Urban contemporary artist Ty Dolla $ign enlists reggae artist Damian Marley and electronic artist Skrillex on bizarre, WTF single, “So Am I.”  

The award for one of the oddest collaborations of 2017 goes to “So Am I.” The versatile Ty Dolla $ign serves as the lead artist on this unique record, assisted by Damian Marley and Skrillex.  In what world would you envision those three artists appearing on the same song? Certainly not planet earth.  Nonetheless, it happens, and the results are interesting.

Beginning with the pros, the production work is unique.  The sound has tropical and reggae cues, expected given the appearance of Damian Marley.  These sounds definitely “keep you on your toes.”  Vocally, much like the production, Ty Dolla $ign has his own distinct tone.  Ty has released a proper debut album, EPs, and a mixtape.  He’s had no shortage of work, so many folks like the timbre of his voice.  Personally, I feel the same.  Given the eccentricity of “So Am I,” his distinctness only adds to the captivation factor.  To summarize, pros include the production and the pipes.

Now, for the cons.  WTF is going on? This song is weird, weird, WEIRD.  Stylistically, it’s confusing.  While Ty Dolla $ign is clearly an urban contemporary artist and sounds that way, the electro-reggae-pop production sounds completely different from the sound that’s graced his past work.  Damian Marley has only a small role, so if this production was meant to cater to him, why not give him a bigger role? As aforementioned, while the production is a pro to an extent, I’m not convinced that it’s a pro for Ty Dolla $ign.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “So Am I” will please some and others not so much.  Personally, this isn’t my cup of tea.  It’s bizarre – all over the place.  Even as weird as it is, it still piques interest for what is to come from Ty Dolla $ign.  That’s a positive takeaway at least.

Ty Dolla $ign • So Am I (Ft. Damian Marley & Skrillex) – Single • Atlantic • Release: 9.1.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic