The enigmatic and perpetually evolving artist known as Tyler, The Creator has once again captured the attention of the music world with the surprise release of his latest project, the dance-infused album titled "Don't Tap The Glass." This new record, a compelling follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2024 album Chromakopia, signals a distinct sonic shift, focusing squarely on rhythm and movement, a direction Tyler himself has clarified is purely for "body movement."
Setting the record straight from the outset, Tyler swiftly shut down early rumors suggesting high-profile collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt. "Don’t Tap The Glass" stands as an entirely solo effort, a testament to his singular vision. Furthermore, the rapper addressed speculation about his ninth record being a sprawling concept piece, explicitly stating, “Y’all better get them expectations and hopes down this ain’t no concept nothing.” This directness, coupled with the album's opening track "Big Poe"—which notably samples the infectious "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" by Busta Rhymes—underscores the album's unadulterated focus on compelling listeners to move.
True to his unconventional style, Tyler unveiled the album's title with an artistic flourish. At his electrifying concert at the Barclays Center on July 18, part of the ongoing Chromakopia: The World Tour, fans were treated to a unique art installation featuring a figure enclosed in a clear box proudly boasting the album's name. He further teased the LP by name-dropping it during his set, before directing intrigued fans to the dedicated website, donttaptheglass.com, initiating a truly immersive rollout strategy. This contrasts with Chromakopia's star-studded lineup, which featured luminaries such as Doechii, Childish Gambino, GloRilla, and Lil Wayne, underscoring Tyler's continuous reinvention.
The impact of Tyler's live performances, particularly his recent triumphant return to the UK in May (including a memorable stop at The O2), serves as a powerful testament to his global appeal. During his Chromakopia tour, the 34-year-old star meticulously crafted an immersive experience for his audience. The stages came alive with breathtaking visual elements inspired by his latest work, complemented by dazzling fireworks, an array of fluorescent lights, and an impressive two-stage structure connected by a dynamic catwalk. Fans, many adorned in green as a vibrant homage to Chromakopia's signature color, matched Tyler's own green attire during the first part of his set, showcasing the profound connection he shares with his fanbase. His raw energy and magnetic stage presence reaffirmed why he remains one of the most acclaimed hip-hop stars in the world.
This return to the UK carried significant weight, as Tyler had been controversially banned from the country for several years. The ban, implemented in 2015 due to lyrics from his 2009 debut LP Bastard and 2011 album Goblin, prevented him from appearing at major festivals. Taking a moment to address this past hurdle on stage, Tyler expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans: "I just want to say, I was banned from your country for like five years. So it’s awesome that after all that you came and appreciated what I’m doing.”
