Bryson Tiller Returns With New Release ‘The Vices’ (Review)

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Bryson Tiller has recently dropped ‘The Vices’. This is the start of a two-part project alongside ‘Solace’, set to be released later this year. The album features collaboration with producers Hitmaka, Teddy Walton, Gravez, and Charlie Heat. Further to this, there are notable guest appearances from BossMan Dlow, Luh Tyler, BabyDrill, T-Pain, and Plies. Since his last album, Tiller has been busy and more focused than ever, and is now showcasing his artistic evolution. This comes just in time for the tenth anniversary of ‘T R A P S O U L’, which helped create the trap-R&B wave.  

The record essentially explores his personal journey to sobriety and becoming more focused on his craft. It revolves around vices and how they have impacted his relationships. Whereas ‘Solace’ will dive into the singer’s feelings and experiences. All in all, Tiller has described it as a therapy session and a space for reflection. This focus runs through ‘The Vices’, particularly where he’s leaning into his trap soul roots, reminding us exactly why he stands out. 

What I love about ‘The Vices’ is that it taps into the high-energy Tiller we were first introduced to. Blending rap and singing to create this unique genre called trap-soul. Rap is something that he’s never been afraid of exploring, particularly in his earlier projects. Overall, this is a confident flex that shows he’s not just an R&B singer and has more versatility than people know. It’s an eclectic project going back to his roots but with a more grown and polished feel. 

As someone who has always admired his talent, I’ve always felt like he fell under the radar compared to other male singers who’ve dominated the R&B space. But this project reminds you that he’s just as talented, if not more, and deserves more recognition. Moreover, this artist has a discography packed with well-written love songs that aren’t just relatable, but really cut deep. Every lyric pulls on your emotions, making you reminisce about love, life, and feelings. This proves he’s an artist who’s truly locked in with his craft. You can hear how he’s blended all the sounds from rap to R&B, and still managed to make it all sound fire. It’s authentic, versatile, and shows how much Tiller has refined his talent. These are some of my standouts from the album so far. 

Last Call 

‘Last Call’ was one of the first singles he dropped, giving us signature Tiller soundscapes with a little twist. Co-produced by Hitmaka and Nick Papz, the rawness of the beat is reminiscent of his mixtape era, particularly ‘SLUM TILLER‘. Fans of this era will definitely vibe with his realness and the infectious beat. It has that unpolished feel with high-energy production that provides a bouncy energy. The heavy bass kicks combined with the percussive clicks intensify the track, making it feel alive. Although he focuses on love and vulnerability, the Kentucky singer comes in confident, unafraid of expressing his true feelings. His effortless vocals and lyrics feel both vulnerable and bold. Additionally, there is emotional honesty that feels direct and conversational. The integrity makes you feel like the lyrics have been pulled right from a late-night text. 

No Sharing FT. Luh Tyler 

This track starts off with that heavy bass trap beat that hits hard, but is still easy-going. Tiller comes in with a smooth rap verse layered with his signature dreamy vocals. We already know his vocals are top-tier, but on a more rap-focused album like this, they really elevate each song. In terms of his flows, he definitely had a few standout bars. In lines like, “My phone ringin’, she askin’ ’bout it / I told her, “Bae, them bands are callin’.” he blends smooth talk with clever imagery. Additionally, the production taps into a sound that’s popular right now. Specifically, the blend of melodic beats and smooth rap flows. This collaboration was a smart move as it bridges the gap between generations. It shows our lead’s ability to stay relevant in a continuously changing soundscape.

On My Way 

This track revisits a 2000 classic, sampling Chris Brown’s ‘Ain’t No Way’ from his first album. The minute I heard this record, I was taken back. But what makes it special is that it feels just as fresh as it did the first time I heard it. It also feels fresh with a trap-infused beat, giving it that high energy whilst paying homage to a classic. I love artists who revisit old music and put their spin on it. It shows creativity and an appreciation for the classics. It was a bold move because you’d think he’d sing. Instead, he confidently raps with a laid-back flow. The slick bars and melodic touches to his raps make this track a standout. 

Make Life Easy FT. BabyDrill 

Here, the Louisville-born artist teams up with BabyDrill to produce the perfect late-night love song. The beat drops, and you know you’re in for something intimate and bold. It has an eerie, moody sound that pulls you in emotionally as soon as you hear it. The featured guest opens up with his glossy lyrics about spoiling his woman and making her life easier. This matches the dark, romantic vibe of the track.

Tiller follows up with a confident delivery and sharp bars that effortlessly flow over the beat. In lines like, “Girl, don’t pack no bag, you finna go plat’ / I’m spendin’ a million on you (No cap).” he balances bravado with genuine feelings. It’s in these moments that we get to see his growth not only as an artist but as someone unafraid to be vulnerable when it comes to feelings. Above all, it’s a perfect balance of swagger and deep emotions.

Mini Kelly FT. Rick Ross 

Tiller talks about the investment he put into his ex, from the highs to all the things he did for her. Now that she’s gone, he looks back, wondering where it went wrong. Rick Ross comes in with his signature boss talk, flexing the luxury lifestyle and everything he can offer a woman. It’s the perfect mix of Ross’ confidence and Tiller’s smoothness. Collaborating with the Mississippi rapper added an extra layer to the track. His vivid imagery and signature boss-level bars create a cinematic feel.

Additionally, his presence brings a sense of maturity and flair, showing you how much the lead has levelled up in his rap skills. The artist raps, “Why’d I try to find solace through my vices when we split?” questioning himself and the unhealthy coping mechanisms he turned to after the breakup. However, you can hear the singer still holding on, wanting to rekindle what they had. Overall, this record shows he’s really stepping into his own as a rapper.

To summarise, ‘The Vices‘ offers a fresh glimpse into Tiller’s evolving sound and personal growth. Since breaking out with ‘T R A P S O U L‘, he’s clearly grown as an artist and individual, highlighted by his confidence. On top of that, he continues to bring something unique to the music scene, pushing boundaries with genre blending, catchy lyrics, and a smooth vibe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into his music, this first part sets the stage for what’s next. I’m looking forward to hearing the contrasts between ‘The Vices’ and ‘Solace’ when the second half drops. It will be interesting to see him balance out the flexes here with introspectiveness. Overall, this proves he’s coming back sharper than ever.

Score: 8.5/10

Bryson Tiller is on Instagram and TikTok. Stream ‘The Vices‘ below and read more news pieces here.

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