Hip hop and popular music at large goes through phases where one style is popular for a while before another trend takes over. Trends may arise due to any number of causes which are often unpredictable. But in the midst of every trend and fad there are always artists who choose to stay on the sideline and explore areas which may not be so popular or widely explored. A young Dallas, Texas rapper called T.Y.E. seems to be going down such a path, even though he seems not to be too sure whether he will stick to that road and see where it takes him.
T.Y.E. is only 22 years old and has a certain characteristic about him that is quite fascinating. He has been on the rap radar for a couple of months, thanks in large part to an article on him which was published by Pigeons and Planes. I came across his music when scouring the net and immediately fell in love with his style. He has released several songs which are frankly no better than most trap tracks. However, the material of his that stands out contains hip hop fused with classical/operatic music, such as his song “La La Land”.
He’s a classically trained singer so it makes sense that his classical background seeps into his music. What is great about him is that he’s not a hack. His singing voice is outstanding and pleasant to listen to…until he starts to rap and goes completely manic. The best word to describe his music is “bipolar” which is rather fitting because he suffers from the condition. The classical and hip hop elements mesh so well together and create beautiful pandemonium as he switches from his gentle, soulful singing to his crazy, virulent rap.
Earlier this month he released the video for a song that follows the same formula titled “Unusual”. The lyrics perfectly capture what the young emcee is all about as the chorus goes “something’s unusual with me”; a sentiment that rings o so true as you listen to the atypical arrangement of the song. After listening to him speak it doesn’t come as a surprise that he’s so unique because he has spoken of the importance of being original in a past interview with “Say Cheese TV”, which you can view at the bottom of the page.
It feels like T.Y.E.’s on the edge of mainstream popularity all the while perfecting his craft. He has all the goods to stand out as a powerhouse and force in rap that cannot be easily emulated. I personally look forward to him releasing more songs which mesh the operatic style with hip hop. No one else seems to be using that style, and if they are they’re not doing it at the same level as T.Y.E. His album is set to come out this year so we’ll get an answer soon enough.
