It’s Worth It For The Silence

Tyler, the Creator “Dogtooth”

Tyler, the Creator is such a compelling rapper and general cultural presence that it can be easy to overlook the elegance of his craft as a songwriter and producer. The instrumental for “Dogtooth” is one of his best compositions, particularly in the way he contrasts a piano part that signals a sensitive vulnerability with a synth lead that’s like getting zapped with a ray that makes you feel instantly relaxed and laid back. He sounds very at ease in this song – comfortable enough to express very earnest desire, and evidently confident in his mind, body, and soul.

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Chlöe featuring Missy Elliott “Told Ya”

Chlöe is a Beyoncé protegé signed to Beyoncé’s label so it shouldn’t necessarily be surprising that she’d end up making music that owes a lot to Beyoncé, but still it’s kinda amazing how close “Told Ya” gets to sounding like Beyoncé. It’s in the cadences, it’s in the ad libs, it’s in the general vibe and sentiment of the song, and it’s done well enough that I personally prefer this song to a lot of the material on Renaissance. I wouldn’t accuse Chlöe of being original but I am impressed by how closely she emulates such a singular talent, and having Missy Elliott elevates the track and adds a dash of swagger that makes up for a certain ineffable Beyoncé pizzazz that can’t be copied.

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