From his 2009 self-produced debut LP Bastard for his genre-blending 2024 neo-industrial concept album ChromakopiaLos Angeles rapper Tyler the Creator has become one of the most original voices in modern hip-hop. Tyler's sound has certainly evolved from the provocative shock value of 2010's “Yonkers.” Elf – which propelled the rapper to internet fame – to the heartfelt plea of “EARFQUAKE” featuring baby-voiced Playboi Carti on the most unexpected breakup pop album of 2019, Igor. Tyler has come a long way since the early days of his rap collective Odd Future, which also showcased the talents of Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean.
Tyler, the Creator is one of the great and few authors in hip-hop who brings cinematic elements to his track lists and production themes. Your most recent, Chromakopiahas a distinct artistic vision that adds another compelling chapter to his already versatile discography, but is still essentially Tyler at his core. While his lyrical focus has certainly changed since the days of “Radicals” and Taylor Swift's controversial name-dropping “Fish,” Tyler himself maintained a magnetic aura and crisp intensity regardless of genre or subject matter.. Even on their softer songs, like the album's catchy “See You Again” flower boyTyler still offers palpable command of his material and soundscapes.
What's more, Tyler has several interests outside of music, ranging from fashion, sketch comedy, and eventually film. He has directed dozens of his own music videos under the pseudonym “Wolf Haley” and has expressed a desire to eventually try his hand at directing a feature film. He and several of his Odd Future counterparties created the Idiot-Adult Swim series Loiter Squadwhich featured non-rapper members of Odd Future such as Jasper, Taco and Lionel Boyce – the latter of whom joined the cast of the hugely successful FX series The Bear. If Tyler's current discography proves anything, it's that he's continued to improve and innovate his own iconic sound.
Honorable Mention – The OF Tape, Vol. 2
2012
At the beginning of his career, Tyler was considered the ring bearer of his legendary collective, Odd Future. Although the group was much bigger than hip-hop, spawning a highly sought-after street clothing line of the same name, the common thread for many of its members was rap. The OF tape, vol. 2with their notable collaboration “Oldie”, it's the best collection of the Odd Future sound and energy that became the foundation of a generation of Los Angeles hip-hop in 2010. It's impossible to summarize a complete picture of Tyler's musical career without mention the influence of Odd Future, the cult of its “GOLFWANG” aesthetic and its impact not only on hip-hop, but also on pop culture.
8
Elf
2010
As Tyler's first major label studio album (XL), Golblin it was, in a word, shocking. “Yonkers” introduced millions of people to Tyler, the Creator and earned him the award for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Another highlight of the album, “Her” also put Grammy winner Frank Ocean on the map before releasing instant classics like Orange Channel and Blonde. Goblin the lyrical content is unquestionably outdated, but that's not even its biggest problem.
Compared to the levels of production value in Tyler's later projects, even starting with his third effort Wolf, Elf has the weakest beats overall. The stripped-back “Yonkers” brings a sinister edge while “She” offers some immersive, floating synths. Other than that, there aren't many standout tracks due to the weak production. Elf establishes a solid plan for Lobe in some ways, mainly conceptual. Considering it arrived a year later BastardTyler's self-produced debut, Elf Can't leave an impression outside of your top 2.
7
Cherry Bomb
2015
Cherry Bomb may be Tyler's most experimental studio album, which walks a tightrope between showcasing his sophisticated versatility and an almost trolling sense of instability. Titles like “THE BROWN STAINS OF DARKEESE LATIFAH PART 6-12 (REMIX)” sum up the general air of lack of seriousness of the disorganized project very well. Tyler explains on his 2021 track “MASS” that Cherry Bomb “seemed so elusive” because he was also changing in his personal life.
If it weren't for the inspired yet random inclusion of the jazz-inspired “FIND YOUR WINGS” and the legendary “SMUCKERS” collaboration with Lil Wayne and Kanye West, Cherry Bomb it would be almost intolerable. The title track is a kind of genreless static noise that should have remained on the hard drive. Songs like “2SEATER” and “F*****G YOUNG” provide much-needed relief from Tyler’s most confusing project to date.
6
Bastard
2009
For a self-produced debut project, Bastard is quite full-bodied and conceptually solid, despite being overlooked as Tyler's “pre-fame” album. Bastard is without a doubt Tyler's truest rap album since Call me if you get lost. In retrospect, it functions as a structural and narrative model for what would emerge in Elf and Lobe. The three albums create a kind of trilogy and contain intertwined sketches of an omnipresent deep voice called Dr. TC, a fictional therapist.
Bastard's concept aside, the entire project is simply impressive for a debut. Tyler plants several sonic seeds on Bastard, particularly in the form of keys and synths, which firmly establish a signature sound. Some of his best career rap efforts come from Bastard which delivers some of his most relentless flows. The clear highlight is his collaboration with Earl Sweatshirt on “AssMilk”which became instantly iconic due to the “Free Earl” campaign that was going on at the time, after Earl's mother sent him to boarding school.
5
Chromakopia
2024
Every new Tyler, the Creator release after flower boy demonstrated Tyler's continued improvement and innovation as a producer. The soundscapes of Chromakopia demonstrate how the masterful Tyler managed to fine-tune and develop his definitive auditory brand. In addition to excellent production, Chromakopia has an equally strong concept that further showcases the innate visual element in Tyler's music that, like a film, is rooted in a distinct theme and setting.
Chromakopia combines several of Tyler's previously established sounds and moods. Tyler's braggadocious lyrics on “Darling, I” feel like a previously unreleased verse from his 2021 rap album. “Noid” sounds like a futuristic B-side from Igor at times, while the vulnerability of “Like Him” matches the same vibe on several of the more emotional flower boy songs. Chromakopia may be Tyler's most naturally intriguing and layered albummixing several standalone tracks like “St. Chroma” and “Sticky” while balancing compelling diversity with intentional cohesion.
4
flower boy
2017
flower boy made headlines in 2017 for certain lyrics that addressed Tyler's sexuality, which was the main takeaway for many people from this album. Songs like “See You Again” and “911/Mr. Lonley” remain fan favorites, while the hype-inducing “Who Dat Boy” marks the culmination of Tyler’s many collaborations with A$AP Rocky. After the polarizing noise that was Cherry BombFlower Boy was a welcome breath of fresh air that finally gave fans an honest look at their favorite artist.
In terms of replay value, flower boy is at the top of the list in Tyler's discography. The then-surprising inclusion of Tyler singing is emblematic of the courage inherent in every lyric and bar of the project. flower boy marked the beginning of Tyler's second stage and is Tyler's most sonically congruent album. Igormixing various subgenres and influences to create a fun mix of pop and hip-hop. THE generally positive and inspiring tone of flower boy marked a profound evolution in Tyler, capped off by the dreamy instrumental track “Enjoy Right Now, Today.”
3
Igor
2019
IGOR is listed as a hip-hop album, but it is actually a completely pop album. From the towering synth intro of “IGOR's THEME” to the numbing bass of “NEW MAGIC WAND”, Tyler has made his album most accessible with Igor. It's hard to believe it's the same artist who made “Yonkers,” but that's the beauty of Tyler's growth and seemingly limitless talent. Igor is arguably Tyler's best overall production, although it acts as an outlier in his discography.
In 40 crisp minutes, Igor is Tyler's sharpest project and delivers the most upbeat beats and memorable lyrics ever. Songs like “I THINK” and “EARFQUAKE” are pure pop records, while “GONE, GONE / THANK YOU” and “A BOY IS A GUN” almost border on indie/alternative psychedelic with neo-soul infusions. Some of Tyler's greatest achievements exist on Igor and the album as a whole is simply immaculate. Colorful, genre-blending pop combined with contemplative lyrics about heartbreak make for Tyler's most unexpected album.
2
Lobe
2013
As far as storytelling goes, Tyler still hasn't surpassed his efforts on his 2013 project Lobewhich initially showed unforeseen artistry and complexity for the Odd Future frontman. Lobe was released during the heyday of Odd Future and provided a way for Tyler to escape his youthful and audacious reputation defined by its “Yonkers” era. The versatility heard of the wolf 18 tracks and 71 minutes long are, in a way, precursors of Call me if you get lostwhich doubled in of the wolf heavy focus on rap.
Lobe delivers clear, engaging narratives in each of its songs that connect to an overarching story, tied together by Tyler's various fictional characters such as Sam, Slater, and his alter ego Wolf Haley. In “Answer”, Tyler breaks off his relationship with his estranged father. Tracks like “Slater” and “Colossus” further showcased Tyler’s exceptional skills as a lyricist. “Bimmer” is a great piece right in the middle of the album. “IFHY” featuring Pharrell and “Rusty” featuring OF's Earl Sweatshirt and Domo Genesis are two classic highlights.
1
Call me if you get lost
2021
The Grammy winner Call me if you get lost is Tyler, the creator's best album to date. The incredible production value and focus on hard-hitting rap make it one of the biggest rap albums of the 2020s, with a very high replay value. Tracks like “LUMBERJACK” and “MASSA” feature raw lyrics that truly embrace the classic elements of the hip-hop genre. The Almost Kendrick “WILSHIRE” lets Tyler's words drive the beat like few of his other songs doreaffirming his roots as a rapper after the success of Igor.
Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale Could very well be Tyler's masterpiece. The eight additional tracks make the already excellent album even better, offering new collaborations with Vince Staples and A$AP Rocky. “DOGTOOTH” and “SORRY NOT SORRY” reignited the Call me if you get lost hype in 2023 after Tyler landed his most profitable world tour in 2022. Based on his elaborate discography, Tyler the Creator is one of those rare artists whose next project is always highly anticipated and wonderfully unpredictable.