By Corey Vikser
Staff Writer
Regularly disregarded as a shock-value rapper, Tyler the Creator sets out to prove his musical legacy on the new release “Cherry Bomb.”
Tyler the Creator is able to display this legacy on his newest release as he juxtaposes multiple genres, works with new collaborators and composes unique and varied instrumentals.
Tyler the Creator is an L.A.-based rapper who rose to fame in the music collective Odd Future. He and the group gained notoriety for their aggression and extreme lyrics. His first three solo albums, “Bastard,” “Goblin” and “Wolf,” all address this strong aggression and theme of violence by containing a central storyline.
Two years since “Wolf,” fans wondered when they’d hear new work from the 24 year old. Announced just three days from its release in April, Tyler ditches his previous style in hopes of creating a new style for himself in the album “Cherry Bomb.”
Stylistically, Tyler refuses to be boxed in, utilizing a multitude of genres in the album. He balances extreme aggression with soulful themes on the album. Title track “Cherry Bomb” is blown out and similar to the work of the rap group Death Grips, while “Find Your Wings” is a classical jazz song.
“Find Your Wings” is the most unique track Tyler has ever created, as it has a soul style that sounds nothing like what would be expected of him.
Entirely self-produced by Tyler, “Cherry Bomb” features some of the most unique instrumentals heard in a recent rap release. He heavily utilizes electronic synths and abstract vocal samples on his tracks.
He abandons cliche rap sounds like hi-hats and 808 drum machines for complex sonics, a creative decision that pays off, as evident in tracks such as in “Brown Stains of Darkeese Latifah.”
A controversial aspect of the album is the mixing, where Tyler chooses to overpower his vocals with the blaring synths and bass of his beats. Grating to traditional rap fans, the decision works, as it aids the overpowering aesthetic he aims for on his more aggressive tracks.
A notable example is in “Pilot,” where he shouts over heavy synths to express a message of emotional despair.
Tyler completely changes out his palette of collaborators, replacing the usual Odd Future members with wildly diverse musicians. He utilizes Black Lips vocalist Cole Alexander on rock-inspired “Death Camp,” while employing R&B singer Charlie Wilson on pop ballad “******* Young/Perfect.”
The inclusion of these performers helps Tyler to expand his musical aesthetic and fits like puzzle pieces within his spanning compositions.
“Cherry Bomb” is Tyler the Creator’s best work, as he showcases his musical talent in all genres and aspects. The inclusion of new performers, self-production and unique mixing all accomplish the goal of creating an unforgettable experience.
“Cherry Bomb” is available digitally and in retail for $9.99.
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