Tyler, the creator’s third album “Wolf” is an offensive, slur filled, foul-mouthed, angsty trip through a rapidly successful 20-something’s deranged mind. It takes shots at Tegan and Sara, broadcasts homophobia, examines the benefits of selling crack, dips in and out of schizophrenic episodes, promotes racism and includes fits of untranslatable baby talk. But by some trick of catchy hooks and deep verses, I’m still listening and loving the abuse.
Coming off his moderately successful album “Goblin,” Tyler reminds us in “Wolf” that he’s still a 22-year-old artist gripping tight to adolescence. Of course there’s an exception, not many 22-year-old’s are on solo tour selling out shows, but Tyler reminds us that he’s still human on tracks such as “Answer” and “IFHY.”
“Answer” delves into Tyler’s troubled, non-existent relationship with his father where he churns out threats and insults, yet he still admits “If I call, I hope you answer.” It’s a cheerless assessment of a childhood and adulthood without a father, but takes a softer turn with smooth Rhythm and Blues beats. Tyler’s tone turns almost apologetic and heartbreakingly empty. It’s reminiscent of other introspectively driven hip-hop artists like Kid Cudi on “Man on the Moon: The End of Day,” Drake’s debut “Thank me Later” and Tech9 on “Something Else.”
The modern love song, “IFHY” is an acronym for I f***ing hate you. It’s a stalkerish, jealous rant about a dead relationship that Tyler resuscitates over and over again. Pharell accompanies Tyler’s angry verses with silky “love, love, love” background singing, but like “Answer” Tyler pulls back and admits “I love you,” but “I still f***ing hate you.”
When I first listened to “Wolf” I was shocked, then I was offended. Now I’m entertained and strangely sympathetic. Tyler, the creator is the Humpert Humpert of the hip-hop world. Yes, you’re disgusted for awhile, but by the end you’re rooting for him. It’s twisted and wrong in all the right ways.
If you like Tyler, the Creator check out the rest of his crew on Odd Future’s label. Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” is as smooth as it is seductive and look out for Earl Sweatshirt’s debut album coming out soon.