively speaking. Thanks to the likes of Fetty Wap and Drake (who actually co-signed the up-and-comer eariler this year), the blurred line between the two genres is increasingly difficult to define. Bryson Tiller, a young cat out of Louisville, is another artist who is working to blend the two styles together to create something all his own.
TRAPSOUL, which came out this past Friday, is the name of Tiller's album, but also a reasonable way to describe his style. We introduced him to you earlier this week with an interview, and now we're highlighting his ten essential tracks for our viewers. This includes some tracks from the album, which is available on iTunes, and some older cuts as well. Get to know the young Bryson Tiller with these cuts.
Bryson Tiller - Break Bread feat King Vory
If you're digging music in the vein of PARTYNEXTDOOR and Amir Obe, this one will fit right in with your playlists.
Bryson Tiller - Let Em' Know (Prod. by Syk Sense)
R&B has hit an interesting creative stride in recent years. Ambient electronic production has infiltrated the soulful genre, creating a sound that is both futuristic and dominating.
Bryson Tiller - Sorry Not Sorry (Prod. by Timbaland & Milli Beatz)
When you see the name Timbaland, you have to pay attention.
Bryson Tiller - How About Now
Drake, who co-signed Tiller earlier this year, was the influence for this freestyle. Throw him on the remix Drake!
Bryson Tiller - Dont Worry / Molly
If you think that the prior tracks have been lacking quality rhymes, give this one a spin. Bryson Tiller bodies the beat, both of them, straight up.
Bryson Tiller - Ease Feat WunTayk Timmy (Prod. by Syk Sense)
Alongside one of his go-to producers Syk Sense and WunTayk Timmy, these guys created an indie-influenced rap track that channels the influence of Three 6 Mafia.
Bryson Tiller - Don't
The lead single off the upcoming album TRAPSOUL is more soul than trap. Take a listen on a gloomy, rainy day.
Bryson Tiller - Exchange
Released just over a week ago, "Exchange" showcases our subject's skill in creating moody R&B.
Bryson Tiller - Just Another Interlude
With a name like "Just Another Interlude," you may not expect much, but this is a legitimate track. Alternating between rapping and singing, Tiller creates an atmosphere similar to the one contemporaries like Drake and Yung Lean are capable of.
Bryson Tiller - Love Faces
If you think Tiller is just trying to bite the style of Drake's squad, listen to what he was up to in 2011 when he released his mixtape Killer Instinct Vol. 1.