Does Tyler Like Cherry Bomb? Here’s What We Found Out!
Tyler, The Creator has always been an enigmatic and unpredictable artist, constantly reinventing himself and challenging musical norms. One of the biggest debates among fans revolves around his 2015 album Cherry Bomb—a project that pushed boundaries but also divided listeners. Over the years, Tyler has made contradictory statements about the album, leading to confusion about his true feelings toward it.
So, does Tyler actually like Cherry Bomb, or does he regret it? In this article, we analyze his interviews, lyrics, performances, collaborations, and fan reactions to uncover the truth.
Who Is Tyler, The Creator?
Tyler, The Creator (born Tyler Gregory Okonma) is a rapper, producer, songwriter, and fashion designer. He gained fame as the leader of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future, known for its rebellious and experimental approach to music. Over the years, Tyler has evolved from a controversial provocateur into one of the most respected and innovative artists in contemporary hip-hop.
From early albums like Goblin and Wolf to later masterpieces like Flower Boy and Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler has never been afraid to explore new sounds and concepts. Cherry Bomb, however, remains one of his most polarizing projects.
What Is Cherry Bomb?
Cherry Bomb is Tyler’s third studio album, released on April 13, 2015. Unlike his previous works, which had a more structured and lyrical focus, Cherry Bomb was heavily driven by distorted production, chaotic instrumentals, and experimental sounds. Inspired by artists like Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D, and Kanye West, the album showcased Tyler’s ambition to step outside traditional hip-hop norms.
Despite the bold artistic direction, the album received mixed reviews upon release. While some praised its risk-taking nature, others criticized it for being too unpolished and overwhelming.
Cherry Bomb’s Most Notable Tracks
- “DEATHCAMP” – A high-energy opener with heavy rock influences.
- “FIND YOUR WINGS” – A jazz-infused, melodic track that contrasts with the album’s intensity.
- “SMUCKERS” (feat. Kanye West & Lil Wayne) – A standout collaboration featuring legendary rap verses.
- “OKAGA, CA” – A dreamy, psychedelic outro that hints at Tyler’s future musical direction.
Cherry Bomb’s experimental nature made it one of Tyler’s most misunderstood projects, adding to the mystery of whether he truly liked it or not.
Tyler’s Public Statements About Cherry Bomb
Tyler has made several conflicting statements about Cherry Bomb, sometimes praising it and other times critiquing it.
Positive Comments
In various interviews, Tyler has described Cherry Bomb as a turning point in his career, where he experimented freely without industry pressure. He has expressed pride in certain elements, particularly the instrumentation and raw energy of the album.
In a 2017 interview, he stated:
“Cherry Bomb was me figuring stuff out. People didn’t get it, but I had fun making it.”
Negative Comments
Despite defending Cherry Bomb at times, Tyler has also admitted that the album’s mix and production could have been better. He once described it as being “all over the place”, which some critics and fans echoed in their reviews.
In 2018, he admitted:
“I was trying to mix everything myself, and I kinda messed it up.”
These statements suggest that while Tyler respects Cherry Bomb for what it represents in his journey, he is also aware of its flaws and limitations.
Tyler’s Lyrics & Cherry Bomb References
Tyler’s music often serves as a reflection of his personal thoughts. His lyrics contain several references to Cherry Bomb, sometimes as a point of pride and other times as a stepping stone.
In his 2019 song “A BOY IS A GUN” (from IGOR), Tyler references Cherry Bomb’s sound, suggesting he may have outgrown that era. However, in “HOT WIND BLOWS” (from Call Me If You Get Lost), he subtly pays homage to the album’s experimental spirit.
These lyrical nods indicate that Tyler’s feelings about Cherry Bomb are complex and ever-evolving.
Tyler’s Live Performances of Cherry Bomb Songs
Another way to gauge an artist’s feelings about an album is through their live performances.
Tyler has performed Cherry Bomb songs numerous times, showing genuine enthusiasm for tracks like SMUCKERS and DEATHCAMP. However, he has also avoided certain tracks, further fueling speculation about his mixed relationship with the album.
His setlists over the years suggest that while he enjoys some parts of Cherry Bomb, he does not actively celebrate it in the same way he does with Flower Boy or IGOR.
Also Read >> Helen Mirren XBX Workout The 12-Minute routine for longevity
Cherry Bomb’s Influence on Tyler’s Career
Artistic Growth
Despite its mixed reception, Cherry Bomb was a crucial step in Tyler’s evolution as an artist. The album helped him explore new genres like jazz, rock, and neo-soul, which later became integral to albums like Flower Boy and IGOR.
Industry Recognition
Cherry Bomb also caught the attention of industry veterans, particularly Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, both of whom praised Tyler’s production style. This led to future collaborations and solidified his status as an innovative producer.
While Cherry Bomb wasn’t a commercial success, it laid the groundwork for Tyler’s future projects, making it a pivotal moment in his discography.
Fan Reactions & Public Perception
Cherry Bomb remains one of the most divisive albums in Tyler’s catalog.
- Some fans consider it an underrated masterpiece, praising its bold experimentation and raw energy.
- Others find it too chaotic and unfocused, preferring his later, more refined work.
As years have passed, Cherry Bomb has gained more appreciation, with many fans revisiting it and discovering its unique charm.
Final Verdict: Does Tyler Like Cherry Bomb?
The answer isn’t straightforward. Tyler has expressed both admiration and frustration with Cherry Bomb, making it clear that his relationship with the album is complicated.
While he acknowledges its flaws, he also sees it as an important stepping stone in his artistic journey. Whether he “likes” it or not, Cherry Bomb remains a defining chapter in Tyler’s ever-evolving career.
Also Read >> Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, A star-studded weekend in Rhode Island
1. What is Cherry Bomb?
Cherry Bomb is Tyler, The Creator’s third studio album, released in 2015, known for its experimental production and unique sound.
2. Has Tyler ever said he dislikes Cherry Bomb?
Tyler has made mixed statements, sometimes criticizing the album’s mix while also praising its creative risks.
3. Why is Cherry Bomb controversial among fans?
The album’s distorted production and non-traditional structure made it polarizing, with some loving it and others disliking it.
4. Did Cherry Bomb influence Tyler’s later music?
Yes, Cherry Bomb played a crucial role in shaping Tyler’s future sound, particularly in Flower Boy and IGOR.
5. Does Tyler still perform Cherry Bomb songs?
Yes, but selectively. Some songs, like SMUCKERS, remain fan favorites, while others are rarely performed.