Recommended Tracks: “Big Poe,” “Mommanem,” “Don’t Tap That Glass / Tweakin'”
Artists You Might Like: Lil Tecca, Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar
Tyler, The Creator surprised fans with the announcement of his new album DON’T TAP THE GLASS during the final stop of his tour in Brooklyn on June 18. The project comes as a shock to many, especially since his previous album, CHROMAKOPIA, was released less than a year ago.
Hints of a dance-inspired direction came early, as Tyler teased that the album comes with a few “rules,” including mandatory body movement and no sitting still. It’s now confirmed that DON’T TAP THE GLASS is meant to be a dance album, one that embraces movement and physical expression. While this is a new genre for the rapper-producer, fans familiar with his genre-bending catalog won’t be surprised by the creative risks taken on his ninth studio album.
House music’s growing influence on mainstream artists in recent years sets the stage for this pivot. Beyoncé’s Renaissance and Drake’s 2022 album Honestly, Nevermind are two prominent examples. Now, Tyler, The Creator adds his own spin to the genre.
The album blends Tyler’s signature rap with wide-ranging sonic influences. It features samples from artists who have shaped the broader music landscape and weaves together styles beyond dance and house, touching on techno, electronic, and even contemporary indie elements. The multifaceted nature of the album allows listeners to experience it in various ways, whether they’re dancing, driving, or simply absorbing the sound’s textures.
The album opens with “Big Poe,” featuring Pharrell Williams and Sk8brd. The track begins with a set of instructions that were teased throughout the release weekend:
“Number one, body movement (Funky) / No sitting still (Dance, bro) / Number two (Hahahaha), only speak in glory (Yeah) / Leave your baggage at home (None of that deep s***) / Number three, don’t tap the glass.”
The track then transitions into a sample of “Roked” by Jonny Greenwood and Israeli musician Shye Ben Tzur. Driven by synths and a boom bap beat, the song introduces listeners to Tyler’s new alter ego, “Big Poe,” continuing his tradition of crafting characters for each era. The track closes with a vocal sample from Busta Rhymes’ “Pass the Courvoisier Part II,” reinforcing the theme of celebratory movement and energy.
Further into the album, “Ring Ring Ring” leans into nostalgia, channeling the late ’70s and early ’80s with strong basslines, whip sound effects, and percussive beats layered with a phone-ringing sample. Lyrically, the track centers on longing, pleading for a loved one to answer the phone and listen. It’s a track made for movement, but also for reflection, evoking the feel of an afternoon drive to the beach.
Tyler continues to shift gears with the two-part track “Don’t Tap That Glass / Tweakin’.” The first half is chaotic and bold, built on a heavily layered beat and the repeated refrain, “Don’t tap that glass.” As the track transitions into “Tweakin’,” the sound slows down into a synth-heavy, horn-like section before launching into a high-tempo rap segment, with piano and synths still weaving throughout.
DON’T TAP THE GLASS is a compelling example of an artist with a well-established sound branching into new territory without losing authenticity. Designed for summer nights and DJ sets alike, the album is a bold, inventive step that showcases how rap and dance music can coexist while drawing in both longtime fans and new listeners.
Keep up with Tyler, The Creator: Instagram // Spotify // X // YouTube // Website
