From Goblin to IGOR, ChromaKopia why Can’t Tyler Fans Just Enjoy the Ride.
Tyler, The Creator’s musical evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary, with each album offering a new chapter in his artistic journey. From the dark, rebellious energy of Goblin to the emotionally rich Flower Boy, and then the genre-bending brilliance of IGOR and CHROMATICA, Tyler has continuously pushed the boundaries of what music, especially hip-hop, can be. However, as his discography evolves, so does his fanbase, and therein lies a curious dilemma. There seems to be an increasing number of fans who can’t just enjoy the ride and appreciate Tyler’s growth—especially when it comes to the albums that followed Flower Boy.
The Evolution of Tyler, The Creator’s Sound
Tyler’s fans have always had a complex relationship with his body of work. The transition from his earlier, more controversial albums like Goblin to his later, more introspective work like Flower Boy marked a significant shift in his sound and lyrical content. His fans, particularly those who were deeply attached to the darker, rebellious persona presented in Goblin and Bastard, were initially hesitant to embrace the softer, more mature Tyler that emerged on Flower Boy. This shift, which brought in more mainstream success and critical acclaim, created a rift in the fanbase.
Flower Boy marked a defining moment in Tyler’s career, with its lush production, introspective lyrics, and vulnerability that stood in stark contrast to his earlier works. However, as the years went by and Tyler released albums like IGOR and CHROMATICA, a new breed of fan emerged—one that celebrated his transformation but also started gatekeeping his past work. These hardcore Flower Boy fans, many of whom now consider IGOR and CHROMATICA to be the pinnacle of Tyler’s creativity, have been accused of disregarding or even dismissing his earlier, more experimental albums.
Why Some Fans Can’t Enjoy the Full Spectrum of Tyler’s Work
The issue lies in a growing tendency among some fans to define Tyler, The Creator by his most recent albums and reject the older works as less relevant or inferior. This is particularly true with IGOR and CHROMATICA, which represent a more polished, emotional Tyler. These albums are undeniably brilliant, showcasing his growth as both a producer and a lyricist. But it is important to understand that these works didn’t emerge in a vacuum; they are the culmination of years of experimentation, self-discovery, and personal growth, which began with Goblin and continued through the radical shifts of albums like Wolf and Cherry Bomb.
Some Flower Boy fans seem to forget that Tyler’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. The edgy, chaotic energy of Goblin and the avant-garde experimentation of Cherry Bomb set the stage for Tyler’s eventual emotional maturity in Flower Boy, IGOR, and CHROMATICA. Yet, many of these newer fans, who are enamored with his more polished work, refuse to acknowledge or appreciate Tyler’s past musical explorations. This creates a barrier that prevents full enjoyment of Tyler’s evolving artistry.
Why Can’t Tyler’s Fans Just Enjoy the Ride?
The question that arises is why some fans feel the need to gatekeep Tyler’s music. Why can’t they simply enjoy his entire catalog and respect the evolution of his artistry? The answer lies in the human tendency to create hierarchies around our favorite artists. Fans often attach themselves to an artist’s early work because it feels more “authentic” or “raw.” This attachment can make it difficult for them to accept that their idol has changed, and in the case of Tyler, many fans view his later work as less “real” or even a betrayal of the gritty, rebellious image he once portrayed.
However, this gatekeeping mentality also undermines the very nature of Tyler, The Creator’s artistic journey. One of the most exciting aspects of his work is his ability to continuously redefine himself, pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds and emotions. Whether it’s the brashness of Goblin, the introspection of Flower Boy, or the genre-defying IGOR and CHROMATICA, each album represents a different facet of Tyler’s personality and growth. His willingness to experiment and take risks is what makes him such an influential figure in modern music.
The Importance of Embracing the Full Tyler Experience
Instead of focusing on which albums are “better” or “more authentic,” fans should be able to appreciate Tyler, The Creator’s entire discography for what it represents: a bold, ever-evolving artist who refuses to be pigeonholed. Each phase in his career has been about growth and transformation, and it’s this journey that makes his music so compelling. To disregard any part of Tyler’s catalog is to miss out on understanding the full scope of his artistry.
The beauty of Tyler, The Creator’s music is that it offers something for everyone. If you prefer the rebellious energy of Goblin or the lush introspection of Flower Boy, there’s room for all of it. What’s important is recognizing that Tyler’s music is not static; it’s a reflection of his personal and artistic evolution. Fans should embrace the ride, rather than trying to pick and choose which parts of Tyler’s career are “real” or “authentic.”
Enjoy the Full Ride with Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator’s musical journey has been one of constant change and growth, and fans should be able to appreciate his entire discography without placing it into neat, rigid categories. From the gritty edges of Goblin to the emotional brilliance of IGOR, Tyler’s music offers something for everyone, and it’s this diversity that makes his work so impactful. Instead of gatekeeping his earlier works, fans should celebrate the full spectrum of his artistry and understand that his evolution is a testament to his genius. Tyler, The Creator is an artist who has always pushed boundaries, and the ride isn’t over yet. It’s time for fans to enjoy the full experience.
