Tyler, The Creator is arguably one of the most colorful and fascinating figures in modern music. You either love him or you hate him. Recently, however, those who love the man and the music seem to be growing in numbers. On July 21, 2017, the Odd Future Records founder released his fourth studio album, Flower Boy.

The evolution of Tyler’s sound, from Goblin to Wolf, from Cherry Bomb to Flower Boy, is apparent. Evolution is what differentiates trends from lifelong legends.

Tyler surrounds himself with plenty of hip hop’s greatest, artists like Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky, and Earl Sweatshirt who are continually growing and strengthening their craft.

I have been a fan of all of Tyler’s endeavors for quite some time, but became a huge fan within the last year and a half. One of my favorite projects he produced was not music based, but instead fashion centered. THAT FIRST FASHION SHOW. That went so hard. When I tell you I watch it, start to finish, at least once a month, I do not lie. The sheer creativity and heart that went into the clothing, show, and everything in between is inspiring. Not to mention, Tyler and his friends are having fun. Like, a lot of fun. As they continue to do in everything they take on, his crew made it their own.

Tyler is known for his consistently fly fits, as he went from a Supreme devotee to the mind behind the clothing empire Golf Wang. Bridging worlds to work in his favor, Tyler and Golf Wang partnered with Converse this year, producing a shoe to promote Flower Boy.

If we dove into Tyler’s never-ending list of original experiments like apps, festivals, and television shows, we really would be here for quite some time. Do your research, find your favorite projects, then get back to me. We can discuss it in a field of flowers. As for today though, we are here for one thing. Flower Boy.

“flower boy is golden hour/ sunset music if youre wondering the best time to listen”

• Track 1: “Foreword”
  • “How much cooler can I get until I run out of fans?”
    • This got a chuckle, followed by an inner monologue with myself about Tyler’s views on his fanbase and the validity/meaning of “followers”
  • “How many raps can I write ’til I get me a chain? How many chains can I wear ’til I’m considered a slave? How many slaves can it be ’til Nat Turner arise? How many riots can it be ’til them Black lives matter?”
    • Nothing needs to be said. You get it.
  • The layering of sounds is beautiful, something that has always been fairly present in Tyler’s music.
    • The contrast between psychedelic strumming and a monotonous beeping remains somehow extremely pleasing, and perfectly fitting.
  • Many believed the conversation about the pool at the song’s outro represented the suicidal thoughts that hinted at the theme of self exploration throughout the album.
  • In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Tyler admits to keeping his rap verses short and meaningful on this project, making more room for his friends to sing.
    • Already apparent in the first track, being that more than the entire last minute is solely singer/songwriter Rex Orange County.

• Track 2: “Where This Flower Blooms”
  • These lyrics. It has barely begun and I know this track is something special. Not only does Frank kill it, (as always) but TYLER. Okay, I see you with these deep lyrics.
  • Already, this is lyrically one of my all time favorite tracks by Tyler, especially in that second verse. It’s simple, but impactful. Give it a listen and you will know what I mean.
  • Similarly to many of Vince Staples’ messages on the album Big Fish Theory, Tyler speaks about his roots, his journey toward fame, and how people tend to act once they gain wealth and popularity.

• Track 3: “Sometimes…”
  • I like it. Funny. Good break. The 36 second track did its job. 10/10.
• Track 4: “See You Again”
  • Why am I crying in the club right now? Woah. Wow. Tyler is really doing it this time around.
  • If you know anything about this album, or the hip hop scene in general, you have most likely heard the recent conversation about Tyler’s sexuality, which has been a hot subject since the release of Flower Boy, and this track in particular.
    • No matter the truth, the trolls, or legitimacy of it all, this is an exceptional track.
  • This love song features Kali Uchis, furthering the similarities between it and “YOUNG / PERFECT” from Cherry Bomb, one of my favorite tracks from that project.
  • Tyler seems to be singing to his ideal lover, whom he can only see in a fantasy world that exists in his sleep. Therefore, he wishes to never wake up.
  • In an Instagram post on July 21, 2017, Tyler deemed “See You Again” his favorite track.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWy4WlFFBw0/?taken-by=feliciathegoat

• Track 5: “Who Dat Boy”
  • The album’s first single features Tyler’s close friend A$AP Rocky. The duo has collaborated many times.
  • To me, the sound and vibe of this song is reminiscent of Tyler’s older work, with an aggressive tempo and loud vocals similar to songs like “Domo23” from Wolf and “CHERRY BOMB” off of the album with the same name.
  • Tyler and A$AP always complement one another so well, their vocal styles always offering what the other may lack, creating a perfect marriage between the two vibes.
  • Also, the video has the classic beautiful visuals that Tyler never fails to one up. That ’95 Leo, though.

• Track 6: “Pothole”
  • I’m getting flashbacks to Gambino’s STN MTN / Kauai mixtape from 2014 with this Jaden Smith feature, and I am here for it.
  • This track diverts from the strong theme of love thus far, discussing obstacles in Tyler’s life through the metaphor of driving.
    • The “potholes” being obstructions that keep him from reaching his potential.
  • Also, that Batmobile reference in the second verse had to intentionally be shouting out Jaden right? Because of his past connections to the character and his new track “Batman”? Hm, I wonder.

• Track 7: “Garden Shed”
  • For some reason, I’m getting some “Black Hole Sun” vibes from this intro, and, again, I’m loving it.
  • I love that Estelle is doing the vocals, it’s a bit unexpected, but perfectly fitting.
  • This track highlights the theme of sexual orientation that was first introduced in “See You Again”, delving deeper into imagery (the garden shed) that extends this metaphor for keeping one’s orientation concealed

• Track 8: “Boredom”
  • A great, solid track to start off the second half of the project.
  • This track in particular is a testament to Tyler’s strong lyricism and proof that rhyme schemes don’t always make the bars great.
  • Thus far, the consistency of sound throughout the entire project is beautiful. Each song is unique and can stand alone, but simultaneously creates a cohesive story from start to finish.

“Turn around and remap route, When they see that boy with them big ears and that gap tooth”

• Track 9: “I Ain’t Got Time!”
  • If you close your eyes, you’re transported to Los Angeles doing donuts with Tyler in his McLaren.
  • This track has many subtle nuances, like the “Happy birthday!” line in the first verse and the beat cutout in the second verse. These creative choices allow the song to hold its own against “Who Dat Boy”, the only other song thus far with a comparable tempo and mood. For these reasons, both earn a spot in my “freek in the streets” Spotify playlist.
  • This song is home to one of the most clear references to Tyler’s sexual orientation, with the line, “Next line will have ’em like “Woah”, I’ve been kissing white boys since 2004″.

• Track 10: “911 / Mr. Lonely”
  • A two part tracked released along with “Who Dat Boy” in late June.
  • When the song first dropped, there was a familiarity to it that I could not pinpoint. After further listening and research, I realized the beat was used in the 2016 GOLF Fashion Show that I love so much.
  • The depressing nature of the lyrics and the snare heavy beat in the latter half may surprise many of Tyler’s oldest fans.
    • As Genius annotator Ezwar99 explains, “During the release of Cherry Bomb [Tyler] stated that he is not depressed anymore and that he wished to ditch “depressing rap”. Because of his transition of rapping about dark, violent and depressing topics to rapping about cars and wealth, Tyler was often criticized by fans of his older material – like Bastard and Goblin.”

• Track 11: “Droppin’ Seeds”
  • This minute long interlude offers a fresh dynamic with a jazz elements in the intro.
• Track 12: “November”
  • Wow, this one is special. It really has me contemplating stuff. Isn’t a great artist one that really makes you think and question things? One that makes you want to learn more about the music but also how it relates to you?
  • Tyler longs for November, which represents a high point in his life.
    • Intentionally or not, Tyler’s Camp Flog Gnaw music festival is held annually in November, which has been a tremendous success for him.
  • His vulnerability and fears shine through in this song. He teeters between whether or not he is truly happy and if he is living his best life.
  • The interlude before the bridge, where Tyler’s friends speak about their personal Novembers, may be my favorite part of the track.

• Track 13: “Glitter”
  • Like “See You Again”, this track’s intro is especially reminicisent of “YOUNG / PERFECT” with the line speaking about being “more than just friends” with someone.
  • The flow and quick pace of the first verse was a bit unexpected for me, but I was impressed by how he made it work and mesh so naturally with the lethargic tempo.
  • Th mellow wave of the bridge is a flawless transition to the album’s final track
• Track 14: “Enjoy Right Now, Today”
  • A sense of calm is over me and all seems okay in the world for just a few minutes. An instrumental track is the perfect conclusion to a fairly complex album like this.
  • It leaves listeners with a bright and positive sound, one Genius.com user declaring this song the “audible equivalent to the color yellow”.
  • In his previous albums, Tyler has always linked the first and final tracks in some way. (Bastard: Inglorious Bastard, Goblin: Golden Goblin, and Wolf: Lone Wolf)
    • The final sound on this track is the shutting of a car door, which cleverly refers back to the first few lines of the album’s intro track “Foreword”.
  • Genius.com users larryfish and mariachimari likened the track to the “end credits of a Simpson episode” and a “gentle but thrilling theme park ride”. I could not have put it more eloquently if I tried.

As all anticipated music seems to these days, Flower Boy leaked 11 days before the scheduled release. I am so glad I waited to listen, hopefully in the way that Tyler intended for it to be heard. I leave you with hopes that you put on your brightest yellow fit, find some flowers, and drift away into the extraordinarily mythical world of Tyler, The Creator.