Themusicof California-based rapper and singerTyler, the Creatorhas long provoked significant interest and conversation.Across the span of his eight previous studio albums, Tyler spun shock, discomfort, horrorcore roots to introspective maturation, and his surefire sense of humor (among many other colorful descriptions) intohis gradually expanding level of musical success.
The musician has shown no signs of slowing down, either. He had a standout feature on Clipse’sstellar new comeback studio album, and regularly makes his way into conversation aboutsome of the best modern rap lyrics. Tyler has also jumped back into the headlines recently afterthe surprise release of his ninth studio LP, entitledDON’T TAP THE GLASS.
10Ring Ring Ring
Heartbreak On The Dance Floor
Over a bass-heavy thudding rhythm that feels downright disco and samples Ray Parker Jr’s “All in the Way You Get Down,” Tyler sings and raps plaintively on “Ring Ring Ring"about wanting a woman who won’t come back to him. He calls up her phone trying to get her to talk, but there’s no response coming.
A big aspect and mission statement ofDON’T TAP THE GLASSis the power of pure, base emotions without depth(as found in his prior releaseChromakopia). Despite this being a consistent calling card of dancing over darkness, there are still glimmers of pop-led introspection in songs like “Ring Ring Ring.”
9Don’t Tap That Glass/Tweakin'
A Monstrous Two-Part Tradition
Tyler brings his latest two-part song to the table onDON’T TAP THE GLASSwith “Don’t Tap That Glass/Tweakin',“which is a multi-faceted roundhouse kick of braggadocio. The rapper has always known how to talk a skyscraper-sized slice of game about himself, and this effort is no exception.
While not quite on the level of his best two-part tracks, “Don’t Tap That Glass/Tweakin'” still does the job of keeping the party going in this tight 29-minute LP. Tyler serves a savage reminder that he’s the fierce foe lurking behind the glass, and you’d better not tap it if you don’t want to face his wrath.
8I’ll Take Care Of You (Featuring Yebba)
The Swaying Side Of The Party
“I’ll Take Care of You” is an interesting contrastbetween the hard and soft sides of Tyler, as he speaks sweetly of caring for someone meaningful in his life before switching to more hard-talking samples of Crime Mob’s “Knuck If You Buck.” He also throws back to his own work by sampling drums from his prior song “Cherry Bomb.”
Singer Yebba adds an even greater vulnerability with her haunting vocals lying gently atop the track. Tyler has certainly given plenty of attention to his heavier rapper side over the years, but as he’s grown in his creativity and maturation,there’s also a gentler performer giving greater nuance to his music.
7Sucka Free
A Pop-Leaning Floater
“Sucka Free” feels likethe pure state of California boiled down into sunshine and ’80s-fed synthesizers, with Tyler floating over the top rapping nostalgic about his hometown. He makes plenty of references to being “that guy” trying to make his money, which calls to mind his “THAT GUY” remix from late last year.
While “Sucka Free” still has a knack for cruising down every groove on that West Coast highway,it almost feels peaceful amid the heavy dance tones ofDON’T TAP THE GLASS. It’s probably going to keep you dancing in the club, but it might just get you thinking at the same time.
6Mommanem
A Transitional Drawldrop
“Mommanem” clocks inas the shortest track on the album at just over a minute, acting as a transitional piece leading into “Stop Playing With Me.” With unusually pitched, plucked strings and a foreboding buildup, Tyler slips into some of his horrorcore origins with a fittingly matching sense of unease.
The song’s title is a shortened contraction of “mom and them,” basically implying that Tyleris communicating honestly and openly, and he’s swearing that truthfulness on his closest family. And the rapper doesn’t hesitate for a moment, pumping up his own benefits and putting down his rivals with a distorted version of a nursery rhyme.
5Stop Playing With Me
A Song For Success Days
Tyler leads into “Stop Playing With Me” with his chest fully puffed out, racking up a confident swagger so sure of itselfthe performer might be able to deflect bullets like Superman. He’s got a better car, is hanging out with big stars like basketball star LeBron James (who cameos in the music video), and is bringing down his haters.
Some rappers might throw out that type of persona and be perceived as arrogant or grating, but Tyler embodies itwith a charm that doesn’t quit. He makes you root for his success, and you want to see him keep going further forward.
4Don’t You Worry Baby (Featuring Madison McFerrin)
A Soulful R&B Slider
Compared to the more rap and dance-inflected sides ofDON’T TAP THE GLASS, “Don’t You Worry Baby” brilliantly incorporates soul singer Madison McFerrin for arguably the smoothest track on the album.This was McFerrin’s first collaboration with Tyler, and the pair mix with a flair that would have fit well on his last LP,Chromakopia.
Despite this more low-key tone, “Don’t You Worry Baby” still finds a way to fit intothat diving, dancing, swooning tone still designed to make you move. This just embodies a more sweet, love-songing tone that goes down as pure and nice as golden honey.
3Sugar On My Tongue
A Direction Designed To Move
On the surface, “Sugar On My Tongue” is a song that will likely prove to be an easy listener draw becauseit is such a synth-pumping, bassy rhythm shaker of a track. It is one of the heaviest buys into the philosophy ofDON’T TAP THE GLASSthat is all about getting down to dancing like nobody is watching.
Underneath the topsoil, though, “Sugar On My Tongue” digs into more of the raw intimacy behind the melody, which digs into the experience ofbeing with another person without an overthought, overcooked monologue. This, again, is all about feeling and not being burdened by a dissertation of explanation.
2Big Poe (Featuring Pharrell Williams)
A Slamming Table Setter Intro
Featuringan ever-smooth appearance from the great musician and producer Pharrell Williams, “Big Poe” puts down the ground rules to come for this album. Basically, Tyler wants the listener to get up and move, don’t sit still, leave their baggage at home, and don’t tap the glass (don’t disturb the creative process).
Incorporating samples from the likes of rapper Busta Rhymes and Israeli musician Shye Ben Tzur, “Big Poe” is easily able to encourage that get-up and get-going type of attitude.This isn’t a funeral, and you aren’t a parishioner,DON’T TAP THE GLASSis all about fun, and you’re here to live it through 29 minutes.
1Tell Me What It Is
Self-Reflection In Untapped Glass
While so much ofDON’T TAP THE GLASSis all about the rush, the basic emotions, and love conveyed through the simplistic means of pure joy,the closing song “Tell Me What It Is” reaches for a bit more. Amidst a lush and coursing bleed of instrumentation, Tyler primarily sings for the stars here, and doesn’t miss showing off galaxies.
Lyrically, the performer pondersthe anxieties behind love and trying to find true connection within the world, especially when you’re a successful entertainer that may seem like they physically have it all, but are missing something deeper. Tyler brings down his poker face right at the end here, and we’re all the better for hearing it.
