Tyler’s diary of rage, angst and fun

FLOWER BOY Tyler, The Creator

TYLER Gregory Okonma is exactly the kind of artiste the old guard are both afraid of and excited about. In the modern age of technology, music-making and songwriting techniques have become so learnable and readily available in the limitless space that is the internet. It allows individuals to become an artiste from the comfort of their basement or bedroom, while a few decades ago, it would have taken years to even pick up the basics of sonics.

The only thing that separates the exceptional from the ordinary is talent. An unquantifiable, non-quantitative, unfathomable aspect of an individual that cannot be learnt, cannot be taught, and as cliche as it is, you either have it or you don’t. LUST FOR LIFE Lana Del Rey

A LANA Del Rey album plays out like a vintage American movie. It almost feels like it should come with visual aids of classic convertible cars and leather jackets. You could be fooled into thinking a record was playing on a gramophone, if not for the occasional modern trap synths.

While predictable, it is very much a Lana Del Rey signature and, stylistically, little has changed throughout her career — more than a decade. And that signature style is ever present in what is her longest piece of Hence the name Tyler, the Creator, because he has talent in spades.

Most of his skills were self-taught, all of his lyrics are self-written — material he’s created he can proudly attribute to himself (mostly). Having fun is his job, so much so that he is perceived as a dangerous influence. And most of his work so far reflects that aspect of his nature -having fun.

His familiarity with internet culture also makes him popular with the youth, speaking their language both in person and on social media, not to mention his fashion sense and sneaker interest.

however, is like a window at a candy store; from the outside it’s all sugar and colours, but when you look inside, it’s a lot more complex and a lot darker. He recording ever.

If anything, Lana takes listeners back in time on with orchestral themes ever present throughout the album, but most prominent in the opening track,

It sets you up expecting the rest of the album to sound like the soundtrack of a tragic western film, but surprises loom.

immediately throws a curveball, switching lanes into something more like a modern trip hop track. channels frustration almost to the point of rage on ,andon ,on which A$AP Rocky perfectly complements. He is then reflective on

and who better to have as a sidekick on an emotional track than Frank Ocean?

isn’t just an album, it’s Tyler the Creator’s confession, his diary, emotions behind the ready smile and humorous demeanour — and a complete treat.

5/5