Wolf

Wolf is Tyler, the Creator’s third studio album, released April 2, 2013. It’s a concept-driven record following the Wolf/Sam/Salem arc and marks a maturation in his production, earning widespread critical notice and commercial impact for its bold, jazz-influenced sound and sprawling run time. A ten-year anniversary instrumentals release reaffirmed its lasting significance. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))

Recording History

- Recorded 2011–2013 at multiple Los Angeles and Dallas studios: Klearlight (Dallas), Serenity West, The Treehouse (Hollywood), and Studio for the Talented and Gifted (Los Angeles). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))
- All songs written and produced by Tyler, the Creator; Vic Wainstein engineered recording on all tracks, with diverse mixing by Manny Marroquin, Jaycen Joshua, Andrew Dawson and others, and mastering by Brian “Big Bass” Gardner and Bernie Grundman. Deluxe packaging and visuals by Mark Ryden accompanied a special vinyl edition. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))
- Notable recording notes include jazz-inflected tracks like Treehome95 (featuring Erykah Badu) and a more intimate, therapy-centered closing in Lone; the record also features Pharrell, Frank Ocean, and other Odd Future collaborators. The instrumentals edition appeared for the album’s 10th anniversary in 2023. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))

Chart Performance & Recognition

- Debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 89,000 copies in its first week; second week added ~18,000 more copies. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))
- Major markets included UK (#17) and Canada (#2) among others; the set achieved Platinum status in the US and Gold in the UK, New Zealand, and Denmark. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))
- Critically, Wolf was met with generally positive reviews and was noted for Tyler’s growth as a producer and composer; Pitchfork gave it 7.8/10, and Billboard’s track-by-track appraisal highlighted its maturation. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))

Cultural Impact & Legacy

- Wolf is widely regarded as a turning point, expanding Tyler’s sonic palette beyond his earlier shock-rap persona toward more intricate storytelling and production; the album is explicitly a concept piece linked to his Wolf Haley persona and the OFWGKTA universe. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_%28Tyler%2C_the_Creator_album%29))
- Its lasting influence is reflected in ongoing critical discussion, retrospectives, and the 2023 release of Wolf instrumentals for its 10th anniversary. The record’s collaborations—Erykah Badu, Pharrell, Frank Ocean—are frequently cited as pivotal in shaping Tyler’s subsequent work. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2013-apr-08-la-et-ms-0409-tyler-creator-review-20130409-story.html))