[2][3] Due to its free online release and lack of retail availability, Bastard was initially considered to be a mixtape; however, Tyler and other sources in the future have referred to it as an album.

[5] In 2019, he recalled that some of his influences for the album were Eminem's Relapse (2009), James Pants' Seven Seals (2009), Nite Jewel's Good Evening (2009), Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest (2009), Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury (2006), and the music of the Cool Kids.

[citation needed] Tyler later announced plans on re-releasing Bastard in a remastered physical form through Odd Future Records.

[10] Pitchfork called it "a minor masterpiece of shock art" and one of the first great Odd Future-related project, noting the thrilling juxtaposition between humorous and hateful lines.

[11] RapReviews praised the innovative production and Tyler's rapping skills but viewed the lyrics as unacceptable, calling the "frequent references to rape ... a deal-breaker".