Listen to Tyler, The Creator's new album, IGOR
It's the rapper's first release since his 2017 Flower Boy record.
Tyler, The Creator is undergoing a transformation. Once unfairly bracketed as a controversial rapper often negatively appearing in headlines, the fascinating evolution of Tyler, The Creator has now billed him as one of hip-hop's most forward-thinking and reliant; whether it be as a producer working with names including Solange and ScHoolboy Q, as a songwriter and rapper in his own right, or as a curator - stepping into duties to record and concept the surprisingly bright soundtrack to The Grinch's latest film adaptation. A big part of that evolution came with his 2017 record Flower Boy, a guest-heavy 14 tracks that saw his focus on thick beats and quick-paced rap change into something more calming, melodic and R&B-inspired. It was also richer on lyricism and songwriting, drawing inspiration from his collaborators - Kali Uchis, Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County - for a diverse and versatile record that beyond being perhaps Tyler's best, also was one of hip-hop's best - scoring a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rap Album.
IGOR, his latest, takes this concept and runs with it. As he said in an Instagram post hours before the album's release - don't expect a rap album. IGOR is something bigger and grander, set to further establish Tyler's position as a headlining rapper with his name amongst the biggest of this century - something that really doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Take a listen to the album, which features Kanye West, Playboi Carti and more, below and let's hope that his Australian VISA ban is uplifted sometime soon - it's been a long time coming.
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