DELISA: 2009 brought Tyler, The Creator’s solo debut ‘Bastard,’ a raw project that
would jumpstart his career and start a rambunctious revolution.
DELISA: The then-LA teen entered the scene as the frontman of the rap collective Odd Future.
DELISA: OF had a myriad of members presenting
a wide range of sounds, but Tyler’s brash lyricism and bold attitude made him stand out.
TYLER: I hate everyone and I want to be better
than them and I want them to know that.
DELISA: ‘Bastard’ opens up with the introduction of Dr. TC. his lower pitched therapist and
a character of reason throughout the album.
DELISA: TC joins Wolf Haley as one of Tyler’s many alter egos and voice alterations, something
that would become a mainstay throughout his career.
DELISA: Tyler often adjusts his vocals to
display different emotions, vibes, or identities and he later admitted it’s because he hates his voice.
DELISA: But Tyler’s very distinct voice
is what aided in his demonic delivery of some misogynistic, violent and shocking lyrics,
like on “French...”
DELISA: … And homophobic slurs throughout
the album.
DELISA: In 2017, he opened up about his sexuality and it became a theme for a number of his
works, contradicting his earlier lyrics, but in an interview with Arsenio Hall back in
2013, he defended his use of the word.
TYLER: When I say that word, I’m not thinking about anyone’s sexual orientation or anything,
it’s just another word that has no meaning.
DELISA: That shock value, similar to Eminem’s before him, added to the rapper’s appeal
and generated a large buzz and fanbase.
Stephen Smith: Okay now what about your lyrics?
Tyler, The Creator: What about em?
Stephen Smith: What are you saying in your lyrics?
Tyler, The Creator: Nothing, shit to piss old white people off like you.
DELISA: Before the use of Instagram Live, Tyler and crew connected with their fans through
Tumblr, where their music was virtually free and their self-made videos provided a behind-the-scenes
look at their lives.
TYLER: I’m in the fucking studio with the homie big T Dollas and shit, having a studio session.
Outta nowhere this nigga comes in and just spits some shit.
Oh shit!
DELISA: Their robust online presence served as an answer to being largely ignored by popular
rap sites like 2DopeBoyz and NahRight, which Tyler was quick to call out several times
on the album.
DELISA: Crafted by Tyler himself on FL Studio and Logic, the album’s production is simple
but boasted a range of sounds like the sprawling piano and distorted synths on “Bastard...”
DELISA: ...The glitchy beat on “VCR...”
DELISA: And one of the most complex tracks,
“Blow.”
DELISA: The track was written after listening
to Snoop Dogg’s Neptune-produced “Let’s Get Blown.”
DELISA: The N.E.R.D influences show up on the Syd assisted-hook, the pronounced drums
and synths throughout the track.
TYLER: It was Easter 2002 and I heard the
song “Tape You” from ‘In Search Of’ on the radio, I was like what the fuck is
this?
This is the greatest song I ever heard.
Ever since I found out who that was I’ve been a stan for the Neptunes.
DELISA: In addition to the violent lyrics, Tyler found time to address a range of topics
on the album - like growing up on “Parade.”
DELISA: And his lovelorn cut “Sarah” that starts as an ode to young love…
DELISA: But ends with a gruesome attack.
DELISA: Most of his tracks mention violence against others, specifically women, which
resulted in him getting banned from performing in the UK and New Zealand later in his career.
DELISA: In an interview, he spoke to his creative process and that these themes are just what’s
on his mind.
TYLER: All he talks about is rape, have you seen Quentin Tarantino’s fucking movie?
Why does everybody get their dick cut up for some shit?
Why ain’t nobody saying nothing about that?
It’s art.
Why when a black kid says it it’s such a big fucking deal?
DELISA: But the most significant theme is on the album’s outro “Inglorious” which
focuses on Tyler’s lack of relationship with his dad.
DELISA: With the help of Dr. TC, Tyler reveals what he would tell his father if he got the chance.
DELISA: But back on “Inglorious,” the
artist channels his anger into self-inflicted violence and leaves a parting note to the
father who left.
Tyler, The Creator: I think if I had a dad,
I would have gone the normal college route like a lot of other people.
Larry King: So you’re not angry?
Tyler, The Creator: I’m so stoked that my life panned out the way it was.
DELISA: With it’s gritty production and shocking lyrics, ‘Bastard’ laid the blueprint
for the rest of Tyler’s career.
DELISA: His emotional vulnerability continues
to be a mainstay in his music.
TYLER: I’m one of those artists where you’re going to know where I’m at in life based
on my music, like no matter what.
DELISA: He continued to make love ballads like the aforementioned “Sarah” and “VCR/Wheels,”
though less ~intense~, with tracks like “IFHY,” “SEE YOU AGAIN,” and “NEW MAGIC WAND...”
DELISA: And collaborated with mentors like
Skateboard P for a number of tracks and performances.
TYLER: The stories you used to tell me about listening to our albums and we’re out there
performing and it’s your show.
You know that life is real and the universe is real and we're lucky to be here.
DELISA: As his musicianship began to grow, he shed the trolling persona that put him on the map, saying:
DELISA: He also blossomed outside of music,
creating his own fashion brand and directing his own videos, and even scoring a movie.
DELISA: And 10 years after ‘Bastard,’
he released his critically acclaimed no.1 album, ‘IGOR’ that showcased his growth
and range as a producer, artist and creative director.
DELISA: Over the last decade, Tyler has continued to redefine his sound while staying true to
his vision from the beginning and fans are excited for what’s to come next from Tyler, The Creator.
DELISA: I’m Delisa with Genius News bringing
you the meaning and the knowledge behind the music.