In a perfect world, ‘Scum F–k Flower boy will be one of the top albums of all time, so when people ask: “yo, what is your favorite album of all time?” you say: “The BluePrint”, Illmatic, and SCUM F–K FLOWER BOY!

Aside from my personal reasons for rooting for this album, I think Tyler is one of the most artistic/creative minds in hip Hop today. Though he has this grisly voice when he raps, he is more than capable of putting together an orchestration of music that rivals anyone else (Including Beethoven himself). Tyler, my ears are open bro, Make me a Scum F–k Flower Boy believer bro!

Disclaimer: This review was done by both Eisra and Q! The beautiful words are Eisra, and the asshole ones is Q.

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TOP 5

5. WHO DAT BOY

This song starts out sounding like a Mike Myers scene in which he’s slowly approaching the naked woman who just got out the shower.

This production fits both Tyler and A$AP, despite their different sounds. Tyler starts it off, and he is being the aggressive n—a that he’s capable of being for sure. Typically you don’t see Tyler sounding this catchy, but I am with it folks!

A$AP is too cool for this horror inspired track! He’s over here talking about flossing and s–t, sounding like Carlton Banks in braids. A$AP does kill it though, as he dissects the beat like he’s known to do.

The back and forth between both rappers work for some reason! Why does a serial killer ass n—a sound so fluent with a cool ass n–a like this?

4. GARDEN SHED 

Tyler shares an intimate and pivotal moment in his life with us on “Garden Shed.”. Tyler comes out as gay on this song, and he does it in the most poetic fashion. Throughout, Tyler makes it feels like we’re being let in on this big secret, causing so much suspense. In the first verse, Tyler either can’t find the words or can’t bring himself to say the words aloud, so he asks the producer to run him back to the beginning so he can try again.

In the second verse, Tyler spills his gut out. With the garden shed being a metaphor for “the closet.”, he tells us that the garden shed is where he was hiding and that it’s also where he was safekeeping his feelings for “the garçons,” (men in French). Tyler explains that he’s been grappling with his sexual identity since he was a child here: “Since a youth kid, thought it was a phase,
thought it’d be like the phrase; ‘poof’ gone, but it’s still goin’ on.” And lastly he tells us that he bagged girls he was barely interested in just to brag to his boys. Upon hearing this song it makes sense now why Tyler seems to have such a recurring fear of losing his friends throughout the album, although, I hope that in reality this is only an insecurity and not a foreshadowing of events!

Estelle is perfect on this song, and the electric guitar instrumental break convinces me that Tyler is actually a rock-star.

3. BOREDOM

The way Garden Shed segways into Boredom is unexpected yet fluid! On first listen, it was hard to notice when the song changed because the transition happens so smoothly. Tyler gets lots of help from the gentle singers in the background, setting up this sunny mood for listeners. Tyler’s raspy/dark voice gives the song a darker tone, as he continues to rap about his loneliness.

By this point in the album it’s evident that Tyler’s going through some things…or maybe he’s just bored? It sounds like all of Tyler’s friends are busy with their lives, and he’s desperate to fill his time. Thankfully he has the raw talent to make this gem of an album, so maybe he did “find some time to do something!” Tyler you might’ve just did something bro!

2. 911/MR. LONELY

‘911’ is smooth as f–k! It reminds me of some vintage Clipse & Pharrell, with the chorus being smooth and the verses being tough. Tyler doesn’t get all crazy on it, just lays down a verse that complements the smooth chorus pretty well.

Frank Ocean pops up in spurts of the song, adding in a “crooner” sound to the track.

On the second phase of the song, Tyler is going HAM, rapping with this tongue-twisting flow. Lyrically, Tyler sounds pretty depressed, describing all the ways that he’s this lonely ass n—a.  I’m going to go ahead and make the observation that Tyler is desperate for love.

The song ends hauntingly with an earnest warning: “Treat me like direct deposit: Check in on me sometime, ask me how I’m really doin’ so I never have to press that 911.” Following the harrowing news of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington’s suicide yesterday, the second half of this song strikes a deep nerve. Tyler talks about how he’s been practicing retail therapy to “fill a void,” but that it’s not working anymore. He mentions that he needs love, and I hope he finds it in his family, friendships and in romance. We’re rooting for you Tyler!

1. SEE YOU AGAIN

Who knew Tyler could sing so well?

There is nothing bad that could possibly be said about “See You Again” except that it’s too short.

Kali Uchis, the Colombian-American singer from Alexandria, Virginia, was made for this song. Her silky vocals float effortlessly alongside Tyler’s soothing flow.

Tyler cues the producer to “switch it up” and the beat picks up the pace, transforming the ethereal ballad into a bass-bumping dance tune. Since it’s so short and sweet, it seems impossible to overplay.

Tyler the Creator and Kali Uchis should definitely collaborate more often. Individually the vibes their music creates are a little different but jointly they strongly complement one another!

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. FOREWORD (4.6/5)

2. WHERE THE FLOWER BLOOMS (5/5)

3. SOMETIMES (4.5/5)

4. SEE YOU AGAIN (5/5)

5. WHO DAT BOY (4.5/5)

6. POTHOLE (5/5)

7. GARDEN SHED (5/5)

8. BOREDOM (5/5)

9. I AIN’T GOT TIME (4.2/5)

10. 911/ MR. LONELY (4.6/5)

11. DROPPIN’ SEEDS (5/5)

12. NOVEMBER (4.6/5)

13. GLITTER (5/5)

14. ENJOY RIGHT NOW, TODAY (5/5)

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OVERALL RATING (9.5/10)

Q (9/10)

EISRA (10/10)

Tyler the Creator has made a believer out of me, and this is his magnum opus!! First of all, Tyler comes out to the public as a proud “scum f*ck flower boy” on this album, and it just feels so right. Throughout, Tyler struggles with acceptance, as is evident through the recurring theme of loneliness and the fear of losing friends because of track 7 (Garden Shed). Still through it all, he does the brave thing and owns his truth.

The album’s first song “Foreward” is full of political messages, double entendres and metaphors. This sets a precedence for the rest of the album which is stacked full of metaphors and symbolism. This side of Tyler the Creator is deep, poetic, honest, and extremely refreshing.

There are so many great features on here! Every single one is well thought out and perfectly placed to me. Anytime you have an album full of fitted features, I feel like everytime you will get something special.

Some songs start out smooth and sexy, then pick up the tempo; others just sound classic and whimsical all the way through. All of the songs are written and produced by Tyler, so there seems to be an aqueous synergy that flows through the veins of this album, turning it into a whole living work of art.

The recurring themes on this album is refreshing! As a listener, you sit back and watch as Tyler longs for love, combat loneliness with material things, and lastly struggle with acceptance. All topics are relatable to us all – many of us long for love and acceptance, and in the age of technology and social media giving a false sense of connection, many of us find ourselves lonely as well. It is a gift to be able to turn your pain into a masterpiece like this that can help others not feel so alone. You’ve accepted yourself Tyler, and gifted us with timeless art, so who are we to judge? Live your life Flower Boy!