Recording artist Ty Dolla $ign has released his fifth studio album, titled "Tycoon," marking his first full-length solo project in five years. The album arrives after his recent chart-topping success with Kanye West and features a wide range of A-list collaborators, continuing the artist's signature R&B style.
Key Takeaways
- Ty Dolla $ign's new album "Tycoon" is his first solo release since 2020.
- The project includes collaborations with Travis Scott, Quavo, YG, and Chloë, among others.
- He recently launched his own record label, EZMNY, and signed R&B artist Leon Thomas.
- A new documentary, "Still Free TC," explores his family's experience with the justice system and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
A New Era Defined by 'Tycoon'
After a five-year gap between solo projects, Ty Dolla $ign returns with "Tycoon." The artist, born Tyrone William Griffin Jr., explained that the album's title reflects his current mindset and position in the music industry. He describes it as being at "the top of your game."
This release follows a period of high-profile collaboration. In 2024, his joint project with Kanye West, $, released two albums, "Vultures 1" and "Vultures 2." Both projects achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 1 and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, respectively. This momentum has set the stage for his highly anticipated solo return.
"It’s like (being at) the top of your game," he says of the album's title. "It’s like, not only have I done all the stuff you could do in artistry, (but) there’s still more to do."
"Tycoon" delivers the distinctive sound that has defined his career. The album is a collection of R&B tracks focused on themes of love and lust, featuring his recognizable vocal style and production. The project is heavily collaborative, a hallmark of his work.
Collaborations and Musical Direction
The tracklist for "Tycoon" is filled with prominent names from across the hip-hop and R&B landscape. The extensive list of featured artists includes:
- Quavo
- Juicy J
- 2 Chainz
- Tyga
- Travis Scott
- Chloë
- Kodak Black
- YG
Longstanding Partnerships
The collaboration with YG on the track "SMILE BODY PRETTY FACE" continues a long history between the two artists. Their partnership dates back to at least 2010 with the hit song "Toot It & Boot It." According to Ty Dolla $ign, the beat for the new track immediately made him think of YG.
The lead single, "All In," showcases a more romantic side of the artist. The song explores the theme of devotion and features a sample of Wayne Wonder's 2002 reggae fusion hit "No Letting Go," adding a nostalgic layer to the modern R&B track.
Expanding Beyond Performance
In addition to his recording career, Ty Dolla $ign has expanded his influence into the business side of the music industry. He co-founded the record label EZMNY with former Motown Records executive Shawn Barron. He stated his goal is to provide opportunities for talented artists who may have been overlooked.
Immediate Label Success
EZMNY's first signed artist, Leon Thomas, has already achieved significant success. His single "Mutt" reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the No. 1 spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
"My goal there, with EZMNY, is to give the real artists a chance," Ty Dolla $ign explained. "Myself, I didn’t make it until I was 27 and I was always good... I just wanted to reach back to people that are actually great."
Documentary and Personal Storytelling
Beyond the new album, the artist is sharing a more personal side of his life through a new documentary. Titled "Still Free TC," the film serves as a 10-year follow-up to his debut album, "Free TC." The film, which premiered at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, focuses on his brother, Big TC.
Big TC is currently serving a life sentence for a murder that Ty Dolla $ign and his family maintain he did not commit. The documentary delves into his brother's case, the family's struggle with the mass incarceration system, and Ty Dolla $ign's own path to success against this backdrop.
"I’ve had a lot of friends and fans tell me that, like, ‘Yeah, you never show anybody for real. You never let anybody in.’ So, this is the time where I let everybody in," he said about the documentary. "I just feel like the people need to see it."
Future Projects and Aspirations
When asked about the possibility of a third installment in the "Vultures" series with Kanye West, the artist remained noncommittal. He acknowledged the success of the first two projects and the large volume of music they created together but gave no firm confirmation on "Vultures 3."
"Who knows what may happen in the future?" he commented. "I’m open to whatever."
For now, his focus is firmly on "Tycoon." He plans to tour in support of the album and hopes it connects with listeners on a deeper level. "I just want people to feel inspired after they hear it. I want them to believe in themselves after they hear it," he concluded. "And believe in me. I’m always going to give you the best of the best."