07. Flower Boy by Tyler the Creator

Tyler the Creator was recently on NPR's Tiny Desk series and after finishing his set the crowd began to clap but Tyler still had more to say. He began hollering at the crowd to settle them down so he could share a few words, and once the clapping faded someone from the side asked "What's on your mind?" Tyler responded with "I respect you because not a lot of people say that to people. Sometimes you just gotta say 'Hey, what's on your mind?' Just talk to people. Some people don't take the time out to ask people what's on their mind."

I felt like this whole situation perfectly mirrored Tyler's new album and his experiences. We're often too quick to jump the gun— whether that be with our assumptions, opinions, or attention—when there is still more to be said and expressed. The vulnerability in Flower Boy really resonates with me, and Tyler's lyrical cadence is unmatched.

Follow along on Instagram and check out Manila Folders, my weekly music newsletter.