Bryson Tiller Recalls Timbaland’s Career Advice

Bryson Tiller, the R&B star known for his hit album ‘TRAPSOUL,’ recently opened up about a challenging experience early in his career that involved legendary producer Timbaland. During an appearance on the “Rory & Mal” podcast, Tiller recalled how Timbaland’s advice to quit his job nearly led him to financial hardship.

A Risky Career Move

Tiller’s story began when his breakout single, “Don’t,” started gaining significant online traction. Timbaland reached out, inviting Tiller to collaborate. However, Tiller was hesitant because he had a job at the time. When he expressed this concern, Timbaland reportedly told him, “This is work,” and when Tiller clarified if he should quit his job, Timbaland responded with a simple, “Yeah.”

Taking Timbaland’s advice, Tiller immediately quit his job and traveled to Miami. There, he recorded several songs that would later feature on his debut album, ‘TRAPSOUL.’ Despite this creative output, Timbaland wasn’t entirely satisfied with the results, and Tiller returned home with limited funds and uncertainty about his professional status.

Financial Strain and Determination

Adding to the pressure, Tiller’s girlfriend at the time was already concerned about him quitting his job, as it was their primary source of income for their children. When Tiller called Timbaland to inquire about payment and his signing status, he was told, “Timbaland said he never told you to quit your job.” This revelation left Tiller feeling “sick.”

Despite these setbacks and the financial strain, Tiller remained determined. “At that point, that was when I realized I was like, ‘All right, I just gotta keep going,’” he recalled. This persistence ultimately paid off, leading to the creation of ‘TRAPSOUL,’ which became a massive success.

Timbaland’s Response

In response to Tiller’s account, Timbaland stated, “At that time, I just saw a talented kid. I didn’t know if he wanted to be a full-fledged artist.” ‘TRAPSOUL,’ released in 2015, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and achieved triple platinum certification, solidifying Tiller’s place in the R&B landscape.