Bryson Tiller Takes ‘Trap Soul’ to New Heights at New York City Show

The rise of Bryson Tiller is nothing less than a Cinderella story. A year ago, the 23-year-old was working at Papa John's and battling homelessness in Louisville, Ky. Last night (Feb. 22), Young Tiller commanded a crowd of over 1,000 fans with the melodies of his debut project, Trapsoul.

The Bryson Mania of the Trapsoul Tour started as early as 8:30 PM as a line formed around the block outside of New York's Webster Hall, winding all the way back to 13th Street. Once inside, fans didn't mind standing shoulder to shoulder, winter coats still in hand, in anticipation for the crooner to hit the stage.

Toward the back bar of Webster's main hall, it was definitely date night. Couples with drinks in hand took selfies together and awaited the man of the hour while singer and producer duo THEY. warmed things up for the girls up front. Though the L.A.-based team has only dropped one joint EP, Nu Religion, Drew and Dante seemed to float through their set with melodic ease, covering classics like Paula Cole's "I Don't Want to Wait" with a little extra soul.

By 10 PM the floor and balcony of Webster Hall was so packed, even industry folk were standing on tables, thinking they'd lose their spots if they went to get a drink. Aided by smoke machines, heavy bass and neon lights, Tiller calmly strolled up to the mic stand from stage right as if he didn't even hear the fanfare that welcomed him. Dressed in a simple black tee, skinny jeans, Adidas Pure Boosts and his Trapsoul dad hat, Pen Griffey made the most of the moment, first peering out into the crowd for a moment before diving into the hour-long set list.

While he sang "Set You Free," "Overtime" and Exchange," honeys in the first few rows reached arduously over one another to be able to hold Tiller's hand for a moment, pass him a love note (quickly pocketed) or just take a photo with him. One bold girl even threw a pair of panties onstage (seriously). As he dipped in and out of deep cuts, a dynamic solo by Tiller's drummer toward the end of "Rambo" woke up the room with a resounding roar. A standout aspect of the performance was the singer often preferring to be backlit in cool tones of blue and purple rather than stand onstage with a spotlight on his face. This subtle lighting cue could be seen as a metaphor for how Tiller wants to be seen, or rather not seen, as an artist: heard more than watched.

Amid the fanfare, Tiller took moments to remind fans about his journey and express gratitude. "This is actually only my second show in New York," the Kentucky native said mid-set. "My first was at SOB's. And that was like my first show ever for real, for real. Were y'all there?" The answer he received was deafening screams. The size of that venue paled in comparison to the huge turnout at Webster Hall.

As a '90s kid with roots in '70s soul, Tiller has previously cited some of popular music's most iconic acts like Gladys Knight; Earth, Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson, as inspiration. Judging from his bravado, the modest star-in-the-making was channeling one of the greats last night. Tiller finished up with "Don't," the song that started it all, with the help of the many women in the room as his backup singers.

With another Webster show tonight (Feb. 23) and the announcement of a Radio City Music Hall show in April, the RCA signee is on a trajectory toward R&B stardom. Pen Griffey's price just went up.

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