Ty Dolla $ign, Purple Emoji | Track Review

The ever-versatile Ty Dolla $ign, assisted by rapper extraordinaire J. Cole, delivers a short but totally intriguing new R&B single, “Purple Emoji.”

Ty Dolla $ign has proven time and time again that he’s quite the versatile musician.  Categorizing him can change from song to song.  Ultimately, he falls under the umbrella of urban music – hip-hop. The best way to characterize him is as a rapper, singer, and songwriter.  Once again, Ty shows off his artistic prowess on a new single, “Purple Emoji.” He doesn’t arrive alone, enlisting the always intriguing J. Cole for the assist.

“Purple Emoji” is relatively brief, but quite alluring.  One of the reasons for the allure is the production work.  MXXWLL gives Ty Dolla Sign a lift with a soulful soundtrack that exemplifies the neo-soul, urban contemporary sound.  Credit for that old-school sensibility is also owed to Take 6 whose “More Than Ever” is prominently sampled.  In fact, Take 6 handles the entirety of the initial chorus:

“I need you, more than ever

More than ever

I need you, more than ever

I know that I’m in trouble…”

Ty Dolla $ign has plenty of moments, even with Take 6’s pivotal role.  He sounds quite confident and assertive on the first verse, showing off his robust, unique singing vocals.  He joins along with Take 6 on the second chorus, before ceding the reins to J. Cole.  Cole is ‘on’ as always, though it’s interesting that the record is heavily censored as opposed to releasing both an explicit and clean version.  Nonetheless, Cole’s bars are fires, including referencing the title at one point: “Purple emojis with horns on it / Like the devil, but ain’t nothin’ devilish, babe…”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Ty Dolla $ign serves up another hit with “Purple Emoji.”  Adding J. Cole to the mix was a pro by all means.  “Purple Emoji” exemplifies being ‘short and sweet.’ The soulful sound makes this a winner.

Ty Dolla $ign • Purple Emoji (Ft. J. Cole) [Single] • Atlantic • Release: 5.20.19

Photo Credit: Atlantic