It seems as though whenever Bryson Tiller releases new music, the world stops and listens to what he has to say.
The soft-spoken, Louisville-based, Trapsoul pioneer is one of the most versatile artists hip-hop has to offer — and now, he’s taking listeners back to his roots, dropping the follow-up to his 2011 Halloween mixtape Killer Instinct 2.
Slowly rolling out the tape this week through his Community SMS system, Tiller’s Killer Instinct is the foundation of his sound — seamlessly blending elements of both hip-hip and R&B. As Tiller has continued to refine himself over the years with albums in True To Self and his latest Anniversary, Pen Griffey does what he does best: effortlessly flow over any beat he touches.
KI2 opens with Bryson talking to a younger version of himself, saying that he’s “proud of all he’s accomplished” and pleads with the young Tiller to drop a mixtape to “have fun.” While Tiller from 10 years ago is focusing on making an album, he indulges in the former’s pleas.
The mixtape runs for a full 28 minutes — drppping a secret link that was initially unavailable to the public. However, the mixtape is now fully available on SoundCloud. It also touts skits with Diddy, DJ Edub (who curates the entirety of the tape) and includes Tiller’s renditions of Brent Faiyaz and Tyler, The Creator’s “Gravity,” Trippie Redd’s “Betrayal” as well as samples from Chris Brown, NBA YoungBoy and Normani.
Midway through, Tiller hops back on the phone with his past self saying “where the vocals at?” Leading into his transcendent singing ability, he croons in true Trapsoul fashion, transporting listeners back to the core of his soundscape: R&B. Diddy is also heard echoing throughout the record, saying: “This is R&B history right here.”
stream @brysontiller’s new mixtape “Killer Instinct 2” below! 😈🔥 #OGM
— Our Generation Music (@OGMusicCo) October 31, 2021
+ STREAM 🎧: https://t.co/rE96PYQTIs pic.twitter.com/vv3gAMszKx
The hype for his return was definitely well worth, and sharing a secret mixtape solely for his fans (or those signed up for his SMS updates) to whole-heartedly cherish is a bonafide win for Tiller. While the Louisville wordsmith continues his 2021 run with Killer Instinct 2, his recent features in Jack Harlow’s “Luv Is Dro” and Big Sean’s and Hit-Boy’s “Loyal To A Fault” propel him toward his next full-length release.
Tiller closes the mixtape with an inspiring message as well as some news regarding his “albums” on the way.
“I got a couple albums on the way for y’all so stay tuned. But let me say this, whatever your talent is, whatever it is that you do. Just keep doing what you’re doing and just know that you can manifest anything that you want.”
Bryson Tiller — “Last Call”
Listen to Bryson Tiller’s ‘Killer Instinct 2’ here.
