It’s no secret that Tyler, the Creator is a visionary of his own ideas and curates an “eff you” attitude that transcends from his music to other mediums; This dynamic being the number one reason he’s grown to great heights as a solo artist and with fellow groupmates Odd Future.

After a two year album less stint with  Cherry Bomb being the last LP, the Odd Future front man, Tyler, the Creator has finally dropped his new album “Flower Boy”. The  leak of certain tracks and verses from them add a different perception on his personal life; the same grungy tone as usual, but hinting towards some other parts of him we’re less familiar with (or had questions about).

Tyler gets personal, but outside of a realm of self deprecation that we’re accustomed to. He has a history of making homophobic remarks in many previous songs and albums, but seeming to imply suggestive things in regards to his preference in a possible “coming out of the closet” method, which got the interwebs talking.  In “Garden Shed”, Tyler seemingly makes references to hiding his sexuality, stating:

All my friends lost
They couldn’t read the signs
I didn’t wanna talk and tell ’em my location
And they ain’t wanna walk
Truth is, since a youth kid, thought it was a phase
Thought it’d be like the phrase; “poof,” gone
But, it’s still goin’ on

At first glance it  could just be a neutral metaphor for his personal growth, but other references in “Aint Got Time” also allude to some things we wouldn’t expect to hear about his preference:

Been the man with a pickle plan, niggas know the dill
When I sell the carnival, I bet I get a 100 mil’
Next line will have ’em like “Woah”
I’ve been kissing white boys since 2004

All gossip aside, Tyler. Do your thing man. 

The Odd Future ring leader has always had the shock factor aspect on point, and historically, his albums always follow a different formula than the next. The production screams of  N.E.R.D influence, collaborating sounds with with Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky, Jaden Smith, Estelle, Steve Lacy, Anna of the North, Corinne Baley Ray & Rex Orange County. The mesh of alternative rap is very telling in the track list, taking you from a grungy dynamic to melancholy rap vibes in moments.

Tyler’s latest LP is basically a combination of “Goblin” and “Wolf”, giving listeners the personal experience of digging into the life of Tyler, the Creator, facing his demons and insecurities with all the angst and micro-aggressions that make his music so easy to mash out to.  Flower Boy reminds us all how liberating it is to let your demons go and be true to yourself while also harnessing that youthful energy that molds creativity. If you’re a core Tyler, the Creator fan or a new listener, you’ll be impressed by how solid an album it is.

“Flower Boy” is now available on Google Play/iTunes and various other streaming services. Definitely go listen.