Tyler The Creator
As far as creativity goes, MTV Music Award-winning Tyler (The Creator) rivals some of the most talented producers of our time. Artists like Pharrell and Kanye come to mind when I think of Tyler, as they are all very open and seem to lack the fear of stepping outside of the box. This becomes increasingly apparent in his 6th album “IGOR”, in which Tyler explores a series of almost Jazz-like tones and melodies. This 12 song piece of art arguably is one of his largest leaps towards his audience (which is saying something considering this is the same artist that ate a roach not too long ago in one of his first Music videos), in the sense that he attempted to really experiment with different sounds as well as implement his ever-loved piano talents.
REAL Tyler Fans
To put any of Tyler’s music in a genre is almost a slap in the face to his art, but I will do my best job to do so. This somewhat modernized Jazz/Hip-Hop mashup of an album sought to reach the REAL Tyler fans; its strays so far away from his norm that he almost tests to the listeners to see who is actually paying attention to his growth as an artist. From hardcore death metal undertones to bass guitars and pianos, Tyler obviously is enjoying his new found passion for softer toned music.
Deceptively Cohesive
The album fosters some fantastic songs, such as “EARFQUAKE” (featuring Playboi Carti), “RUNNING OUT OF TIME”, “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS”, and a handful of others. The album is deceptively cohesive, as it meshes together perfectly and almost makes the listener miss the transition into the next song. I LOVE that about great albums, the sense that you’re listening to one extremely lengthy song means that the artist(s) did a fantastic job in reaching their goal or telling the story they are looking to tell. For reference, albums such as ScHoolboy Q’s “Oxymoron” Or Anderson. Paak’s “Malibu” are albums I would place in the category of “Deceptively cohesive”.
Tyler’s use of tone-deaf harmonization, voice modification, and humming throughout the songs give the album the “zest” it needs. Tyler tells a full-fledged love story in 12 songs without even using his actual voice (or at least with the bare minimum amount of it).
As an avid Tyler the Creator fan, I can wholeheartedly say that this is some of his better work. Considering it his BEST work is difficult for me to say, as I’ve legitimately been listening to him since Middle School, and this album is roughly 2 weeks old. While this doesn’t seem to be his most HEARTFELT work (his more depressing music seemed to come from the heart to me, as it was actual emotions and pain he was feeling at the time he was struggling to grow as an artist), you can definitely tell this wasn’t a rushed mainstream project that he pushed for profit, he created this album with the soul purpose to express himself to his fan base, and for that I applaud him.
