Album Review: Tyler, The Creator - Wolf
- Written by Ryan Lake
Typically difficult, Tyler, The Creator made it clear that there would be no leaks of his latest release, forcing people to form their own opinions of the album upon release. After two years of waiting, Tyler is able to maintain the darkness and brash profanity that made both Goblin and Bastard intriguing, whilst improving the quality of his production as well as his list of featured artists (including here Erykah Badu).
Wolf is his second big label release and his third album proper. the self proclaimed star of Odd Future continues his journey of rap scene parody, self pity and father-hatred. Production on this record is expectedly disjointed and awkward, not typical of your average rap album, but this guy isn't exactly your average rapper. Following suit of all of his previous albums, this one is named after one of Tyler's many alter egos with the tracks included on the album used to depict the characteristics of these different personalities.
The whole Golf Wang act is a parody of the mainstream rap scene, which is fantastically demonstrated on 'Trashwang' where Tyler states “I want the black kids to like me for this one”. The lyrical content is very basic, as is the beat and the samples making fun of the expected perceptions of how a rap track should sound. In the same vein as 'Bitch Suck Dick' from Goblin, the over emphasis on materialistic boasting is a great take on where the rap scene is going wrong.
'Answer' is a fantastically emotive track. Tyler expresses just how much venom and hatred he has for the man who abandoned his family, but all he wants is to be able to able to talk to him. Stardom is the subject of the track 'Colossus' wherein Tyler is approached by an obsessed fan, similar to 'Stan' by Eminem, sans murder suicide.
As an album, this is not bad at all. Every hallmark of what makes the Odd Future collective interesting is there, crimes of murderous passion & dad-hating all wrapped within his warped lyricism and awkward beats. Sadly there are a few underwhelming and almost corny points, suggesting that some of the fat could have been trimmed from this 18 track release. The few disappointing tracks are easily overshadowed by the other exciting pieces on this record, The first & second singles – 'Domo23' and 'IFHY' respectively – really stand out, as well as 'Trashwang', 'Rusty', 'Jamba', 'Cowboy', and 'Tamale' – with a beat that wouldn't be out of place on an M.I.A or Santogold album.
This is a great example of alternative hip-hop, showing that this deviation from the mainstream isn't all about politics and civil unrest. This is a story of youthful success and uncertainty brimming with angst that is a very entertaining listen.
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