Tyler, the Creator, known for his deep admiration for the Clipse and his idolization of Pharrell Williams, went into perfectionist mode while working on his feature for Let God Sort Em Out. His dedication to the craft was evident as he strived to deliver a flawless performance, showcasing his commitment to artistry and respect for his collaborators.

Tyler made a notable appearance on Hot 97 on Tuesday (July 29), where he candidly shared that he recorded his verse for “P.O.V.” an astonishing “79 to 100 times.” This was not just a simple recording process; it was a journey filled with doubt, as he almost reached out to Pusha T, contemplating whether to withdraw from his guest appearance altogether. Such a level of dedication illustrates the pressure he felt and the respect he holds for the project.

Reflecting on his experience, Tyler expressed, “It took me about 79 to 100 times to perfect that verse, and I nearly texted Pusha, ‘I don’t think this is gonna work.’” He acknowledged the anxiety that came with collaborating alongside two of his greatest influences, produced by legends he reveres, stating, “I can’t f—k this up for me.” This highlights the intense expectations he places on himself, driven by his passion for music and his desire to make a significant impact.

The process of writing that verse was arduous and time-consuming, as he mentioned, “It took me so long to write that and just trying to perfect it … I was really in there sweating.” He explained how Pusha sent him the beat before his tour in April, yet he didn’t manage to return the finished verse until late May or early June. This timeline showcases the meticulous nature of his work and the commitment he has to delivering high-quality content.

Once Tyler finally nailed the verse, he felt an immense sense of relief, stating, “I was trying to record that verse for so long. Then it came out, and people liked it.” His excitement was palpable as he added, “When I did not f—k up the song, n—a, ooh.” This moment of triumph not only validated his hard work but also reinforced his belief in his abilities as an artist, cementing his place in the industry.

In another fascinating part of the interview, Tyler disclosed that the title of his album Don’t Tap the Glass was originally intended as a name for a collaborative duo between himself and A$AP Rocky. This revelation sheds light on his creative process and the concept behind the album, revealing a deeper narrative about his artistic journey.

“Don’t Tap the Glass was actually a name I had for the duo with Flacko, but it never got used, so I thought it would be sick,” Tyler explained. “I just always had that title in the tuck and always loved it. When I started working on it, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this feels like that s—t.’” This personal connection to the title adds layers to the album’s significance and showcases his deep-seated passion for his craft.

Upon its release, Don’t Tap the Glass made an impressive debut by landing at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, achieving 197,000 album-equivalent units in the United States for the week ending July 24, as reported by Luminate. This accomplishment highlights not only the broad appeal of the album but also Tyler’s influence in the contemporary music landscape.

To gain further insights, you can listen to the complete interview with Tyler below. His candid reflections and experiences provide a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and the journey behind his music.