Let's Have a Toast for The Bastards?

Who is Tyler, the Creator? That is the question that the lead man of OF answers in his first release, Bastard. From the first song, Tyler presents himself to the world. The mixtape is framed around a therapy session Tyler is in and the songs are his responses to the therapist. Symbolically, every song becomes more than just words, they become his darkest thoughts; To our fortune or misfortune, depending on how you feel about the mixtape, we get a honest look into the mind of the wildest wolf in the gang.

The title track starts off the album in a very strong way. Tyler curses blogs, hipsters, and any haters that don't like what he has to say. These first words establish that he truly doesn't care what anyone thinks about him. Tyler presents himself as an individual and hopefully he maintains this image throughout his career. Probably his most sincere song on the album is "Bastard" in which Tyler raps about his life. He raps about the love he has for his mom, his intense hate for his deadbeat dad, and all his problems. He also establishes why he's raping and what OF is. Tyler says simply, "I created O.F. cause I feel we're more talented/ Than 40 year old rappers talkin' 'bout Gucci". Tyler's final words of the song might be the most powerful on the whole album; "This my Zombie Circus, I hope the majors heard this/ Fuck a deal, I just want my father's email/ So I can tell him how much I fuckin' hate him in detail". The music business is not as important as the anger he has towards his father. This is Tyler's way of saying that his music is an outlet for his feelings and at the end of the day that's all it will be. Just like Em, Tyler can't be angry forever. Interestingly enough, it's Earl that makes a direct reference to Em instead  of Tyler.

After "Bastard", the mood changes completely with the uptempo "Seven". Tyler shows off his flow and his love of profanity as well.  Following this track, Tyler chills out and comes back with "Odd Toddlers", which has one of the best samples on the whole album. "French!" follows next and it one of the more disturbing songs on the album. Disgusting, misogynistic, sacrilegious, and shocking are what comes to mind in describing this song. This is the same track that Tyler talks about raping Goldilocks. Yet, there is something redeeming about this song. Tyler and Hodgy Beats flow easily over the distorted beat. Personally, I think Tyler's shocking lyrics are the result of his wild imagination more than his demeanor. Like most of the album, a mellow track follows a more intense one; "Blow" is the track that follows "French!" and there's nothing special about it. Definitely one of the more average tracks. "Pigs Fly" is one of my favorite tracks on the album with an impressive verse from Domo Genesis. The breakdown towards the end of the track is surprising, it sounds like something you would expect from N.E.R.D. The next major track is "Slow it Down" and it shows how well Hodgy and Tyler work together. Earl by far has the best feature on the whole album with "AssMilk". it's disturbing how calmly the youngest wolf in the gang raps about rape and murder, but he demonstrates his masterful flow and lyrical talent. After that, the following two tracks "VCR/Wheels" and "Session" are worth listening to. The mixtapes falls apart after that.

Overall, Bastard is an impressive first drop from Tyler. It's definitely rough around the edges and the lyrical content will detract most from listening; however, the mixtapes presents a look into the psyche of a troubled teen and won't disappoint if you listen through it all. Tyler also produced many of the beats on the album and he defintiely deserves praise for that. He might be the next big rapper/producer in the game; the kid has tons of potential. However, I can't say he will last, I give him a couple of albums and a couple of years. That said, I will definitely listen to Goblin because he represents the reincarnation of the punk culture embodied as a rapper. Bastard gets a 3 out 5, so it's definitely worth the download and a few listens through.

Listen to a few of the tracks here