After the massive and well-deserved success of Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA, the rapper didn’t waste any time following suit by gifting his fans with another bang-heavy, electrifying album. Although Tyler is currently on his CHROMAKOPIA: The World Tour right now, that didn’t stop him from releasing his ninth studio album, Don’t Tap the Glass, on July 21.
While he originally teased the album on July 18, on the actual release date, Tyler shared what the album meant to him and what sets it apart from his other projects in an Instagram post. “This isn’t about control or reception. It’s just me again. A little louder, a little looser. Felt like letting the paint spill this time,” he wrote. “It made me wonder how much of our human spirit got killed because of the fear of being a meme, all for having a good time.”
On the 10-track project, the sound is completely different from his previous albums, but shares many similarities in terms of tone with other albums like IGOR and CHROMAKOPIA. Outside of the boldness and assertiveness of the album, many are wondering what the phrase “don’t tap the glass” actually means. Well, I’m here to tell you the tea, and it’s actually pretty deep.
So, what does “Don’t Tap the Glass” mean?
Suited with keen lyrics and addictive production, the album is meant to be a call to action towards listeners to let loose and express their freedom of movement. Based on the title alone, Tyler wants his fans to freely move their bodies no matter who sees or judges them. Not only that, but the music production amplifies the summer vibes of the album, making it the perfect playlist choice for back to school.
Another thing that sets this album a play of its own is that Tyler presents a different version of himself that he hasn’t done as often in his career. The phrase “don’t tap the glass: could relate to how celebrities, or even Tyler himself, can feel trapped like an animal in a cage, as “don’t tap the glass” is a typical rule that animal handlers enforce to keep onlookers from distressing the animal. Tyler’s music often explores his disdain for parasocial relationships, so this album title could be just another way for him to make his boundaries known to an audience.
The phrase can also relate to irreversible change in one’s life, such as breaking the glass as a way to enter a new stage of life that can’t be returned. Or, it could be Tyler’s call to urge all of us to get TF off of our phones (taping the glass, touching the screen… catching my drift?).
With him in “creator mode” in all of the songs, the storytelling aspect showcases Tyler’s softer side with dashes of excitement. In the song “Big Poe”, the listener is witnessing Tyler displaying the rawness of body movement and living in the moment. Lyrics like “number one, body movement” and “leave your baggage at home” are advising the listener to release any tension and enjoy the thrill of life.
Although it hasn’t been a full year since CHROMAKOPIA’s release, the songs on Tyler’s new album are all well worthy of a summer party playlist.