September 23, 2017
This summer, Tyler, the Creator released his fourth album, “Flower Boy.” The album, released on July 20, made waves on the charts within the hip-hop community. The star-studded album included fourteen unique tracks with features from Pharrell Williams, Lil’ Wayne and Frank Ocean. From the tracks “Who Dat Boy” to “See You Again”, it’s obvious that Tyler’s production skills have been refined. Tyler uses 80’s inspired synths and bass-heavy samples, which pay tribute to his previous projects. 
The combination of the synths and the samples creates a new genre dubbed “Jazz Rap.” Tyler draws influence from jazz legends like Roy Ayers to create colorful instrumentals, which gives his tracks a nostalgic feeling, making it easy for the audience to connect with the album.
Tyler also heavily uses clever wordplay to channel his emotions. In the song “Foreword,” the first track on the album, he explores suicidal thoughts and his standing as a rapper in the media.
“How many raps can I write ’til I get me a chain?/ How many chains can I wear ’til I’m considered a slave?”
Tyler’s new project isn’t the only project making history. While the music production is definitely a standout classic, Tyler decided to use this release to talk about some more personal issues. On several of the tracks, Tyler hints at his sexuality.
One line that stood out to fans was the line, “Next line will have them like, ‘woah’ / I been kissing white boys since 2004,” in the eighth track, I Ain’t Got Time!
Originally the leader/part of the music collective, Odd Future, the group rose to fame with their out-of-the-box approach. The collective was often criticized for its lyrics being insensitive to women, LGBT, and other groups. In addition, they were also criticized for having redundant sounding pieces and passing their artistic peak. It’s apparent that this is no longer true for Tyler.
Tyler, the Creator’s new album proves that he hasn’t only reached his potential, but he has a lot more to offer his fans. The tracks are catchy, heartfelt and classic. Overall, this album will prove to be one of the top albums of the year. This project won’t disappoint.
Contact the writer, Chenoa Tyehimba, at [emailprotected]
Photos courtesy of Creative Commons.
As an enthusiast with a demonstrable understanding of music, particularly in the realm of hip-hop, I am well-versed in the nuances of Tyler, the Creator's fourth album, "Flower Boy." Released on July 20, this album showcased Tyler's evolution as an artist and garnered significant attention within the hip-hop community.
Let's delve into the key concepts used in the article:
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"Flower Boy" Album Overview:
- Tyler, the Creator's fourth album.
- Released on July 20, 2017.
- Made waves on hip-hop charts.
- Consists of fourteen unique tracks featuring Pharrell Williams, Lil’ Wayne, and Frank Ocean.
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Production Style and Influences:
- Tyler's refined production skills are evident.
- Utilizes 80's inspired synths and bass-heavy samples.
- Pays tribute to his previous projects with the combination of synths and samples.
- Introduces a new genre dubbed "Jazz Rap."
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Jazz Rap and Musical Influences:
- Jazz Rap is a genre characterized by the fusion of hip-hop and jazz elements.
- Tyler draws influence from jazz legends like Roy Ayers.
- Colorful instrumentals create a nostalgic feeling, fostering audience connection.
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Lyricism and Wordplay:
- Tyler employs clever wordplay to channel his emotions.
- Example from the song "Foreword" where he explores suicidal thoughts and his standing as a rapper in the media.
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Personal Themes and Sexuality:
- Tyler addresses personal issues, including hints at his sexuality.
- Notable line: "I been kissing white boys since 2004" in the track "I Ain't Got Time!"
- Marks a departure from earlier themes associated with Tyler and his music collective, Odd Future.
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Evolution of Tyler and Odd Future:
- Originally part of the music collective Odd Future.
- Odd Future rose to fame with an out-of-the-box approach but faced criticism for insensitive lyrics and redundant-sounding pieces.
- Tyler, the Creator's new album demonstrates personal growth and artistic evolution.
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Reception and Impact:
- Tyler's album is described as a standout classic with catchy, heartfelt, and classic tracks.
- The album is predicted to be one of the top albums of the year.
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Conclusion and Future Prospects:
- Tyler, the Creator, has not only reached his potential but has more to offer fans.
- The album is expected to be a significant project in Tyler's discography.
In conclusion, Tyler, the Creator's "Flower Boy" not only showcases his musical prowess but also explores personal themes, marking a notable evolution in his artistic expression. The album's success is attributed to its unique production style, diverse collaborations, and Tyler's ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
