Ty Listens to "Chromakopia"

Tyler, the Creator's eight studio album, "Chromakopia", was released at 6am this morning. I waited until 10am to listen to it. My daughter had a doctor's appointment this morning, and since she was a little nervous, I let her pick the music, which was Taylor Swift of course, whom I adore. But after I dropped her off at school it was my time to shine. I was by myself, so that let me really listen to the record with zero distractions, which I prefer when new music from an artist I love is released. I had also listened to "Noid" since he released that a little early. I love that track, so I was all keyed up to hear what else he was going to give us.

I'm here to say that this record is amazing. Tyler, the Creator has a knack for music, and he is one of the best out there with his craft right now. He continues to grow with each new release. He seemingly gets better and better while still maintaining his super unique, super cool rap voice. I love how gruff and grimy it sounds. But make no mistake, he has grown up and matured. He isn't the same guy from Odd Future. He is his own person now, and he more than shows that on "Chromakopia". This record is one solid song after the next. There's straight up hip hop, there's pop, there's R&B, he kind of gives the listeners a few different genres to chew on, which I love. I also appreciate how each song flows right into the next song. There's no long pauses in between the tracks. When one song ends, it feels like the ending of said song has a line or lyric that gets you in the right headspace for what is coming next. I like when records move at that type of pace. And this isn't a quick 10 song, 30 minute record. The album is almost an hour long, clocking in at 53 minutes with 14 songs. And, as I said before, there's not one on the listing that is worth a skip. You need to hear them all when you turn on this album. There's a clear theme, which is Tyler, the Creator dealing with his newfound stardom and massive fame. Make no mistake, he is a massive, massive artist. He sells out arenas now. He is going on a world tour to support this record, and I wouldn't be shocked if shows sell out in record time. This record kind of gives the listener a glimpse into how he feels and how he is dealing with all of this. I like when artists talk about real life stuff like that. I don't know what it is like to be famous. I've never been asked for an autograph or been tailed on the street so someone can meet me. I don't have bodyguards. I can go places with freedom. Some people, like Tyler, the Creator, don't have that luxury. And on "Chromakopia", he lets us know how bizarre that is. He lets us know how messed up it can be when a person is obsessed with you. He really lays bare each and every feeling he has toward his fame and stardom and I love this record for that. I also love the beats, the lyrics and the way they are put across throughout the album. So far my favorite track is "Sticky". I also really enjoy "Rah Tah Tah". And "Noid" is a bonafide hit. I wish he were coming closer, or even to Saint Louis on this tour because I'd love to see him perform these tracks live.

Tyler, the Creator is on fire right now. He has been on fire for a good long while now and I don't see him slowing down one bit. Go listen to "Chromakopia". It is another in a long line of stellar records from Tyler, the Creator. He is a master at his craft. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Watches "Jackass Forever"

For date night last week my wife and I finally saw "Jackass Forever". And before you think it was all my pick, my wife enjoys a good prank and bodily harm movie. We both like wild movies like this. "Bad Trip" was a godsend for the two of us. We both also used to watch the show, we have recently watched the original movie, which we also showed our son in a moment of wonderful parenting, and we both really wanted to see this. We tried to go to the theater but we just couldn't find the time. Then when it went to streaming it was only on Paramount +, which we do not subscribe to. But it was finally on VOD and it was only six bucks.

We jumped at the chance and we loved the movie. It was so funny. It was so wild. It made me think about the first time I saw the show. I was transported back 20 years in time. I was cackling like a maniac. We even let our son sit in on a few moments of the movie. He loved it as well. I could not believe that these guys could, and were willing, to do these things to themselves. It was crazy. They did a cup check yet again. This was one of their original bits and they brought it back. But instead of Johnny Knoxville letting little kids kick him in the crotch this time they let real, legit athletes test a cup on Danger Ehren. It looked and sounded like it hurt. They had an MMA fighter punch him in the crotch. Ehren's eyes looked dead when he was hit. They had the world's fastest softball pitcher pitch one into the cup. She nailed it after a few tries and it was glorious. They had PK Subban slap shot a puck into it. And they even let another "Jackass" member, Dave England, use a metal pogo stick and jump into him. It was all brutal. Ehren even ruptured a testicle. It was wild. They played a prank on a bunch of the cast members by making them think they were in a blacked out room with a venomous snake. My wife and I were cracking up. They did some cool stuff with the biggest slip and slide I have ever seen in my life. It was nuts. The opening scene was gross and hilarious. The stuff with Eric Andre and the cold brew truck was awesome. They got a ton of people with that one in fact. The tap dancing scene with Tyler, the Creator was dope. I am a big fan of his, so to see him in this movie was rad. The new cast members were good too. They had four or five new people and they were all game. They were all willing to go for broke and that is needed in a show like this. I also love that one of the new cast members got his dad involved, an ex-con who is terrified of snakes and birds, but did hard time. He was great.

The main point of today's piece, I cannot believe that most of the main crew is still around and still doing these things. Steve O went full bore like he never left. I mentioned Danger Ehren and Dave England. They brought back some old bits and let other cast members take them to task. Preston Lacy and Wee Man went for broke. They did things I do not think they would have even done back in the day. And Johnny Knoxville went for it all. He did a ton. He let himself get shot out of a cannon. He was involved in the vast majority of the pranks and stunts. He is still the ring leader. And he even brought back the bull stunt. And that bull knocked him out. He was so knocked out that he was snoring. He broke his wrist, ribs, got a brain hemorrhage and a concussion. And he still came back for more. I hope for these guys that this is the last one of these movies they make. They looked older and rough. They still had the gall, but most of the guys in the crew are in their late 40's or early 50's. I do not think their bodies can handle the damage anymore. It is too much. But I am glad they made this one. I hope they leave us with this one.

I enjoyed “Jackass Forever” quite a bit. So did my wife. And the little bit my son saw. "Jackass Forever" is a great trip back in time, and I highly recommend watching it.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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2021 Top Five - Albums

This week starts my Best of 2021. I will do my top five for most of my lists. I will do music, movies, television, podcasts and sports. That is also the order I will proceed with starting today. Some of my lists were easy to get to five, others, not so much. Let's get to it.

Today I am going to do my top albums of 2021. This is one of my lists where I do not have five picks. Part of that is my lack of listening to new music and the other part is I do not know many of these new artists. I used to be cool and hip. I used to know a ton about new and underground music. I used to listen to all different kinds of music. But as I have gotten older plenty has changed. I am kind of stuck in my ways now. I like what I like. I have been introduced to "new" music for me, but it is older bands or musicians I have never really given thought to before. That is my "new" music. I have recently gotten into Prince, more Talking Heads, an indie band called Whitney and more old school hip hop. But I did find three albums that I really enjoyed that came out this year. They are three new albums too. They are by artists that I like, but again, these records did come out this year.

At number three I have Har Mar Superstar's "Roseville". I love this record. It is like a throwback to older soul and R&B. There are horns and back up singers and cool, retro guitar and all along the way we get Har Mar's great voice. I like this new direction Har Mar is going in with his music too. It is very fitting for his voice and his range. You can really tell on this record that he is in his pocket. I also feel like as he is getting older he is starting to pain gratitude to artists he grew up listening to. This record is like an homage to older soul music. And I am a sucker for horns. I just lose myself to the music whenever I hear a good horn section. Lyrically, this album is very poignant and timely. He talks about COVID and other things that are going on in and around his life. It is a good snapshot of what this past year has been like. "Roseville" is very solid and I'm kind of stunned that some of the bigger publications and websites have kind of just pushed this record to the side and do not talk about it.

At two I have Tyler, the Creator's "Call Me if You Get Lost". This record is like older Tyler with his new vibe attached. It is straightforward hip hop. Tyler's rapping is impeccable. He has gotten better and better every year. He is on the Mount Rushmore of current hip hop artists right now. I also love how most of the songs are less than three minutes long. Even the songs that go six to nine minutes have like three different songs built in. They don't linger too long. There is enough change that it feels different. Tyler, much like Har Mar, also touches on the pandemic, but does it his way. I also love the addition of a hype man on the record. It adds so much to hip hop albums. I also really enjoy the production on the record. It may be his second best production, behind only "IGOR". Tyler, the Creator is aging like a fine wine. He is consistently trying new things and it has all been really great as of late. Tyler is getting to that echelon of always doing wonderful and innovative things in music. He is the man.

My number one album of the year is "Inside". Get used to seeing this on my best of lists. This album is amazing. The fact that it was made in a year is astounding. Talk about being timely, this album is all about the pandemic, loneliness, anxiety and loss during COVID. It is truly a masterpiece. Bo Burnham has done something amazing and memorable. To make music like this, at this time in history, to make it this well and this astounding, I'm floored. The way the whole album kind of shifts after "30" is a real feat. It goes from kind of dark to super dark, in all the right ways. There are songs on this album that I feel like school kids should study. There is stuff on this album that will be talked about for decades. This is a true work of art. I adore songs like "How the World Works" or "Welcome to the Internet" that are instant classics. I mentioned "30", that is an exceptional song about growing old. "Problematic" is a great look at his past and how he has grown. "All Eyes on Me" is so twisted and dark and perfect. "That Funny Feeling" may be the best folk song of the year. "Content" is a perfect album starter. I could go on and on and on, and I will on some of my other lists, believe me. "Inside" is amazing. It is the best album of the year, and when we get to 2030, it may end up being the best album of the decade. It is really that good. You can go look at my year in review on Spotify and see how much I have devoured this album. "Inside" is, hands down, the best album of 2021.

That is it for today. Come back tomorrow for my top five movies of the year.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support Ty and the podcast on Patreon.

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Ty Listens to "Call Me if You Get Lost"

Tyler, the Creator came out with a new record today, "Call Me if You Get Lost". Let’s discuss.

I am a fan of Tyler. I first heard of him with his supergroup Odd Future, and have followed him ever since. I like all of his stuff. When he branched out on his own he did some grimy and gritty and great rap music. It could be tough to listen to at times, but it was dynamite. Then about three or four years ago he put out "IGOR". This is one of the best concept albums I have ever heard. He really went out on a limb, tried something different and it was a home run. I love that record. The last live show I saw was him doing his "IGOR" tour, and if that is the last live show I ever see, I feel very fine about that.

So when he announced new music, I did not really know what to expect. I thought he was going to continue with the "IGOR" sound one day, but the next day I would think he was going to go back to more straight forward rap. Then he released the song "LUMBERJACK" early, and that was like hearing old school Tyler, but also grown up. It is a straight up rap song, but Tyler has gotten even better at rapping. The way he flows, the intricate style he uses, the way he rhymes words, it shows growth as an artist. I really like "LUMBERJACK". I listened to it on repeat for about a week.

Then today he released the new record. There are sixteen songs on it, and most are less than three minutes long. But what he gets done in those three minutes is pretty amazing. The record is all pretty much straight up rap, but he accomplishes so much in that time. Take a song like "LEMONHEAD". It has a great beat, the verses are dope as hell and Tyler is in a groove throughout. It is bliss. There are some songs that deviate from the less than three minutes, but after a minute long buildup, it is two straight minutes of him rapping, and rapping perfectly. The album flows very nicely too. There seems to be a running theme, almost like he is telling a story with this album. It has the feel of "IGOR" in the way it moves from song to song. I really appreciate that. Some albums nowadays are front loaded with hits and the rest of the record is kind of blah. This album is one good song after the next, just like "IGOR". There isn't a skippable song on the record. Even when he has a little deviation, there is a song where he just lets his mom talk over a beat, it works. It feels like it belongs. There is one song that is almost ten minutes, but it is like three songs in one. The whole song doesn't feel long. It isn't like listening to a jam band go on an endless jam. This song has a structure and key changes and is amazing.

Tyler is at the top of his game right now. He is really good at what he does, and he knows it. I do recommend watching the little videos he has been posting on his Instagram for this album. They add a great layer to the album. Go listen to this record. It is good. It is better than most popular rap and pop music right now. Go give artists like Tyler, the Creator their flowers because they damn well deserve it. This record rules.

Ty

Best of 2019: Top Five Albums

It is getting to be the time of year where everyone is putting out their best of 2019 lists. Hell, some are even doing best of the decade, but RD and I will be doing that a bit later on. But, like everyone else, I to like to do best of lists. This year will be the same as the past few. I will be doing music, movies, tv shows, podcast episodes or shows and sports moments. So, sit back and enjoy a week of "Best of 2019" lists from me. First off, we will do my top 5 albums. Oh, and before I go any further, I will add a few disappointments, for me, for the year. Anyway, lets get to it.

Coming in at number 5 I have "On the Line" from Jenny Lewis. I have really found myself going back to this record a ton lately, and liking it even more with every listen. Jenny Lewis has already proved that she is a wonderful song writer and arranger, but this album puts her on a whole other level. From songs about being in love, to total heart break, she hooked me from the start. She also worked with some great people, including Beck, that take this album to the next level. She has only gotten stronger and the stronger with each new album. "On the Line", to date, is her best record, and has me excited for what she is going to do in the future. Lewis is a star. More people need to recognize that.

At number 4 I have "The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience" from The Lonely Island. I feel like this record doesn't get the love it deserves because of the way it was released. There was not a ton of info, then all of the sudden they announced they were putting out a Netflix special and not many people knew if it was a comedy special, a musical or both. It is both, and it rules. The Lonely Island are already very, very funny. But, what people don't recognize is, they can really rap and make beats. This album hits hard. Some of the beats they produced, like the one with the pager sound on "Jose and Mark", or the whole "IHOP" song, those are amazing, super bobbing beats. They are as good as anyone making beats nowadays. Also, I know it may be cliché, but they are the modern day Beastie Boys. They sound like them, they rap like them, the only difference, they all have careers outside of music, in which they thrive in. This record plays so much in my car and my house that my kids know the words to the songs. My daughter calls "Oakland Nights" her jam. That song hits too. This record is so good and ranks right up there with their debut record. I was already a humongous fan, and now, especially with the Netflix special, they have won me over even more. Listen to the record first, then go watch the special. You will not be disappointed.

At number 3 I have "Hyperspace" by Beck. I have recently written about this album, and since that time, I think I have gone through the whole thing about 10 more times and I like it more and more. As I said in my review, the music sounds like it is from the 80's, but with Beck's influence all over it. The music is trippy and bouncy and fun. The lyrics are funky and groovy and quintessential Beck. I also love it when he does love songs, and "Die Waiting" is a great love song. Also, the slide guitar on "Saw Lightening" is rad. Everything Beck does, I am going to be a fan. But sometimes he does a record like "Hyperspace", and his genius blows me away more than it did before. I was talking to RD earlier today, and I told him that, at the current moment, this record is second only to "Midnite Vultures". It has the same feel, but more synth and more of an 80's lean. Even this morning, after speaking to RD, I put the record on because my son had a snow day, and he said he wanted to dance, and he told me "that new Beck record makes me want to dance". I love him so much, my son, and I really, really like "Hyperspace".

At number 2 I have "Cuz I Love You" by Lizzo. From the first moment I heard this record I knew it was going to be on my year end best of list. The title track is the opener, and it totally showcases Lizzo's beautiful voice. From there on out the record is all about empowerment, loving yourself, being good to those that are good to you and blocking out all the noise from the internet trolls. Every song on this album could, and should, be a top 100 hit. All of them are great. Also, the song with Missy Elliot brought me back to my teens, when I listened to a ton of Missy Elliot. She also does a great Erykah Badu esque song, "Jerome", that may be better than Badu. And while being a tremendous singer, Lizzo can rap. She spits man. She is so good on the song with Elliot, she crushes "Truth Hurts", she is phenomenal on "Better in Color", she is flat out amazing. Lizzo is finally getting the fame she deserves, and I love that she is out there being herself, loving herself and empowering young people to do the same. I hadn't listened to her before April of this year, but I haven't stopped since.

At number one I have "IGOR" from Tyler, the Creator. This album is a masterpiece. This is incredible. This shines a whole new light on Tyler, the Creator for me. Seeing him do this record live was such a treat. It is a true achievement. TTC did something totally different, totally out of his comfort zone and made one of the greatest concept records of all time. "IGOR" is also heartbreaking when you really listen to the lyrics. It is all about lost love and trying to deal with that. The way he sings and raps makes this album that much better. I didn't know he could sing like that, and he absolutely crushes it. As far as his rapping goes, he is one of the best in the game right now. Tyler, the Creator is a musical genius, and not of this world in my eyes. He is on a whole other level, or plain of existence. He was put here to make great music, and "IGOR" is his coup de gras. It is amazing. I highly recommend everyone, even people who don't listen to rap, listen to this album. It is that good. Okay, those are my top 5 albums for 2019.

As far as some things that disappointed me, or didn't work out like some may have thought, one, anything Kanye West does now is a joke. He is a farce of himself. He is a sellout. He is a phony. He is a hater. His beats are wack and his rapping has never been good. For anyone to think that this dude is a viable artist, especially the way he has presented himself this past year, is dead wrong. Kanye West needs to just go away quietly because he time was over 6 or 7 years ago. The dude is a poser. I am also appalled that the people behind the Kidz Bop records are still making albums, and trying to turn real songs into anthems for little kids. I let my kids listen to the original version of "Truth Hurts", so they don't have to listen to a crummy version on Kidz Bop. I would so much rather my son listen to Lil Nas X sing "Old Town Road" than some random pre teens. Bruno Mars is an excellent showman, so why let little kids try and sing his songs? The whole Kidz Bop thing needs to be stopped. They need to also stop taking explicit songs and trying to turn them kid friendly. I heard a little kid on one of the Kidz Bop albums doing "Truth Hurts" and saying, "turns out I'm one hundred percent that kid". That, to me, is worse than when basic cable shows movies and says things like "monster joker" or "bull shirt". It is offensive to the people who wrote the original song. Finally, I was so hoping that "RTJ 4" was going to come out in 2019. We still have a chance, albeit slight, that it comes out this year, but probably not. I know they are working on it. I have seen pictures and read lyrics they have posted online, and all of this has made me more and more excited for the record to come out. My fingers are crossed that they do the same thing they did for "RTJ 3", when they released it on Christmas night at midnight, but again, that doesn't seem likely.

There you have it, my best of, and disappointments in music in 2019. Come back tomorrow for my top five movies of 2019.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. The Head Editor fought to get Vampire Weekend’s “Father of the Bride” and Lana Del Rey’s “Norman Fucking Rockwell” on Ty’s list, but it is Ty’s list so those albums sit in the Head Editor’s head as the tops.

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The 2020 Grammy Nominations Make Me Feel Old

Yesterday after the 2020 Grammy nominees were announced, and I checked the categories that interested me, I came to two pretty grim realizations about myself.

So, I like to think that I know a good amount about music. I have done a whole series of who I consider to be some of the greatest American bands, I go to tons of live shows, I listen to lots of different music, I play guitar and I feel like I know a good amount about music in general. So, when I first saw the nominees, my first realization was, I had no idea who about 60 to 70 percent of the people nominated were. I simply had not heard of a good amount of the people. I know who Lizzo is, I really like her music. I am aware of Billie Ellish because my nieces listen to her. I know who Vampire Wekend is, much to my chagrin thanks to RD. And I am aware of other, bigger names that got nominations. But, when I scrolled down to the categories that I actually kind of care about, I just found that I had no idea who some of these artists were. That was when it hit me. I am older now. I am closer to 40 than 30. I am going to be 37 on less than a month. It is bizarre that something as trivial as Grammy nominations hit me this hard. I have known that I am getting older. We all do everyday. But, when I checked out this list, I just had no idea. I had no connection with some of these artists that are deemed worthy of a Grammy nomination. I listen to tons and tons of hip hop music, and I only know of one of the people nominated for best rap album, Tyler, the Creator. I don't know anything about any of the other nominees. When looking at rock and alternative nominees, it was nearly the same thing. I know Brittany Howard and Gary Clark Jr, but who in the hell are these other people? I have never heard of them. I know nothing about them, and I have no interest in finding out about them.

That leads me into my second realization, which I feel like I have had a few times prior to this, but it finally sunk in, and I accept it now. That realization, I am a music snob. A lot of the people nominated that I don't know, it is simply because I feel that modern pop, rock and alternative music is not very good. There is no musician or solo artist right now that I feel like has any staying power, and the bands and solo artists I listen to, I feel like most of them do. I think a band like The Black Keys, or a solo artist like Frank Ocean is going to be remembered for a long, long time. I don't think a band like, say Vampire Weekend, again, sorry RD, or a solo artist like Ariana Grande is going to be talked about in less than a decade. I think they will just be talked about in passing, like someone may say, "remember that one Vampire Weekend record, it was good. What are they up to now". It is not like they have real staying power. The Black Keys are prolific. They kept putting out good, solid records and tour with regularity. People wait and wait and wait for new Frank Ocean records, and when he puts one out, it is worth the wait, but it leaves you wanting more. Can you say that about most of the current Grammy nominees? I don't know. I love Lizzo, and I listen to her record "Cuz I Love You" on repeat, but can she do it again? What about the country rap guy Lil Nas X? Is he ever going to reach the heights that "Old Town Road" has led him to. Or Billie Ellish. Is she going to be the newer, hipper Lorde, or is she more in the vain of a one record wonder like Natalie Imbruglia or Crash Test Dummies. I simply don't know, but if asked, I would say they are more in the one record/hit wonder category.

Look, the Grammy's are simply nominating who is popular at the moment, and I understand that, but that is the problem with modern music. No one really tries to make profound, everlasting music, they just make music to get clicks and to get people to buy singles online. That is a problem with the modern music industry too. No one buys records anymore, or almost no one. Most people just want earworms that sit with you for a couple months, then you move on to the next hit song.

So, yes I am old and I like what I like, but that is okay. I'm sure the people that are nominated are happy, and I even bet that a few will stick around for awhile. But, most want. And I think that says all you need to know about Grammy nominees.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. On Grammy night, you can find Ty outside yelling at a cloud.

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Tyler the Creator Delivers in a Great St. Louis Show

I wanted to tell you all about a show I went to last Friday quickly. I know I have been doing all basketball, but I did promise to do reviews of other stuff, and last week I saw Tyler, the Creator in concert.

I am fairly new to his music, although I have been listening to Odd Future for about 5 years. But, when the OF crew went out on their own, Tyler was one of the guys I waited to check out.

That was a mistake. I love his beats and the way he rhymes. He is so fierce and vicious and the beats are pure hip hop. Also, as you all know, I am a big time fan of his last 2 records, "Flower Boy", and even more, "IGOR". And boy did he do some "IGOR" on Friday night.

He came out on stage in a blue suit and a blonde wig, buying fully into this Igor persona. It was almost like performance art added to a really kick ass show. And man did this show kick ass. I didn't know what to expect, but I was blown away. Tyler was on point and on fire all night long. I also loved the show within the show. The lights were great. The big screen behind him totally ruled. The effects, like fire and fireworks, were so god damn loud and perfect. I have nothing but great things to say about what I witnessed. And the tip in the cap of the night, he covered a good amount of his catalog. He played a ton of stuff off "IGOR", as expected, and it was great. He opened the show with "IGOR's Theme", and stood like a statue until he decided to rap along, and it was great. He did a piano intro to "EARFQUAKE", let the crowd sing it, then did an acapella version of it which was awesome. My favorite, "NEW MAGIC WAND" was, what the kids would say, a true banger. The bass was so heavy I could feel it in my chest, the lights were very strobe heavy and he crushed the song.

Even when he decided to do his older stuff, it worked so well. "IGOR" is such a different album, so to hear him do his older stuff, I really dug it. It showed how good of a rapper he is. Even while performing a song, he said he rapped too fast, slowed it down and then got right back into it and slayed again. Even in full Igor regalia, he did his old music justice. It was awesome. I also liked, when he decided to break character, his interactions with the audience. He wanted us all up and grooving with him. He asked for help on songs. He wanted us to be involved in a good way. And when people got too involved, he shut it down. There was also a guy that was just standing there, hands in pocket, and Tyler called him out. I loved it. He wanted that dude to have fun, and if I had to bet, that dude loosened up and had a good time.

This concert was such a pleasant surprise and I am so glad that I went to see him. If you have a chance, go see Tyler, the Creator. He is one of the more underrated rappers out there right now, but he is so, so good. And this whole Igor character is super fun to watch live. What a solid, and super fun show. I cannot recommend it enough.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Ty was not the man with his hands in his pocket. Ty waves his hands in the air like he has no cares.

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Ty Listens to "IGOR"

In anticipation of seeing him live in a few months, I have been devouring Tyler the Creator's most recent album "IGOR", and I have to say, I really, really like it.

I was a bit on the fence at first because it is such a departure from what I am used to from him. On his other records he has some, how do I say this, nasty or, at times, scary things he talks about. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of all his stuff, but when he was with Odd Future, and when he first went off on his own, he had some shocking lyrics. That was how he made his name as a solo artist. Then, a few years ago, he released “Boy Fuck Girl", which I like, but it showed a little growth from him. It was still akin to his older style, but he did have a few songs that kind of ventured out of his norm. On "IGOR", it is all different, and I love it.

When I first heard the album, I was stunned. I didn't expect it. In fact, my first thought was, why? But, as I listened to it more and more, I started to like it more and more. Now, I feel like I listen to it front to back once a day. I listen to it in the car, on runs, while mowing my grass, pretty much anytime I am driving, or exercising, I find myself picking "IGOR" as my choice.

First of all, I love the opener, which is pretty much all instrumental. There are a few lyrics here and there, but for the most part, it is like a pump up song. It gets you ready for what you will be listening to from there on out. The very next song, "EARFQUAKE" shows how much of a difference Tyler the Creator is making on this album. This song is, by far, his most accessible. It has a great hook, a nice beat and there is a few verses from Tyler himself that are excellent. The video for the song is awesome too. Check it out. But in "EARFQUAKE" Tyler even sings, and I have to say, he pulls it off.

From there on out, the record shows a total and tonal change from him. The album is, in essence, a love record. It seems like he has someone, or had someone, in his life that gave him the influence to put this type of record out. The music is softer and nicer and different in a very good way. And don't get me wrong, this is still a rap record, it is just different from what Tyler the Creator has done before. For example, "NEW MAGIC WAND" is a straight up rap song, but it doesn't have any shock lyrics, or stuff that makes me take a step back. He crushes the song, but it is just different. I also appreciate that he recorded himself saying some pretty deep stuff in between songs. I like that he kept it on the record too. It's great.

So while it took me a few listens to get into it, I now have a newfound love for this album. I have stated many times that I like when artists take chances, and Tyler the Creator is taking a big chance, and nailing it, on "IGOR". The newfound love also has me very hype to see him do this record live. I cannot wait to see what the show is like, and to hear these songs live. I have never seen him live either, and I feel like this is a great entrance into a live Tyler the Creator show. If you are a fan, you will love this record because Tyler the Creator is awesome. But I feel like people that may not listen to him would enjoy this record too. It really is for music fans of all kinds. There is still cursing on it, so maybe don't listen to it with the kids, although I still do listen with my kids. But, other than that, "IGOR" rules.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is glad to find some new exciting music. All the Weird Al has not been getting Ty pumped to mow the grass.

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Ty Listens to New Music from Jay Z, Vince Staples, and Tyler the Creator

I have recently purchased or been given 3 pretty awesome hip hop records over the past 2 weeks, and I want to write a little something about all of them. I'm doing it this way because they're fresh on my mind, and starting next week, and the week after that, I'm going to be very football heavy. So, let's get to it.

The first one I bought, and that is the newest Jay Z record, "4:44". I waited until it was off Tidal, I don't have the service, and I got it on iTunes. I have to say, it is a good, straight down the middle Jay Z record. Kendrick Lamar has usurped him as the heir apparent to Biggie as the best solo rapper in my opinion, but Jay Z can still bring it, and "4:44" proves that. He still has that wonderful, effortless flow, and his lyrics are just as profound. From talking about his problems, that he caused, with Beyoncé, to the coming out of his mother to talking about his kids, it all works. Jay Z is one of the best rappers alive for a reason. No album will be as good as "The Black Album" was for me. But, I really enjoy "4:44". I like it more than his last record, which I loved, and if he continues to put our great rap music like this, I will always be happy.

The next album was a gift via an iTunes gift card. That record is Vince Staples "Big Fish Theory". This record bumps. I listened to it fully for the first time this past Tuesday and I was blown away. I am a fan of Staples, but it was more so for his guest spots. His song with the Gorillaz on "Humanz" is one of the highlights. But, I have his other stuff, and while it is good, it's no where near as good as "Big Fish Theory". The way he blends electronic beats with introspective lyrics is amazing. He is one of the better modern rappers too. He has great flow and a sense of confidence when he rhymes. He knocks his verses on this record absolutely out of the park. The track with him and Kendrick Lamar is one of the better singles I've heard all year. I don't know why Staples isn't more widely known, but if he keeps doing new and innovative things like he does on "Big Fish Theory", he's going to be as big, if not bigger, than Chance the Rapper. He's that good.

Finally we have Tyler the Creator's new record, which was given to me by a friend, "Scum Fuck Flower Boy".(sorry for the language mom and dad, but that is the title) I'm a big fan of Odd Future, and Tyler the Creator is the reason why. Even though he can get very dark and dirty, I love the way he raps. He's got a newer voice, but with an old school delivery. His other solo stuff has been good, but like I said, it gets very dark. On "SFFB", it's dark, but not as dark. It's more accessible for rap fans. His lyrics and rhyming are the best I've ever heard from him. I just got this record yesterday and I've already listened to it twice, with a third about to come when I mow my lawn in a minute. This record is amazing. Of the three, this one is my favorite, and I also think it is genuinely the best. The songs are great. The beats are dope. His rapping is on point. It's all around wonderful. I love love love this album.

It is a great time to be a hip hop fan. I highly recommend getting all three of these, but if you can only get one, get Tyler the Creator's "SFFB". Don't listen to it around kids, in fact, don't listen to any of these around kids, but find time on your own to listen. "SFFB" is a masterpiece, and so is "Big Fish Theory". And don't forget about "4:44", it's classic Jay Z, which means it too is awesome.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He does not like the fact that some artist use a swear word in the titles of their albums. He wants the entire album title to be filled with swears. Damn hell ass swears.

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