Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Joe and Jada – Ty Dolla $ign on 'Tycoon' Album, Kanye West & 'Vultures,' Lady Gaga & R&B Eras

Aired: October 16, 2025
Guests: Ty Dolla $ign
Hosts: Fat Joe, Jadakiss

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode, Fat Joe and Jadakiss welcome Ty Dolla $ign onto the Joe and Jada segment to talk about his new album "Tycoon", collaborations (notably with Kanye West on "Vultures"), his journey through the eras of R&B, mentorship, label ownership, and insights into the current and future state of music. The conversation ranges from industry stories to fatherhood, creative processes, and Ty’s documentary about his brother’s wrongful incarceration ("Free TC").

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Ty Dolla $ign’s Roots & Musical DNA

• [04:45] Ty credits his musical influences to both classic and modern R&B, with his father having played in the funk group Lakeside.
  • “I've been like, studying all the different R&B styles, the rock styles, the hip hop styles, and all that applies to what I'm doing today.” – Ty Dolla $ign
• [05:11] On meeting music legends as a child:
  • “I was able to meet Prince, Earth, Wind and Fire... It put me onto the greatest music possible.”
• Ty’s ability to emulate any reference is highlighted, with Fat Joe noting that Ty “could have been a member of Boyz II Men, Guy, or Jodeci” due to his vocal range and contemporary relevance.

"Tycoon" – The New Album

• [06:54] First solo project in four years, dropping 10/17.
  • “There’s 15 tracks on there. If you buy the album, you get two extra bonus tracks. Banger after banger after banger—something for everybody.” – Ty Dolla $ign
• Each album is likened to a restaurant’s menu: “It’s like I got something on a menu for everybody.” – Ty ([07:03])
• The project boasts major features: Kodak Black, YG, Quavo, Leon Thomas.
  • [08:27] Leon Thomas is the first artist signed to Ty’s label, Easy Money Records. Ty shouts out the newest signees: RJ the Weirdo, Keith Turner, Busy Crook Major, Sage from Texas ([09:11]).

On Founding Easy Money Records

• [09:37] Ty sees label ownership as a chance to right past wrongs:
  • “Everything that happened to us as artists when we saw mistakes, I get to make sure that them same mistakes don't happen this way.”
• Both Ty and hosts agree the artist-as-boss model is about protecting and guiding new talent ([10:13]).

The "Free TC" Documentary & Social Impact

• [11:20] Ty announces his documentary "Still Free TC," chronicling his life and his brother’s wrongful conviction.
  • “People only get to see the good shit. This time, you get to see the family, everything I went through coming up... And even now, there’s still struggle.”
• At the Tribeca Film Festival, viewers were moved to tears, galvanized to help Free TC ([21:40]).
• Ty shares the documentary brings his brother’s story to life, aiming to “get to who I need to get to” to help set him free ([22:53]).
• Fat Joe gives candid advice about leveraging music industry connections for legal advocacy ([23:12]).

Working with Kanye West & the Making of "Vultures"

• [12:01] Ty details working with Kanye on "Vultures":
  • “Just from the track record, and then y'all see what happened with us. The music is the music. Vultures went number one, you know what I'm saying? So it was a success.”
  • Ty frames it as loyalty and creative alignment, standing by Kanye during a time when many distanced themselves from him.
• [13:18] Fat Joe shares his own, sometimes hilarious, studio and video shoot stories with Kanye, including extravagant wardrobe expenses and perfectionist studio demands (e.g., saying a verse “maybe a hundred times”).
  • “Nobody ever made me shoot, say the verse a hundred times.” – Fat Joe

Ty’s Philosophy on Creation and Promotion

• [19:04] Ty discusses his all-around musicianship: “Anything you want to do: bass guitar, keys, drums, make the beats, write the song, produce … whatever you want to do.”
• The grind doesn’t end in the studio; artists are expected to “kiss babies and … promote the move” as well ([19:22]).

The State & Future of R&B

• [48:43] Fat Joe raises concern about R&B’s sound today. Ty responds optimistically:
  • “I feel like it's about to do that again... new artists performing, and everybody that performed … was incredible... It's time again.”
• Both reminisce about great R&B eras—70s, 90s—while looking ahead to a fresh generation of talent ([49:24]).

Artistic Authenticity, Fashion & “Weird” in the Industry

• [50:04] Delving into artist style, Fat Joe distinguishes between authentic creativity and gimmick:
  • “Just 'cause you dress weird don't mean you fly… I’ve been seeing motherfuckers now just walking, looking weird and they think they slide. It’s like, no, dude, you’re a fucking weirdo.”
• Ty singles out Kehlani: “I feel like she could have did it in the Brandi Monica era, you know what I’m saying? That’s what I’m looking for. I’m looking for real music with Substance.” ([51:43])

The “Hit Chasing” Mentality & Age in Music

• [52:37] Fat Joe laments today’s one-hit focus and blurring of industry lines (street-to-rapper):
  • “Everybody just wanted one hit. They don’t want that real shit that lasts 10, 20 years.”
• Discussion shifts to unrealistic industry aspirations and the pitfalls of late entry into rap ([54:25]):
  • “Don’t come brand new 62. Nah.”
  • Ty and Joe agree there’s a difference between a true career and fantasy.

Family, Fatherhood, and Personal Balance

• [35:11] Ty beams as a proud dad, detailing his daughter’s academic achievements:
  • “She just started at Pepperdine University to get her master's degree. She already got her BA at CSUN... Doing what we do and to be able to have your daughter go all the way to that level and have that focus, that's a big deal.”
• The hosts swap stories about parenting, boundaries, and communication with their children ([42:19]).

Behind-the-Scenes Industry Realities

• Ty reveals candidly how executive relationships are shaped by shared history—even, humorously, the “Eskimo brother” connection with Hitmaka, which grew into mutual respect and collaboration ([60:41]).
  • “If we would have been working since back then, we would have so many hits... That nigga's, like, talented. He really knows Hitman how to get to the hits.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ty Dolla $ign [07:03]:

  “I look at my album like a restaurant. I got something on a menu for everybody.”

• Fat Joe [13:35]:

  “Nobody ever made me shoot, say the verse a hundred times.”

• Ty Dolla $ign [22:53]:

  “In this life, what really matters is who you know.”

• Fat Joe [23:42]:

  “If your brother’s really innocent, you got these people right around you. Like, Kodak Black knows who the fuck to talk to.”

• Fat Joe [49:50]:

  “Just because you dress weird don’t mean you fly. No, dude, you’re a fucking weirdo.”

• Ty Dolla $ign [51:43]:

  “Kehlani been doing her shit for a long time… I feel like she could have did it in the Brandi Monica era.”

• Fat Joe [54:25]:

  “Don’t come brand new 62. Nah… Who is going to buy your music? Please stop being delusional.”

• Ty Dolla $ign [35:19]:

  “To be able to have your daughter go all the way to that level and have that focus, that's a big deal.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:45 – Ty’s musical upbringing & influences
• 06:54 – Details on "Tycoon" album
• 09:37 – Founding and philosophy of Easy Money Records
• 11:20, 21:40 – "Still Free TC" documentary & social activism
• 12:01 – Creative process with Kanye West
• 19:04 – Musicianship & behind-the-scenes work
• 35:11 – Fatherhood and family pride
• 48:43 – State of R&B and musical evolution
• 50:04 – Style, authenticity, and the “weird” artist debate
• 54:25 – Age and realism in the music industry
• 60:41 – Ty & Hitmaka’s relationship

Conclusion

This episode delivers a raw and energetic look into the mind and career of Ty Dolla $ign, with Fat Joe and Jadakiss guiding a conversation that weaves through industry insight, personal triumphs, pitfalls, and a love for real music. Whether you’re a music aficionado or new to the R&B landscape, the episode provides substance, laughs, and plenty of “real talk” about navigating fame, legacy, and authenticity in the ever-shifting landscape of hip hop and R&B.