Ty Dolla $ign, 'Free TC'
The build up of Ty Dolla $ign's debut was one for the books. After spending years in the music industry as a talented songwriter and landing a spot on the 2014 XXL Freshman cover (one of only two R&B singers to do it) everyone was expecting big things from the Taylor Gang affiliate. And he did not disappoint with Free TC. Ty's deeply rooted rhythm and blues foundation still fits in with hip-hop's grit, which is evident with all the rap features he secures for his debut. He and Kendrick Lamar ride hard for their hometown on "L.A." Wiz Khalifa relishes in his boy's success on "Sitting Pretty" and Future and Rae Sremmurd capture that nonchalant party vibe perfectly on Ty's lead single "Blase." But even with all the big names on this discography, the Los Angeles native never loses the reigns to his own operation. Whether his vocals play over a simple guitar strum or are engulfed by an entire orchestra, Ty knows where he fits in. A talented instrumentalist, Ty executive produced his own album, along with help from the likes of DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy and Cardo. The cohesive cadence of Ty's vocals are an anchor on every track, from the slow jams to the turn up joints, effectively showing fans that he is a Renaissance man in a sea of viral one-hit wonders.
