I’m a little apprehensive about this review everybody likes a crowd favorite, but Tyler, The Creator’s new album, IGOR falls short as the norf norf genre stumbles flat. There certainly is a ripple when consummating the album but with a few k-pop spin-offs and lackluster beats the good songs are dragged down and left for dead with the quick label ‘pick me ups.’
I liked it as I quickly ponder what blondied radio had to do with Tyler toe-tagging, on another note one only needs to extend themselves to the murky yet layered artistry that Tyler, the Creator embodies to suggest IGOR is about brushing off reality. IGOR is sporadic at times but overall the artistry is well thought out on the album.
I am not looking to digitize Tyler, the Creator, but one needs the self-proclaimed curator to be on his tiptoes for the best moments on the album.
The questions arise:
What are you doing Tyler?
Who are you influencing?
Where in the hell is Cisay?
Tyler has been featured on more tracks with more sound engineering then talent itself. The complication is what I beg for when Tyler is doing his xenophobia rap style that is so layered that the meaning almost becomes muddled and lost to fans alike. I am not looking for handbangers but a sonnet as there are few tracks that keep you looking at Tyler for the functionality that is presented in not just his music but the social activism.
IGOR debuted at #1 for both pure sales and total consumption while Tyler, The Creator’s 2017 album Flower Boy debuted at #2 in the United States. According to Hits Daily Double, IGOR sold 78K US copies while track sales and streams included 172k in total consumption with collaborators, contributing everything from full verses to background vocals. The list of contributors includes big names like Kanye West on “Puppet,” and other household names like Solange, Lil Uzi Vert, and even newer MCs like Playboi Carti.
“I Think” – The sonnet after tones make this song a significant way to savior what magenta tastes like.
“I Don’t Love You Anymore” – Has that feel that everybody is looking for the way the bridge holds you back telling you I don’t love you but somewhere along the way you have to start believing that
“Puppet” – talks about the inspiration on either end of the company couch, the complexity is convenient.
“A Boy Is A Gun” – Get Thundercat on the beat.
With all of Tyler’s accolades, the memorabilia won’t get him further in his artistry. Where he is taking his fanbase may not be music any further. Tyler is getting older and on the edge of artistry and what direction he takes his fanbase is going to be derivative of what view you have on his music. He can shape the technical fanbase and make a stellar beat but it’s not enough to get everybody he knows onto the album. IGOR just feels muggy and overcrowded with unlisted but well-known musicians. Don’t get it wrong the music is sorta fun to listen to but after five studio albums, he has me curating a personal favorite playlist.
Nibble IGOR because that’s all Tyler is really asking for. The album won’t be around on the top billboard charts for much longer and with Hollywood, A-listers Tyler is a secret everyone knows about but won’t talk about here’s to say “Earfquake” not making a dent.
IGOR will be on my playlist for a while and there are many things Tyler, the Creator got right on the album as the inner influence begins with Outcast, Wu-Tang Clan, and Cisco being on the chopping block towards the grit. IGOR is good, loud, and sought after and I can’t ask for much more than that.