Flower Boy: Album Review

by Adarsh Chauhan

Tyler Okonma, or better known as Tyler The Creator, has now become a cultural icon with a strong position of fame in the world of music. Though, it was not always like this. His artistic career started as the de-facto leader of the teenaged and childish group “Odd Future.” Tyler and his band of friends were known for making gritty music with shell shocking lyrics and nightmarish-like beats. His prior album Goblin had been described as zany and bleak. It was not until his second album Wolf did Tyler start to explore a more intimate look at himself in his music. He examined themes such as the absence of his father in his life and how he feels about Odd Future being characterized as “a bunch of kids playing pranks and making stupid music.” Wolf still contained the ideas of Tyler's past, though now from the perspectives of various different personalities he has attending the fictional Camp Flog Gnaw as the backdrop of the album’s story. This left fans to desire more from Tyler and eager to see an earnest side of him. After this, he would produce Cherry Bomb. At the time of release, this album was very controversial. It was judged just as a mash of sounds and vocals. “Making music just to make music.” Tyler’s fans, as well as himself were let down. This would all change with the release of the album Flower Boy on July 21st of 2017. 

With features from artists such as Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Jaden Smith, ASAP Rocky, Kali Uchis, Estelle, and Rex Orange County, Flower Boy on paper looked to be a departure from Tyler’s normal style. Some reviewers even went so far as to say that this “was his least vulgar album yet”. As the title says itself, flowers are a big theme of this story. The recurring element is supposed to hint at the “blossoming” of Tyler and the change he has developed in his artistry. Though, the biggest idea the blossoming flower relates to is the acceptance of Tyler and his own sexuality. 

The first song of the album is “Foreword,” containing a feature by artist Rex Orange County. His vocals in this are to primarily serve as a sort of almost distraction to Tyler’s gritty and deep voice, and serve as a sort of soothing voice carrying across Tyler’s insecurities expressed in this song. Rex delivers an emotional hook, saying things such as “If I drown and don’t come back, who’s gonna know.” Tyler’s rapping speaks of the increasingly materialistic world he lives in, asking questions of how long his fame’s going to last and how durable it is. Tyler also speaks about topics such as Black Lives Matter and questions the listeners about serious topics. 

The next track is “Where this Flower Blooms” with a feature by Frank Ocean, fresh off the release of his hit album Blonde (which I will be taking a look at soon). A slow and steady song, featuring lush vocals by Frank, whose musical presence is perfect for the nostalgic vibe. The “Bloom” in this case refers to Tyler coming to terms with his bisexuality and embracing it, touching on topics that are not usual for rappers. He talks about painting his nails and basically revolutionizing himself. He presents himself as a flower to show the growth he’s had as an individual, and it is fitting he made this with Frank who himself made an introspective album after coming out as gay in 2013. A

personal favorite of the album, Tyler is unapologetically himself in this song and wants the audience to accept him or leave. 

Then follows “Sometimes,” which is a short interlude. It does not contain much substance besides a man stating that he wants to “hear the one about him” and the next song could reference this. It is possible Tyler could be singing about a man in the next song, but it is all left up to debate and speculation. 

Here comes the big one. “See You Again.” One of the hardest hitting songs in the album, backed by luscious piano chords played by Tyler himself. There is so much power and depth in the minimalism of this song, with Tyler simply rapping over an easy beat and piano notes. He talks of things such as fear of losing his lover and not being enough, and of course the infamous line “I wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind.” With a feature by Kali Uchis, who’s sweet vocals really make this a full on love song and as heartfelt as possible to be, this song is a big one. One of his most streamed songs, and the biggest single of the album too. Tyler speaks about an unrequited nature to his love, containing maturity in his words as well as childishness in his fears of what could happen. I feel as if Tyler fully depicts what it is like to be in a relationship, filled with passion and feelings that are flowing out so smoothly yet so uncertain as to what may come next. 

“Who Dat Boy” features ASAP Rocky and is set to a background of hard hitting 808s and strong bass. This is a different venture of musicianship for this album. In this song Tyler is simply creating, no pun intended, filling the lyrics out with fashion talk and speaking highly of himself. The perfect song to feature Rocky, who himself raps lyrics referencing his own songs, it lets the audience have a little fun and distract themself from the bigger picture. Though, it does not shy away from the bigger motive at hand. Tyler briefly does talk about “wanting ‘95 Leo” aka Leonardo DiCaprio, and fuels the conversation and speculation on his sexuality. 

Now comes “Pothole” created along with rapper Jaden Smith. Set to a zany beat and rhythmic repeating chords, it is an idiosyncratic song highlighting the individuality and differences Tyler presents in the narrow minded world of rapping. Surrounded by artists who would much rather rap about the women they took to bed or the chains they wear, he highlights the loneliness about fortune. Both artists rap about dodging other artists, creating their own path in their line of work and avoiding the “potholes” that are other artists. However, it isn't hard to point out the materialistic angle they take as well. They highlight how things like mansions and cars distract them from their own problems and let them live a free life. 

“Garden Shed.” What is there to not say about this song? The pinnacle of this album. My absolute personal favorite of this album and possibly one of Tyler’s best songs, listening to Garden Shed genuinely made me cry the first time. It has a slow start with simple electric guitar chords being strummed, as the beat drops to an even slower drum pattern and bass. Right off the bat you can tell this is Tyler speaking from his heart, not caring what anyone has to think about him. Then comes the vocals of

Estelle, almost indistinguishable but upon closer look talking about how she wants Tyler to fly out of his cocoon and blossom fully into the rose he is meant to become. Mostly instrumental patterns, Tyler’s quick rapping that chimes in to talk about this metaphorical garden shed which is essentially his own version of a closet. “This is where I was hidin, This is what love I was in.” He finally comes to terms with who he is, and realizes he doesn’t need to hide anymore. Coming out of the “Garden Shed” to embrace his true self. His lyrics following this go even more in depth, talking about how this aspect of himself was something he thought would simply disappear. Tyler is now loudly proclaiming who he is, with the support of Estelle’s prior vocals forcing him to let his guard down and rap about his truth. 

Rex Orange County is now back, with another feature on the song “Boredom.” One of the catchiest tracks, Tyler’s overarching theme of being bored with his life has now returned and been put on full blast. Rex beautifully sings about how “boredom’s got a new best friend” and how they have let themself get sucked up into their own minds and abandon what they really care about. It’s a relatable song, with Tyler simply rapping about the struggles to put his boredom aside. The repeating lyrics and its catchy hook produced by Rex drive the point home to the audience, making them feel for the hole Tyler is in. The sincerity of this track is what stands out, and the depth of how Tyler is just simply writing. 

“I Ain’t Got Time” is the most lighthearted track of the album, not meant to be taken seriously in any shape or form. This wasn’t a song that was supposed to be analyzed and looked into further in an article, like I am doing currently. It's just Tyler casually rapping over an insanely loud and fast beat. It makes you feel like you’re in a car zooming down the road as Tyler is loudly rapping in your face. In the lyrics themselves, he is dismissing his haters and acknowledging how he has got to this point in life solely based on his hard work. The vibe produced by this song is much more “finesse” and “style” rather than “spectacle” or “introspective.” But, of course, he does not shy away from his overarching theme and loudly proclaims “I’ve been kissing white boys since 2004.” This line isn’t just a throwaway, but rather a congratulations to himself for now being proud of how loudly he can talk about who he is. 

Now, a common theme of every 10th track by Tyler is that they are blends of two different songs spliced together. “911/Mr. Lonely” is no exception. Carrying a large hue of desperation to it, this is a funky and groovy track with features by Frank Ocean and Steve Lacy. The first half speaks of desperation and heartbreak, with Tyler telling the audience that he “is the loneliest person alive but I keep on dancin to throw ‘em off.” He proclaims his number is 911 for any possible lover to call him, hinting at how destructive he is in relationships. The second half is a big switch, suddenly going to a hard hitting beat and driving away from the funky track of 911. Mr. Lonely is him quickly rapping about how he hasn’t found someone for himself, and how he has quite literally become “Mr. Lonely.” Tyler is also breaking the fourth wall here, stating “I know you sick of me talkin’ ‘bout cars, but what the f else do you want from me.” He

knows the audience is sick of the repeated mention of cars but also wants them to realize this is all he has. 

Up next we have “Droppin’ Seeds” with Lil Wayne. Starting off with Lil Wayne rapping, the wordplay referring to flowers and garden sheds is still there. Though it is now set to a slow moving beat that makes you want to lay back and close your eyes. It’s a short song, sitting comfortably at a minute long, and makes the listener desire more. Primarily just the two rapping, it does not feature much that could be driven deeper into. 

“November” is the warmest track of the song, with Tyler speaking of how he wants to go back to November. What this “November” refers to in his life is left up to speculation, but it’s clear in the context of the song it is an ideal time that he wants to return to. We all have a point in our lives where everything seems easy and there are no questions to be answered, and that simply is our “November.” The song is split in half, with the first half Tyler asking plenty of questions of how his life could go bad. He talks of how “what if I thought the brake was the gas, what if I crashed?” in a very grieving tone. It is a big statement for him to make, highlighting his existential thoughts and feelings of how his life could go wrong suddenly. Near the ¾ mark, quotes cut in of various people from his life talking about their own “Novembers” and then suddenly Tyler himself says “My November is right now” and a record scratch follows. Tyler begins to repeatedly say “take me back” on a simple beat background and seemingly pouring his heart out while placing a phone call to a lover who will not listen. This is followed by the interruption of a voicemail answering machine, leading right into the next song. 

“Glitter” is Tyler talking to this person on the other hand who did not answer his phone, and begging to still be friends. You can hear the urgency and emotion behind his voice, having to say all these heartfelt things to simply an answering machine. There are lyrics stated by Tyler speaking of how he wants to harm himself due to the loss of this person, adding on to the loneliness and despair he is feeling due to the lack of this in his life. He also talks about how “4,5,7” are dedicated to this person, seemingly referring to tracks “See You Again,” “Who Dat Boy” and “Garden Shed” There also seems to be a crescendo in what Tyler is presenting, with how it starts with “You’ve been on my mind” but by the end he proclaims “wait… Please don’t save me.” He wants to let this person know how much he wants them, but also realizes over the course of the song that maybe this isn’t something that is good for him. The switch comes half way in the song, as the beat slows down and Tyler’s voice becomes much deeper. He begins to speak of how he doesn’t really need this person and this is not how he truly feels. The juxtaposition of these emotions is strong, and the song ends on a melancholy note as the voicemail box does not receive the message making Tyler simply curse quietly. 

After the emotional roller coaster that is Glitter, comes the last track of the album. “Enjoy Right Now, Today” contains a strong beat and funky chords. It carries on the mantra established in “November” of enjoying your current life and taking

pride in who you are. With a surprising feature from an idol of Tyler’s, Pharrell Williams, he plays the role of a positive and mellow voice in the back. His soothing voice is delighting the listener in this mostly instrumental track, giving them a more cheery exit off this album. The album ends simply with a car door being closed, adding onto the metaphor Tyler has established. 

Banned from multiple countries, ostracized by other musicians, and considered even the Stepchild of hip hop. The odds were never in the favor of Tyler, but through this album he defied any expectation laid upon him. Going from apologizing for usage of homophobic slurs in his lyrics to so gracefully painting the true image of himself as a young man figuring out his own sexuality in the spiky world of rap. It is not an overstatement to call this one of his finest works. A piece that is planned out from verse one to the last bridge. Tyler shows through “Flower Boy” how thoughtfulness can be freeing, and how he has now come to terms with his true self. The flower has now bloomed, going from half to whole on this journey of self discovery.