I have to admit, it took me a while to become a “Bry-liever” (a Bryson Tiller fan), but now that I am, I’m glad I finally got on board. After spending time with more of his music, I can confidently say the hype is real. Yes, I caught the wave late, but now that the site isn’t in bankruptcy anymore, we can finally afford to review his work!

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TOP 5

5. Right My Wrongs

I don’t care if listening to this whole album made you late for work, you have to find a way to listen to the whole thing and finish it off with “Right Or Wrong.” First and foremost, I think you get Bryson’s most passionate, touching vocal perfotmance on the track. Secondly, the dramatic production with the haunting vocals courtesy of a woman I would absolutely date but would drive me crazy will give you chills to your body. One can argue this is the most impressive track on the project. Just not me at this very moment.

4. Rambo

“Rambo” is probably the hardest rap song on the album, and it’s easily one of my favorites.

Before we even get to Bryson Tiller’s performance, that beat deserves its flowers. Those pounding piano melodies give the track an aggressive edge that makes me want to throw hands with someone who’s passive aggressive.

As for Tiller, his bars are impressive on this song, but they are also unbelievable….Not unbelievable as in WOW, but unbelievable as in “I don’t believe he’ll do the gangsta s–t he’s talking about on this song.” His raps feel more like “where’s your manager” aggressive. They are still very enjoyable, though.

3. Sorry Not Sorry

“Sorry Not Sorry” is a phenomenal track, and it all starts with Timbaland’s production. One of Tim’s greatest strengths has always been his ability to take unexpected sounds and transform them into unforgettable beats. Whether it was the famous frog-inspired elements behind “Pony,” the carnival influence that helped shape “Big Pimpin’,” or what sounds like Street Fighter II-inspired effects here, he’s always finding creative ways to make his productions stand out. Dude is a genius.

As for Bryson, what’s interesting is that, lyrically, he comes out swinging more than Draymond Green when a European is around, calling out shiesty women and men haters, but at the same time, he sounds unbothered like he’s moved on from all toxins around him and is now laughing at it. The good news is that his rapping comes across as enjoyably punchy, and somehow he delivers one of the catchiest, most infectious choruses in the midst of the chaos.

2. Don’t

“Don’t” is obviously a great song, but it’s also a very unconventional one. For whatever reason, modern R&B has embraced songs that don’t follow a traditional structure with clearly defined choruses, bridges, or hooks. While I’m not always the biggest fan of that approach, I can definitely appreciate the uniqueness it brings to a record like this.

Beyond that, “Don’t” has plenty of standout qualities. The slow-burning production carries the chopped-and-screwed DNA of classic Houston music, giving the track a hazy, hypnotic atmosphere that perfectly complements Bryson Tiller’s laid-back delivery. It’s a subtle touch, but one that helps make the song so memorable. Honestly, I was too dizzy to understand what the hell the song was about, so visit Genius, please.

1. Exchange

This is one of the most impressive songs I heard in 2016. Tiller refers to himself as “Pen Griffey,” and on this track, he more than lives up to that nickname.

I hate to bring it up, but this song reminds me of vintage Drake in several ways. From the pitched-up background vocals and moody production to the seamless transitions between singing and rapping, the similarities are hard to ignore.

What really stands out, though, is the song’s structure. It feels like Bryson Tiller is simply letting his thoughts spill out in real time. He effortlessly shifts between vulnerability and confidence, moving from heartfelt moments to tougher, more assertive bars without ever disrupting the flow. Impressive.

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SONG BY SONG RATINGS

1. Intro (Difference) (N/A)

2. Let Em’ Know (4/5)

3. Exchange (5/5)

4. For However Long (4/5)

5. Don’t (4.5/5)

6. Open Interlude (4/5)

7. Ten Nine Fourteen (4/5)

8. The Sequence (3.5/5)

9. Rambo (5/5)

10. 502 Come Up (4.5/5)

11. Sorry Not Sorry (4.5/5)

12. Been That Way (4.5/5)

13. Overtime (4/5)

14. Right My Wrong (4.5/5)

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RGM RATING

(B+)

Bryson Tiller’s TRAPSOUL feels like the arrival of an artist who knows exactly what type of sound he wants to create. The “Pen Griffey” nickname, which is the dopest in the game, is more than just a clever name, as Tiller proves he has the versatility to make an impact through singing, rapping, songwriting, and his ability to blend different genres together. With continued growth and refinement, his future albums have the potential to put him alongside the top artists in the genre.

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