Goblin – Tyler, The Creator (2xLP)

Goblin, released in 2011, is Tyler, the Creator’s second studio album and his major-label debut via XL Recordings. The project expands on the dark, introspective themes from his earlier work, merging horrorcore sensibilities with confessional lyrics, confrontational energy, and atmospheric production. Tyler handles nearly all of the production himself, layering eerie synths, distorted textures, and minimal drum programming to complement his provocative vocal delivery. The album also continues the narrative thread of his fictional therapist Dr. TC, with the concept of inner voices, mental conflict, and identity woven throughout. Over time, Goblin has become emblematic of Tyler’s early ethos: provocative, raw, and unfiltered. It polarized listeners with its shock-driven imagery and crude lyricism, yet many critics and fans laud it for its boldness and sonic coherence. Tracks like “Yonkers,” “She,” and “Transylvania” remain central to Tyler’s legacy, serving as early markers of his growth. The album is often cited as a pivotal moment in alternative hip-hop, influencing later artists who embraced darker, more experimental modes of rap.

Reviews

“Queerly irresistible in the same way one idly stares at road kill, Goblin is a masterpiece for those capable of stomaching it.” – Slant Magazine

“Following months of anticipation and hype, Odd Future’s anarchic leader drops his second full-length: the bleak and uncompromising Goblin.” – Pitchfork