In hip-hop, many artists have incredible stories about how they created their music. But few can compare to that of Tyler The Creator and his debut mixtape, “Bastard.” Released on Christmas Day in 2009, this project was born from the limitations of a cracked version of Fruity Loops (FL Studio). Tyler’s journey to creating “Bastard” is a tale of talent, determination, and creativity in facing challenges.
Tyler, the Creator reveals his debut mixtape ‘Bastard’ was made with a cracked/demo version of FL Studio
He added it didn’t allow him to save or revisit his beats while making the project. pic.twitter.com/XpIIb2iDq9
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) August 15, 2024
Tyler shared his unique experience on Maverick Carter’s show, “Mavericks.” He said that serious problems occurred with the cracked version of FL Studios. He couldn’t save or reshoot his beats once they were gone. Imagine beating something great and then it’s gone forever! Yet, Tyler took these problems and used them to fuel him further. He didn’t get angry but inside and put all his heart and soul into every track to be special.
Tyler has not only confronted his struggles but also his identity crises and battles with mental health. He opened up in a way that so many listeners found relatable and comforting. The honesty in songs like the title track “Bastard” and “Odd Toddlers” hit the fans hard. Tyler was not just making music; he was sharing pieces of himself.
The mixtape also delves into some dark themes. Tyler’s words here are riddled with issues of self-doubt and alienation, inhibited thoughts that affect us all at one time or another. That gives “Bastard” its flair—the eeriness of the beats and its introspective nature in lyrics—setting a new tone in hip-hop that many artists aspire to today.
Refreshingly DIY in a highly produced world, Tyler wasn’t just following trends—he set his own. His ingenuity set the stage for Odd Future, the hip-hop collective he co-owns, and it quickly inspired teens around the world to get original and express their authentic selves.
“Bastard” was the beginning of Tyler’s incredible artistic journey. After this massive beginning, there came other works like “Goblin” and “Wolf.” It was one journey of works built over establishing a strong beginning with “Bastard” to show people something new, his growth in art and storytelling.
Since he released “Bastard,” Tyler has never relented in pushing the limits and searching far and wide while recording new sounds. His discography says it all regarding his growth. After the album, he released “Goblin” in 2011, which contained songs like “Yonkers” and “Sandwitches.” It was his strong statement that established him further in the industry. Then came “Wolf” in 2013, which sold over 100,000 copies in its first week.
In 2015, Tyler released “Cherry Bomb,” again with big names featuring, such as Kanye West and Lil Wayne. It was placed at number four on the charts, and such results showed that this rapper was only growing popular. Then came 2017’s “Flower Boy,” with Tyler showing his growing talent and versatility through features from Frank Ocean and A$AP Rocky. Everything was built upon with the album—critically acclaimed “Igor” from 2019 and the Grammy-winning “Call Me If You Get Lost” as late as 2021.
Tyler The Creator‘s path from a cracked FL Studio to Grammy-winning albums is inspiring. The way he would turn limitations into creative fuel would not just define his career but rub off on so many other artists worldwide. “Bastard” remains an epitome of raw emotion and authenticity in music, reminding us that the best art sometimes comes from disturbing circumstances.
