Ty Dolla $ign – Free TC (Album Review)

Ty Dolla $ign’s long-awaited debut album “Free TC” arrived with significant hype—and it didn’t disappoint.

STREAM

TOP 5

5. Blasé (Ft. Future & Rae Sremmurd)

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t go crazy when “Blasé” comes on? Whether you’re in the corner of a packed club or hyping up your friends, this track has a way of making you turn-up without question.

From the jump, the beat is infectious as hell—one of those instrumentals that instantly changes the energy in the room. Future’s voice sets the perfect tone, bringing that raspy, hypnotic energy that acts like a call to f**kery. Then, Ty Dolla $ign adds his signature swag, gliding across the track with a smooth, addictive flow that keeps the vibe alive.

Enter Rae Sremmurd, who absolutely light it up with their trademark blend of youthful mayhem and sarcastic flair. Their verses feel like a kid sneaking into the club and owning the entire night.

“Blasé” is wild, spontaneous, and simply built for anyone under 37.

4. Know Ya (Ft. Trey Songz)

The voicemail that opens this track alone made me want to crown it—the woman in it is a phenomenal actress! Ty Dolla $ign and Trey Songz’s storytelling, centered around dodging sidepieces, is genuinely captivating. Beyond that, the track shines thanks to Metro Boomin’s mechanical production, the slick chorus Ty delivers, and the way both artists’ distinct yet passionate vocals cut cleanly through the beat. Great stuff all around.

3. Horses In A Stable

One could argue that Ty Dolla $ign delivers his most impressive vocal performance on Free TC with “Horses in the Stable.” The track, which centers around Ty boasting a roster of beautiful women he can call on, is dripping with passion. He delivers a strikingly memorable chorus and lays down one of his best melodies to date. What’s most impressive is how effortless it all feels—like a standout loose cut that still manages to leave a lasting impact.

2. Saved (Ft. E-40)

And the award for catchiest track on Free TC goes to “Saved.” That’s saying a lot, considering this album is packed with infectious songs. The track features an exhilarating, quintessential DJ Mustard beat that Ty rides like a wild bull—delivering a hook that’s impossible to forget and slick, playa verses about leaving gold-diggers on read.

E-40 also makes an appearance. While I’m not the biggest fan of his verse (truthfully, I rarely am), I do think he brings a welcome change of energy. His quirky delivery adds a lighter, more playful tone to the track—channeling a similar vibe to “I Don’t F**k With You.” And honestly, I’m not mad at it. All in all, this is a very fun track to listen to.

1. LA (Ft. Kendrick Lamar, Brandy & James Fauntleroy)

Ty Dolla $ign opening his debut album with this kind of collaborative effort was a bold move. “LA” unexpectedly features background vocals from Brandy, heartfelt singing from James Fauntleroy (which honestly could’ve been handled by Ty himself), dramatic strings, soulful melodies, and an intense verse from Kendrick Lamar.

At the end of the day, the song is just too heartwarming to ignore. What stands out most is how each artist expresses their deep love for Los Angeles—Brandy’s warmth, Kendrick’s gritty storytelling, and Ty’s emotional delivery all capture the complex spirit of the city. Ty and Kendrick, in particular, portray LA as both a wild jungle and a land of opportunity—a place that tempts you to sin, tests your will, and inspires you to rise above it all.

Looking back on it, this was the perfect way to open Free TC.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

RGM RATING

(B+)

Ty Dolla $ign is so f**king talented, man.

Free TC feels like the culmination of everything Ty Dolla $ign has absorbed throughout his years in the music industry. It’s a well-rounded, multi-layered project that shows just how versatile he is as both a vocalist and a creative.

Throughout the album, Ty proves he can effortlessly glide over club-ready beats, isn’t afraid to experiment with dance influences, and has no problem holding his own alongside rappers who bring gritty energy. At the same time, there are several moments where he leans into his R&B roots, delivering melodic, emotionally resonant vocals that remind listeners he’s more than just a hook guy—he’s a legit singer.

Lyrically, Free TC touches on all the hallmarks of the fast life: making money, womanizing, and kicking it with the crew. But it also has a deeper layer, thanks to the tribute it pays to his incarcerated brother, TC. Skits and audio clips from phone conversations add a personal, emotional weight that grounds the project in something real.

If there’s any critique, it’s that the album may not dive as deep as some might want. But Free TC doesn’t necessarily aim to be introspective at every turn—it’s more about Ty showing range, testing boundaries, and having fun doing it. And in that respect, he succeeds.