8.5/10

A mini-review of Tyler, The Creator’s most recent album.

“I’m not hip-hop. I’m Tyler.” -Tyler, The Creator

Many can agree that Tyler, The Creator brings something new to the hip-hop industry. His recent work IGOR (his sixth album), which was released May 17th on this year, is filled with retro synth based vibes, rigid drum grooves and heartfelt expressive lyricism. It’s clear his perspective on his own music is fluid, as it’s not hip-hop or rap. He is telling a story that’s open for interpretation and analysis. In a tweet he posted before his album release, he stated:

“This is IGOR. Pronounced EEE-GORE. Don’t go into this expecting a rap album. Don’t go into this expecting any album. Just go, jump into it. I believe the first listen works best all the way through, no skips. Front to back.”

His album cover is simplistic, yet compelling. His self-portrayed black-and-white Igor portrait, layered over a pink pastel background parallels to the musical nature of this piece. Without a particular explanation on the titling, it’s known that Igor is a stock character lab assistant to an array of villains within Gothic fiction. He is often times portrayed as wearing all black, having a hunch back and a lazy eye. Igor is disregarded as a normal individual and his seperation from humanity is evident. He isn’t given any other life purposes asides from assisting and supporting his master. What conclusions can be made from this?

Amongst the many songs on his album, Tyler convey’s his tiresome experience with love. Songs such as, “Running out of Time” and “Puppet” explain a strained relationship between Tyler and his lover. Despite giving his all to this lover, he isn’t given as much care and consideration as he had hoped. Whether that is openly denying their relationship, through the symbolism of ‘masks’ in “Running out of Time” or one-sided affection in “Puppet”. This can create a sense of loneliness, just as it would to many. The sort of loneliness that is analogous to the life of Igor. Since Igor is portrayed as a physically deformed lab assistant, he is only seen as such and nothing more, allowing for manipulation and control to be present. Could this be the very message Tyler is trying to convey? Either way, through his fluctuation of reverb and sound, these themes are more present than ever.

IGOR‘s colorful melodies, arpeggiated synths and heavy bass-lines make it perfect for the warmer days. Tyler’s ability to artistically convey personal raw experiences to his audience is a continuation in growth as a music artist.