Bastard
Tyler, the Creator · 2009
55 min · 15 tracks · contemporary R&B
A raw blend of confrontational lyrics and jagged beats, intertwining introspection with chaotic energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bastard — The title track sets the tone for the album, showcasing Tyler's confessional style and blending dark humor with raw emotionality.
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French! — This track exemplifies Tyler's unique production style, mixing eerie sounds with aggressive lyricism that challenges societal norms and expectations.
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Sarah — In 'Sarah', Tyler shifts from brashness to vulnerability, revealing personal struggles wrapped in poignant storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Bastard's raw energy and unique production style mark it as a significant debut in alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a spoken-word intro that sets a confrontational tone, followed by tracks that alternate between aggressive beats and introspective lyrics.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, such as 'Pigs Fly' moving from a chaotic beat to a more melodic section, creating a sense of unpredictability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with introspective themes
- dark lyrical explorations of self
- consistent flow with dynamic shifts
- raw beats for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, instant gratification
- seek polished, mainstream sound
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on Christmas Day in 2009, Bastard was Tyler, the Creator's debut studio album, establishing him as a provocative voice in hip-hop. At this point, he had already gained attention through his work with Odd Future but was still an emerging artist carving out his unique sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Earl Sweatshirt· Frank Ocean· Syd
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bastard 6:09
- 2 Seven 3:29
- 3 Odd Toddlers 3:36
- 4 French! 4:03
- 5 Blow 2:55
- 6 Pigs Fly 3:35
- 7 Parade 2:22
- 8 Slow It Down 3:08
- 9 AssMilk 3:40
- 10 VCR/Wheels 3:28
- 11 Session 3:29
- 12 Sarah 4:46
- 13 Jack and the Beanstalk 3:50
- 14 Tina 3:07
- 15 Inglorious 4:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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