Bryson Tiller is a name that has been taking the music industry by storm in recent years. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, this young R&B singer quickly rose to fame with his unique blend of trap soul and smooth vocals. However, what many fans may not know is that Tiller has a strong connection to the city of Chicago. From his musical influences to his collaborations, the Windy City has played a significant role in shaping his career. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Bryson Tiller’s Chicago connection and how it has influenced his rise to stardom.
Early Years and Musical Influences
Bryson Djuan Tiller was born on January 2, 1993, in Louisville, Kentucky. Growing up, Tiller was always passionate about music and started writing and recording songs at the young age of 15. He drew inspiration from artists like Omarion, Chris Brown, and Drake, but it was another artist that had a significant impact on his sound – Chicago native Kanye West.
Kanye West: A Major Influence
Kanye West’s music spoke to Tiller in a way that no other artist had before. In an interview with Billboard, he stated, “Kanye West was definitely the first person I looked at. I was like, ‘This guy’s really different.'” West’s production style and unapologetic lyrics resonated with Tiller and inspired him to create music that was true to himself.
Tiller also admired West’s ability to seamlessly blend different genres, something he also does in his own music. This can be heard in hits like “Don’t” and “Exchange,” where he fuses R&B, hip hop, and trap elements to create his signature sound.
Drill Music: A Chicago Sound
Aside from Kanye West, there is another Chicago sound that has influenced Tiller’s music – drill music. Drill music originated in Chicago in the early 2010s and is characterized by its aggressive delivery, lyrics about street life, and heavy bass beats. Chief Keef, a Chicago native, is known as one of the pioneers of this genre.
Tiller has incorporated elements of drill music into his sound, giving it a darker and grittier edge. In an interview with Revolt TV, he revealed, “I was inspired by Chief Keef’s ‘Love Sosa.’ That was the first time I heard anything like that.”
The Chicago Music Scene
Chicago is known for its vibrant and diverse music scene, and Tiller’s connection to the city allowed him to tap into this rich culture. From concerts and festivals to collaborations with local artists, Chicago has played a significant role in his growth as an artist.
Lollapalooza Performance
In 2016, Tiller made his debut appearance at Chicago’s annual music festival, Lollapalooza. He performed on the same stage as established acts like Future and Mac Miller, showcasing his talent to a whole new audience. The reaction from the crowd was electric, and it solidified his place in the music industry.
Collaborations with Chicago Artists
Tiller’s Chicago connection can also be seen through his collaborations with local artists. In 2017, he teamed up with fellow Kentucky native and Chicago transplant, Chance the Rapper, for the remix of Chance’s hit single “Same Drugs.” The two have been friends since their early days in the music industry, and their collaboration was long-awaited by fans.
Additionally, Tiller has worked with Chicago rapper and producer Jeremih on multiple occasions. The two collaborated on the song “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They also joined forces on “Rain” and “I Think of You,” both tracks that showcase their musical chemistry.
Chicago’s Influence on Tiller’s Music
It’s evident that Chicago has played a significant role in shaping Bryson Tiller’s music, but how exactly has it influenced his sound? Let’s take a closer look at some of the elements that make up his music and how they are connected to the city.
Dark and Gritty Vibes
Chicago has a reputation for being gritty and rough around the edges, and this can be heard in Tiller’s music. His lyrics often touch upon themes of love, heartbreak, and navigating through difficult situations, all of which reflect the reality of life in the Windy City. The use of trap beats and heavy bass adds a dark and ominous layer to his music, mirroring the city’s tough exterior.
Authenticity and Realness
One of the things that fans love most about Bryson Tiller is his authenticity. He writes and sings about his own experiences, giving listeners a glimpse into his personal journey. This honesty and realness is something that Chicagoans value highly, and it’s no surprise that Tiller’s music has resonated with them.
Blending of Genres
Chicago is known for its diverse music scene, and Tiller’s music reflects this fusion of different genres. He seamlessly blends R&B, hip hop, and trap elements, creating a unique sound that can’t be pigeonholed into just one category. This mirrors the city’s music scene, where artists from different backgrounds come together to create something new and exciting.
Concerts and Tours in Chicago
Tiller’s Chicago connection extends beyond the music itself and can also be seen in his live performances. Over the years, he has performed in various venues across the city, connecting with fans and solidifying his fan base in the area.
Sold-Out Shows
In 2016, Tiller embarked on his “Trap Soul” tour, which included a stop in Chicago at the iconic House of Blues. The show sold out within minutes, showcasing Tiller’s immense popularity in the city. He also made an appearance at Chicago’s Metro in 2017, performing to yet another sold-out crowd.
Special Guests
Tiller has also brought out special guests for his shows in Chicago, further solidifying his connection to the city. During his “Set It Off” tour in 2018, he surprised fans by bringing out Chance the Rapper for a performance of their collaboration “Same Drugs.” This unexpected guest appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy and further cemented Tiller’s place in the Chicago music scene.
The Impact of Bryson Tiller’s Chicago Connection
Bryson Tiller’s Chicago connection has had a significant impact on both his personal growth as an artist and his success in the music industry. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that this connection has shaped his career.
Increased Fan Base
Chicago is known for its passionate and dedicated music fans, and Tiller’s connection to the city has allowed him to tap into this market. His concerts and performances in the area have garnered him a strong following, and his music continues to resonate with fans in the city.
Recognition from Peers
The music industry is a tight-knit community, and artists often support and collaborate with each other. Tiller’s collaborations with Chicago artists like Chance the Rapper and Jeremih have not only resulted in successful songs but have also gained him recognition and respect from his peers in the music industry.
Inspiration for Future Music
Tiller’s Chicago connection has provided him with inspiration and material for future music. As he continues to grow and evolve as an artist, it’s clear that the city will continue to play a significant role in shaping his sound and lyrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bryson Tiller’s Chicago connection is an essential aspect of his success in the music industry. From his early musical influences to his current collaborations and performances, the Windy City has played a significant role in shaping his career. As he continues to make waves in the music industry, it’s evident that Chicago will remain a significant part of his journey.