Ty Dolla $ign is the undisputed master of a genre I like to call ‘Strip Club R&B’. Not only that, he’s also the brains behind some of hip-hop’s most recognisable hits.
A seasoned singer, producer & instrumentalist, he’s provided work for the likes of Jennifer Lopez & Chris Brown, and also hit headlines for his contributions to the next Kanye West & Paul McCartney collaboration. Furthermore, he’s one of the leading figures in the thundering West Coast hip-hop resurgence and his Sign Language mixtape fucking bangs.
We caught up with Ty Dolla $ign before his chaotic show with fellow Californian, YG. Here’s how it went down:
A big moment in your career was ‘Toot It & Boot It’ with YG back in 2009. How’s it feel to be touring with him in Australia in 2015?
It feels incredible that we finally get to tour together. At first we did all of our shows together, so it’s like a family reunion. All the homies, my cousins are all on tour. It feels great.
We recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Game’s album The Documentary. How do you think the West Coast has changed between then and now?
It changed a lot. There are similarities, but it definitely changed a lot. We made a whole new sound, a whole new movement. Now, you have people that are not only from the West Coast doing the same sound. It feels good to be an influencer and one of the people that brought back this West Coast shit. ‘That’s the motherfucking thanks I get?’ Ha!
We heard that your uncle had a history in The Isley Brothers. What was your reaction when you heard Kendrick sample them on his last single?
I loved it. I knew what it was off top. I’m a big fan of Kendrick and he killed the song, he did his thing. I’m excited to see what his album’s going to do, I heard a little bit of it and it’s amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUj0otkJEBo
We also heard that you link up with French Montana every time you’re in New York. Would it be fair to say that French Montana has the best ad-lib in rap?
HAAAAAN! Ha, he definitely does have one of the best ad-libs, I love Gucci Mane’s ad-libs too, though.
You’ve also done some work with another New Yorker, Jennifer Lopez. How does your mindset switch from writing a track for Jennifer Lopez or Chris Brown & Ty Dolla Sign?
I just write like I’m writing for myself and it just happens. They pick the songs, and that’s what it is. With J Lo, I did more of a background thing, I came and did melodies all over her songs, I didn’t write lyrics. But we will get together, we’re cool. Shout out to J Lo.
In the past, you have sampled Zedd & your single ‘Stand For’ also had Diplo adding some production. Any more plans to delve into dance? A lot of rappers seem to be heading that way.
You know, those rappers that are heading there now are getting that from the Sign, because we’ve been doing that. If you look at Hou$e On The Hill, I’ve had dance songs. If you look at Iggy’s first project, Ignorant Art, it’s a dance/hip-hop vibe – that’s all me and my team. I’ve got a new record coming out with DJ Carnage, which is full on dance. Diplo just texted me when we got out here and said “Yo, we got to work when you get back.” We’re gonna kill it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC2ZgCEaLWs
You’ve posted Travis Scott’s collaboration with Reebok and Snoop’s collaboration with Adidas on Instagram. What would Ty Dolla Sign’s signature sneaker look like?
I always wear Timberlands, and I always wear Vans. I’d have to say Vans, and just my logo with all black and white.
What’s on the cards for Ty Dolla Sign for the rest of 2015?
I’m recording my album right now, it’s gonna drop. More tours, more features coming. A lot of good music.
