True to Self
True to Self is the second studio album by American singer and rapper Bryson Tiller. Released on May 26, 2017, by RCA Records, the 19-track project surprise-debuted nearly a month ahead of its originally scheduled date of June 23, 2017.[1][2][3] The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning Tiller his first chart-topping record with 107,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week. Musically, True to Self expands on Tiller's trap soul sound from his 2015 debut Trapsoul, incorporating luxurious samples from 1990s R&B artists such as Brandy, Faith Evans, and Mary J. Blige, while blending introspective R&B with hip-hop elements.[4][5][6] Critically, the album received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric production and replay value but criticism for lacking evolution in Tiller's personal narrative and emotional depth compared to his debut. Pitchfork awarded it a 6.6 out of 10, noting that while the sound feels opulent, Tiller's "good-guy" persona and come-up story had begun to wear thin. In subsequent years, Tiller reflected on the project with regret, attributing its creation to a period of depression that impacted its quality and sales performance. More recently, he has described True to Self as his biggest career mistake, influenced by self-doubt stemming from external pressures during production.[5][7][8]Background and Recording
Conception and Development
Following the commercial success of his debut album Trapsoul in 2015, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 and earned platinum certification, Bryson Tiller began work on his sophomore project in early 2016, aiming to evolve his sound while grappling with the pressures of sudden fame.[9] After beginning work in 2016 and developing an initial version of the album, Tiller ultimately decided to scrap much of the material upon review, feeling it did not align with his vision for artistic growth and authenticity.[10] This restart was influenced by Tiller's personal struggles, including depression stemming from negative reviews of Trapsoul, legal disputes with his former management, and the challenge of balancing celebrity expectations with his desire to avoid being pigeonholed as a "trapsoul" artist.[11][12] Tiller's motivations centered on reclaiming his creative identity, emphasizing a return to genuine R&B expression amid industry demands for more commercial, upbeat tracks to sustain momentum from Trapsoul's hits like "Don't."[13] He later reflected that the process allowed him to address internal conflicts, such as the tension between fan expectations and personal evolution, ultimately shaping a project that prioritized emotional honesty over replicating past formulas.[14] Recording for True to Self spanned 2016 to 2017, during which Tiller navigated adjustments to meet RCA Records' anticipation for a follow-up that could match or exceed Trapsoul's impact.[13] On January 17, 2017, Tiller publicly announced the album's title and concept via Twitter, stating, "im working on this album called True to Self, non-stop until it's finished. then it's yours," signaling his commitment to an authentic, uncompromised release rooted in R&B traditions.[15][16] This declaration underscored the project's thematic focus on self-expression, setting expectations for a more mature exploration of Tiller's artistry.[17]Recording Sessions
Recording sessions for True to Self primarily occurred in Bryson Tiller's home studio in Louisville, Kentucky, supplemented by work in Los Angeles across 2016 and 2017.[10] The majority of tracking took place in late 2016, with Tiller wrapping principal recording by April 2017 and final mixes finalized shortly thereafter to enable the album's unanticipated early release on May 26, 2017—a full month before its planned June 23 debut.[18][19] Tiller maintained a hands-on role throughout, self-producing multiple tracks and engaging in iterative refinements after initial demo stages to ensure creative alignment.[10] NES emerged as the primary collaborator, producing nine tracks with his signature sparse, atmospheric R&B instrumentation that complemented Tiller's style.[20][10] Additional key producers included Teddy Walton, who handled three tracks; Boi-1da, contributing to two; and T-Minus, responsible for one other, such as the lead single "Somethin Tells Me."[20][21]Composition and Themes
Musical Style
True to Self represents an evolution of Bryson Tiller's trap-soul sound, blending R&B with trap influences through atmospheric synths, booming 808 bass, and minimalistic beats that maintain mid-tempos around 70–100 BPM to create a moody, introspective atmosphere.[5][22] The production, led by frequent collaborator NES alongside contributors like Teddy Walton and Boi-1da, draws heavily on '90s R&B samples—such as SWV's "Rain" in the intro track and Mary J. Blige's "Don't Go" on "Stay Blessed"—to infuse a luxurious, nostalgic vibe while incorporating hip-hop elements like Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self (Remix)" sample on "Before You Judge" for rhythmic contrast.[20][5] Compared to Tiller's debut T R A P S O U L, the album features more polished production with subtle dancehall echoes and hip-hop fusions, evident in the pressurized reverb and layered vocal harmonies that enhance the trap-soul foundation without overwhelming the sparse arrangements.[22] Auto-tune is applied to Tiller's vocals for a crisp, melodic edge, allowing seamless shifts between smooth singing and aggressive rapping, as heard in tracks like "Self-Made" and "In Check."[5] Subtle piano loops and talkbox effects, such as on "Teach Me a Lesson," add textural depth, contributing to the album's cohesive yet varied sonic palette.[20] Spanning 19 tracks over 58 minutes, True to Self employs intros and outros like "Rain on Me" and "Always" to establish and sustain its moody tones, framing the project as a continuous, bedroom-drama sequence that prioritizes emotional immersion through its restrained beats and expansive soundscapes.[23][22] This structure underscores the album's trap-soul maturation, balancing minimalism with sample-driven richness for a more refined listening experience.[5]Lyrical Content
The lyrics of True to Self delve into Bryson Tiller's introspective exploration of self-doubt, toxic relationships, and personal growth, often drawing from his experiences navigating fame and romance. In interviews, Tiller has described the album's content as reflective of his internal struggles, stating, "There’s a lot of self-doubt in there... I question myself a lot," while emphasizing relational "ups and downs" and an overarching theme of evolution: "It’s about growth... I’m trying to show people I’m evolving."[10] These themes manifest through vulnerable confessions that blend emotional fragility with assertive bravado, characteristic of Tiller's "trapsoul" persona, which fuses trap-influenced street vernacular with soulful R&B introspection. Vulnerability emerges prominently in tracks like "No Longer Friends," where Tiller recounts the emotional turmoil of developing romantic feelings for a woman already in a relationship, complicating their platonic bond and highlighting the pain of unreciprocated longing.[24] Similarly, "Run Me Dry" portrays the heartbreak of a toxic dynamic, with Tiller expressing fears of being exploited for financial gain in a love that's grown one-sided: "This dancehall-tinged track is about being taken advantage of by someone you love... worries that his girl is only with him for the money."[25] In contrast, redemption and growth anchor "Self-Made," where Tiller celebrates his independent success post-T R A P S O U L, boasting of newfound wealth while affirming self-reliance: "I feel self-made... sometimes you deserve to go ball and splurge on yourself."[26] The album's narrative arcs trace a progression from relational despair to empowerment, mirroring Tiller's real-life ascent amid fame's pressures. Early tracks like "Run Me Dry" capture the depletion of heartbreak and imbalance, evolving toward resilience in "High Stakes," which likens personal risks to gambling while underscoring triumphs over obstacles: "The lyrics... express the struggles and triumphs that come with overcoming obstacles on the road to success."[27] This journey reflects Tiller's own transitions, from relational uncertainties to a more assured identity shaped by celebrity and romance.[22] Tiller employs poetic devices such as repetitive hooks to amplify emotional intensity, as seen in the echoing pleas of "No Longer Friends" that reinforce isolation and desire.[24] His slang-infused vernacular—phrases like "run me dry" evoking exploitation in street-tough language—blends raw bravado with underlying vulnerability, creating a confessional tone that invites listeners into his psyche.[28] Unique to the lyrics is the recurring nod to social media's role in straining relationships, where digital scrutiny exacerbates insecurities and fame's isolation, as Tiller weaves these modern intrusions into tales of jealousy and disconnection.[29] This "trapsoul" lyrical anchor grounds the album in Tiller's authentic voice, prioritizing emotional truth over polished narratives.[5]Release and Promotion
Singles
The lead single from True to Self, "Somethin Tells Me", was released on May 11, 2017. It debuted and peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[30] The accompanying music video, directed by Elijah Steen, depicts Tiller as a photographer capturing images of diverse women in scenic coastal settings, evoking themes of introspection and doubt in a faltering relationship.[31][32] The follow-up single, "Run Me Dry", arrived on July 25, 2017, and reached number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100.[33] Its music video, directed by Hamish Stephenson, presents an intimate, emotional portrayal of relational tension, with Tiller confronting themes of emotional and financial drain in a dimly lit bedroom setting.[34][35] No further official singles were issued from the album, though the promotional track "Honey"—released alongside "Somethin Tells Me" on May 11, 2017—garnered significant streaming plays and occasional radio exposure to heighten early buzz.[36] These releases helped generate anticipation within the album's overall marketing efforts.[13]Marketing and Tours
To promote True to Self, Bryson Tiller headlined the Set It Off Tour from August to October 2017, spanning North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. The North American leg, which began on August 3 at Atlanta's Fox Theatre and included 27 dates, featured supporting acts H.E.R. and Metro Boomin.[37] The European portion, announced in July and comprising 24 shows across 13 countries starting October 17 in Marseille, France, had SZA as the opener.[38] A third leg in Oceania kicked off on September 22 in Auckland, New Zealand, extending the tour's reach to new markets. Several tracks, including "Exchange" from his debut album, served as set openers during the shows. Digital marketing efforts emphasized social media engagement and streaming platforms to build anticipation. Tiller shared teasers and the tracklist via Twitter and Instagram in the weeks leading up to release, culminating in a surprise drop on May 26, 2017—nearly a month ahead of the announced June 23 date—to capitalize on fan excitement and maintain control over the rollout.[39] The album was prominently featured on curated Spotify playlists like RapCaviar and Today's Top Hits, alongside Apple Music's A-List R&B, driving early streams without formal exclusives.[2] Tiller supported the album through high-profile media appearances, including a live performance of "Run Me Dry" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in August 2017 and a set at the 2017 BET Experience concert series in June, where he showcased tracks from True to Self alongside hits from his debut.[40][41] Merchandise tied to the promotion included limited-edition colored vinyl pressings of the album, released in gatefold jackets with digital downloads, available through retailers like Amazon and independent record stores.[42] International promotion focused on radio airplay in key regions to complement the tour. In the UK, tracks like "Somethin Tells Me" received pushes from BBC Radio 1Xtra, aligning with European dates and contributing to entries on the UK R&B chart.[38] Similarly, Australian stations such as Triple J and Nova FM spotlighted the album ahead of the Oceania shows, facilitating regional visibility.[43]Reception and Legacy
Critical Reviews
Upon its release, True to Self received mixed reviews from critics, who praised aspects of its production and emotional introspection while critiquing its length, consistency, and reliance on familiar formulas.[44] The album holds a Metacritic score of 63 out of 100, based on six critic reviews, indicating generally favorable but divided opinions.[44] Several reviewers highlighted the album's production strengths and Tiller's vulnerability. Pitchfork commended the mature, luxurious sound achieved through nostalgic '90s R&B samples from artists like Brandy and Mary J. Blige, creating a cohesive, old-school radio vibe that elevated the tracks' aesthetic appeal, awarding it 6.6 out of 10.[5] Vulture noted the emotional depth in Tiller's recounting of his relationship with his daughter's mother, portraying a narrative of renewed commitment and personal struggles that added layers of vulnerability to the project.[22] XXL described the production as addictive and infectious, with strong refrains on tracks like "No Longer Friends" and "Stay Blessed," though it viewed the album as an amplified version of Tiller's debut Trapsoul.[21] Critics also pointed to notable shortcomings. Exclaim! gave it 6 out of 10, criticizing the 19-track length as imbalanced and overstuffed, leading to inconsistency where some songs like "We Both Know" failed to leave a lasting impression despite confident swagger.[45] AllMusic scored it 6.6 out of 10, faulting Tiller for struggling to lower his guard emotionally, resulting in bland tropes and a lack of passionate depth that made him seem like a sappy everyman rather than a compelling romantic figure.[46] Spin echoed this by calling the album formulaic, with monotonous vocals and clichéd "broke boy-turned-hurt boy" themes that amplified Tiller's weaknesses in rap delivery and emotional specificity.[47]Commercial Performance
True to Self debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in May 2017, earning 107,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 47,000 in pure album sales.[48] By November 2025, the album had accumulated over 1 million album-equivalent units in the United States, largely propelled by sustained streaming activity on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, where its tracks have garnered hundreds of millions of plays.[49] Internationally, the album achieved a peak position of number four on the Canadian Albums chart and number eleven on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting solid initial reception in those markets.[50][51] It also demonstrated strong digital performance in Australia, debuting at number twelve on the ARIA Albums Chart.[52] The album's commercial success was bolstered by promotional efforts including the Set It Off tour and hit singles like "Exchange."Cultural Impact
True to Self contributed to the evolution of the trap-soul genre by expanding on Bryson Tiller's signature blend of introspective vulnerability and trap-influenced production, influencing artists who adopted similar emotional depth and rhythmic elements in their work. For instance, Summer Walker, whose debut album Over It arrived in 2019, has drawn from Tiller's style in her moody, relationship-focused R&B, as evidenced by their collaboration on "Playing Games," which highlights shared thematic and sonic sensibilities.[53] Similarly, Rod Wave's melodic rap approach, characterized by raw emotion over soulful beats, echoes the trap-soul framework Tiller helped popularize through albums like True to Self.[54] The album has fostered a dedicated cult following. As a career milestone, True to Self represented Tiller's attempt to mature beyond his debut Trapsoul, bridging to subsequent releases like the 2020 Anniversary project and the 2024 self-titled album, where he explored greater artistic independence and personal themes.[55] These later works reflect the confidence gained from navigating the sophomore pressures evident in True to Self.[10] Broader discussions within hip-hop and R&B circles have highlighted the album's underrated status, particularly around its fifth anniversary in 2022, positioning it as an overlooked gem in Tiller's discography despite lacking major awards like Grammys. However, its legacy was affirmed on October 2, 2025, when the RIAA certified True to Self platinum, recognizing over one million units sold in the U.S.[49]Credits and Track Listing
Track Listing
The standard and digital editions of True to Self are identical, comprising 19 tracks with a total runtime of 58:19. All tracks were written primarily by Bryson Tiller, often with additional co-writers for samples and interpolations.[56][20]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Rain on Me (Intro)" | 2:25 | Bryson Tiller | NES, Teddy Walton | Samples "Rain" by SWV (writers: Brian Alexander Morgan, John Pastorius).[56][20] |
| 2. | "No Longer Friends" | 2:14 | Bryson Tiller | Swiff D, Gravez | Samples "My Place" by Tweet (writers: Charlene Keys, Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart).[56][20] |
| 3. | "Don't Get Too High" | 3:29 | Bryson Tiller | NES | Contains uncredited vocals from Travis Scott's "Backyard".[20] |
| 4. | "Blowing Smoke" | 3:00 | Bryson Tiller | WondaGurl, FrancisGotHeat | .[20] |
| 5. | "We Both Know" | 2:40 | Bryson Tiller | NES | Samples "Stroke You Up" by Changing Faces (writer: R. Kelly).[56][20] |
| 6. | "You Got It" | 2:56 | Bryson Tiller | Hollywood Hotsauce | Keyboards: Wow Jones.[56][20] |
| 7. | "In Check" | 3:18 | Bryson Tiller | J-Louis, Rob Holladay, Wow Jones, Teddy Walton | Samples "Missing You" by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan (writers: Barry Eastmond, Gordon Chambers). Keyboards: Wow Jones.[56][20] |
| 8. | "Self-Made" | 2:48 | Bryson Tiller | NES | Interpolates "Palikari Dipsasmeno" by Stavros Xarchakos (writers: Dinos Dimopoulos, Stavros Xarchakos).[56][20] |
| 9. | "Run Me Dry" | 2:49 | Bryson Tiller | Boi-1da, Allen Ritter | .[20] |
| 10. | "High Stakes" | 3:02 | Bryson Tiller | NES | Samples "(Do It Do It) No One Does It Better" by the Spinners (writers: Leroy Bell, Thomas Bell, Casey James).[56][20] |
| 11. | "Rain Interlude" | 0:46 | Bryson Tiller | NES, Teddy Walton | Keyboards: Wow Jones.[56][20] |
| 12. | "Teach Me a Lesson" | 3:27 | Bryson Tiller | Ayo the Producer | Talkbox: Fingazz. Samples "Your Hands" by Marsha Ambrosius (writers: Marsha Ambrosius, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis).[56][20] |
| 13. | "Stay Blessed" | 4:06 | Bryson Tiller | NES, Wow Jones | Samples "Don't Go" by Mary J. Blige. Keyboards: Wow Jones.[56][20] |
| 14. | "Money Problems / Benz Truck" | 4:59 | Bryson Tiller | Pro Logic, Boi-1da, !llmind, Rob Holladay | Additional keys: Mahxie.[20] |
| 15. | "Set It Off" | 3:37 | Bryson Tiller | Teddy Walton, IAMNOBODI | Samples "You Are My Joy (Interlude)" by Faith Evans (writers: Faith Evans, Carl Thomas).[56][20] |
| 16. | "Nevermind This Interlude" | 2:14 | Bryson Tiller | Soundz | .[56][20] |
| 17. | "Before You Judge" | 4:46 | Bryson Tiller | NES, !llmind | Interpolates "Check Yo Self (Remix)" by Ice Cube (writers: O'Shea Jackson, Nathaniel Hale, Edward Fletcher, Melvin Glover, Sylvia Robinson).[56][20] |
| 18. | "Somethin Tells Me" | 3:14 | Bryson Tiller | T-Minus | .[20] |
| 19. | "Always (Outro)" | 2:30 | Bryson Tiller | NES, Rob Holladay, Wow Jones, Frank Dukes | Samples "Foolin' Around" by Changing Faces (writer: R. Kelly). Keyboards: Wow Jones.[56][20] |
Personnel
Bryson Tiller served as the primary vocalist on all 19 tracks of True to Self.[20][1] The album's production involved a team of over a dozen contributors, led by NES, who handled nine tracks including "Don't Get Too High," "We Both Know," "Self-Made," "High Stakes," "Stay Blessed," "Before You Judge," "Rain on Me (Intro)," "Rain Interlude," and "Always (Outro)." Other key producers included Teddy Walton on four tracks: "Rain on Me (Intro)," "In Check," "Rain Interlude," and "Set It Off"; Boi-1da on "Run Me Dry" and "Benz Truck"; Wow Jones as co-producer on three tracks: "In Check," "Stay Blessed," and "Always (Outro)," and keyboards on additional tracks including "You Got It"; and Rob Holladay on three tracks including "In Check," "Benz Truck," and "Always (Outro)." Additional producers were Swiff D and Gravez for "No Longer Friends"; WondaGurl and FrancisGotHeat for "Blowing Smoke"; Hollywood Hotsauce for "You Got It"; J-Louis for "In Check"; Allen Ritter (co-producer) for "Run Me Dry"; Ayo for "Teach Me a Lesson"; Iamnobodi for "Set It Off"; Soundz for "Nevermind This Interlude"; T-Minus for "Somethin Tells Me"; !llmind for "Benz Truck" and "Before You Judge"; Pro Logic for "Money Problems / Benz Truck"; and Frank Dukes for "Always (Outro)." Wow Jones also contributed keyboards on several tracks, including "You Got It," "In Check," "Rain Interlude," "Stay Blessed," and "Always (Outro)," while Fingazz provided talkbox on "Teach Me a Lesson," and Mahxie provided additional keys on "Money Problems / Benz Truck." No additional live musicians beyond these production roles are credited.[20] Engineering and mixing were overseen by Fabian Marasciullo, who mixed all tracks at Just Us Studios in Studio City, California.[1] Audio engineering was handled by Michael "Black Mic" Williams. Mixing assistants included McCoy Socalgargoyle. Mastering was completed by Colin Leonard at SING Mastering.[56][1][57] A&R direction was provided by Tunji Balogun. Management was led by Neil Dominique for Left Lane Management. Artwork and art direction were credited to Chase Ichiki, Doubleday & Cartwright, with photography by Ro Lexx. The album was released under RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, with Trapsoul as Tiller's imprint label. No changes to the personnel credits have been reported as of 2025.[58][56][1][59]Charts and Certifications
Weekly Charts
True to Self experienced strong chart performance across multiple international markets during its initial release period in 2017. In the United States, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart for one week, dated June 10, 2017, marking Bryson Tiller's first chart-topping album. It also reached number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and held the position for one week.[48] Internationally, the album peaked at number four on the Canadian Albums Chart (Billboard) and remained on the tally for 10 weeks. In the United Kingdom, it entered the UK Albums Chart (Official Charts Company) at number 11 and spent a total of three weeks in the listing; on the UK R&B Albums Chart, it achieved a peak of number one.[51] The album also charted in other regions, reaching number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, number 12 on the Top 40 Albums Chart in New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) with 2 weeks, and number 123 on the Top Albums Chart in France (SNEP) with 2 weeks.[60][61]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard 200 | 1 | 1 (at #1) |
| United States | Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 1 | 1 (at #1) |
| Canada | Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 4 | 10 |
| United Kingdom | UK Albums (OCC) | 11 | 3 |
| United Kingdom | UK R&B Albums (OCC) | 1 | 4 |
| Australia | ARIA Albums | 12 | - |
| New Zealand | Top 40 Albums (RMNZ) | 12 | 2 |
| France | Top Albums (SNEP) | 123 | 2 |
Year-end Charts
In 2017, True to Self achieved notable placements on several year-end album charts, reflecting its strong performance in the R&B and hip-hop genres following its surprise release. On the US Billboard 200, the album ranked at No. 96 for the year, based on combined sales and streaming activity.[62] It fared better on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, landing at No. 37, underscoring its appeal within the genre.[63]| Chart (2017) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 96 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 37 |
Certifications
True to Self has received several certifications from music industry organizations around the world, recognizing its sales and streaming performance. In the United States, the album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on October 2, 2025, denoting 1,000,000 equivalent units.[64] The album achieved Gold certification in Canada from Music Canada in 2017, equivalent to 40,000 units.[65] In the United Kingdom, it was awarded Silver status by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2018 for sales of 60,000 units. Additionally, Recorded Music NZ certified the album Gold in 2017, representing 7,500 units in New Zealand. By 2025, True to Self had not received certifications in Australia, France, or other major markets. These awards reflect the album's strong commercial reception, supported by overall sales exceeding 1 million units globally.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Music Canada | Gold | 40,000 | 2017 |
| New Zealand | Recorded Music NZ | Gold | 7,500 | 2017 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Silver | 60,000 | 2018 |
| United States | RIAA | Platinum | 1,000,000 | October 2, 2025 |