Tyler's Facial Hair Style Evolution: A Nod to '80s Porn Mustache Culture
In a recent interview on Ebro in the Morning, Tyler, the Creator discussed his latest project, Don't Tap the Glass. The album, released in mid-2025, marks a deliberate return to the roots of hip-hop, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Run DMC and LL Cool J.
The album cover for Don't Tap the Glass features a shirtless, action figure-like version of Tyler, adorned with a massive rope chain and fire-engine red pants. The style on the cover evokes '80s maximalism, a trend that Tyler has embraced in his current look. The rapper is often seen sporting a groomed mustache, Coke bottle glasses, and dookie chains, a style that complements his flamboyant persona.
Tyler, the Creator's mustache is a significant part of his current look and serves as a signature element of his evolving artistic persona. In the past, during the Igor era, he was known for pastel suits and a blond wig. However, his current style aligns more with the maximalist trends of the 1980s, emphasizing a bold, colorful aesthetic paired with theatrical stage elements.
Don't Tap the Glass strips down narrative complexity in favor of raw, primal energy rooted in hip-hop’s early, more aggressive styles. The album is influenced by house, funk, and the type of rap music from the period that Tyler's parents grew up on. This shift in sound contrasts with his more layered, sensory experience of Chromakopia, focusing on feeling and immediacy rather than conceptual depth.
Tyler, the Creator's artistic journey shows a progression from provocative, shock-driven music to sophisticated explorations of nostalgia, maximalist aesthetics, and hip-hop fundamentals. During his Odd Future days, his image was characterized by Supreme five-panel hats and skate shoes. However, his current look would not be out of place in a Cameo video, hanging out with Big Daddy Kane or behind the DJ booth with Frankie Knuckles.
In summary, Tyler’s latest work, Don't Tap the Glass, embodies an intentional homage to hip-hop's roots while highlighting his matured stylistic identity. The album is an excellent addition to Tyler, the Creator's discography, showcasing his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots.
The album cover's maximalist style, reminiscent of the '80s, reflects Tyler, the Creator's current fashion choices, which incorporate elements such as groomed mustaches, Coke bottle glasses, and flamboyant clothing. The entertainer's musical direction in Don't Tap the Glass is greatly influenced by house, funk, and the rap music of his parents' generation, a departure from the nuanced, sensory experience of Chromakopia.
