Tyler, the Creator opens his new album with a voiceover instructing his listeners on three requirements: body movement (no sitting still), only speak in glory (leave your baggage at home) and don’t tap the glass. Sure enough, Tyler, the Creator’s ninth studio album is crafted to incite dancing, enlightened with self-confidence and separated from the introspective nature of his previous effort, Chromakopia. The album title is as if Tyler, the Creator is considering himself a spectacle like a zoo exhibit where visitors are warned not to interfere too much by trying to get attention. Tyler, the Creator can be admired on this project from afar without having to care too much about adhering to expectations.

Across 10 brief tracks, Tyler, the Creator flaunts, brags and offers no cares in the world over a variety of self-produced beats that cover dance, house, funk and techno. It takes influences from a variety of sources: “Big Poe” sounds like a mid-2000s N.E.R.D. song, “Sucka Free” is mid-90s g-funk and “Ring Ring Ring” is reminiscent of 1980s R&B. Tyler, the Creator is accompanied by only three guest features: a rapping Pharrell Williams as Sk8brd (a true rapping resurgence for Skateboard P after the Clipse release last week!), and singers Madison McFerrin and Yebba. DON’T TAP THE GLASS is concise and to the point, making it another excellent release in his discography.

DON’T TAP THE GLASS
Tyler, the Creator
Featuring: Madison McFerrin, Pharrell Williams, Yebba
Production: Tyler, the Creator