Tyler, The Creator taps into full-volume energy: Lollapalooza review

Tyler, The Creator almost didn’t make it to Lollapalooza — again.

“There was a big storm in Atlanta, but I was like, no, f--- that!” the rapper shared to close out Thursday night in a bold return that forgave any hard feelings about that last-minute cancellation in 2024. And really, there was no hell or high water that could stop the momentum he’s been on.

Just a few days ago, Tyler dropped a brand-new album, “Don’t Tap the Glass” — mind you, while still in the throes of his groundbreaking “Chromakopia” era. It already shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and, like most things Tyler does, has been a conversation starter.

In a way, “Don’t Tap the Glass” may be the most provocative thing Tyler has done to date, disturbing a new kind of animal. Offering just 10 songs, less than 30 minutes and short on marquee guest spots, it’s the auteur at his most stripped-back, hearkening back to his early Odd Future days. But it’s also his most … fun?

While Tyler has been giving up copious material over the past 15 years to wrap our heads around, he’s entered a new Aquarian Age with “Don’t Tap the Glass,” where its purpose is about working the body instead.

“This album was not made for sitting still … any type of movement is recommended to maybe understand the spirit of it. Only at full volume,” the artist shared in an Instagram post on the day of its release. That was the energy he brought to Lolla. The stage, devoid of any overarching conceptual theme or props other than fireballs and firework flares, simply featured a long, elevated platform — brandished with the name of the new album — which served as a playground for Tyler to run and jump across on big beat numbers like “Sugar On My Tongue.”

“I just want to dance and groove with you all if you don’t mind,” he shared at the top of the set. Wearing oversized glasses, heavy gold chains and a large “Glass” belt buckle, the look also felt like a throwback to the ’80s breakdancing era of hip-hop, though Tyler didn’t bust out any of those moves. Still, by the end, he was profusely sweating.

“This is the last time I’m wearing leather on stage,” he joked, adding, “My body hurt like a mother----er, I’m not 20 no more.”

Tyler has been on a grueling schedule since early February — his “Chromakopia” World Tour was just here at United Center for two nights in early July — but he still gave Lolla his all. In a brief hour set (shorter than the 90 minutes allotted to most headliners), the rapper packed it in, new and old. In addition to a platter of “Don’t Tap the Glass,” there was a big spotlight on “Chromakopia” and its verbose tracks like “Rah Tah Tah” and the fan favorite lick of “Sticky.”

Tyler also dug deep into his back catalog, pulling out early works like “She” from 2011 album “Goblin,” “IFHY” from 2013’s “Wolf” and a ferocious “New Magic Wand” from 2019’s “Igor.” As he pushed past the 10 p.m. curfew to fit it all in, Tyler had a few parting words for Chicago.

“You have always treated me so good since day 1. I appreciate y’all.”

Tyler, The Creator Lollapalooza 2025 set list

Big Poe
Sugar On My Tongue
St. Chroma
Rah Tah Tah
Noid
Darling, I
Sticky
She
IFHY
Earfquake
Lumberjack
WusYaName
Dogtooth
Who Dat Boy
Like Him
New Magic Wand
See You Again