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Tyler, the Creator
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Tyler Gregory Okonma (born March 6, 1991), known professionally as Tyler, the Creator, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor.[2] He has been described as an influential figure in alternative hip-hop during the 2010s and 2020s.[3] In the late 2000s he led and co-founded the music collective Odd Future. Within the group, Tyler participated as a rapper, producer, director and actor, releasing studio albums that he produced for its respective members. Tyler also performed on the group's sketch comedy show Loiter Squad (2012–2014).
Key Information
Along with his collaborations with the group, Tyler developed his solo career beginning with his self-released debut studio album, Bastard (2009). His second studio album, Goblin (2011), brought him mainstream media exposure, aided by the popularity of the single "Yonkers" and its accompanying music video. During this period, Tyler faced controversy in the media for his horrorcore-influenced sound and his violent, transgressive lyrical content.
After the release of his third studio album, Wolf (2013), Tyler began to separate himself from his horrorcore productions, turning to more accessible sounds incorporating fusions of jazz, soul and R&B. In 2015, Tyler released his fourth studio album, Cherry Bomb, which featured guest appearances from artists Lil Wayne and Kanye West. In 2017, Tyler released Flower Boy, which earned him widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Igor (2019) and Call Me If You Get Lost (2021) debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and won Best Rap Album at the 2020 and 2022 Grammy Awards, respectively.[4] His following albums, the eclectic Chromakopia (2024) and the dance-imbued Don't Tap the Glass (2025), both debuted at number one in the US, with the former yielding the highest first-week sales of his career.
Aside from his musical productions, he embarked on clothing ventures Golf Wang and Le Fleur, collaborating with Lacoste, Converse and Louis Vuitton. Tyler is the founder of the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival, which has been held annually since 2012, and has featured appearances from Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, and Billie Eilish. He has also directed all of the music and promotional videos of his career, under the pseudonym "Wolf Haley". Tyler has won two Grammy Awards,[5] three BET Hip Hop Awards, a BRIT Award, and a MTV Video Music Award. In 2019, he was named "Music Innovator of the Year" by The Wall Street Journal.[6] In 2024, the Los Angeles Times featured Tyler in its "L.A. Influential" series as a "creator who is leaving their mark" in Los Angeles.[7]
Early life and education
[edit]Tyler Gregory Okonma[8] was born on March 6, 1991 in Hawthorne, California,[9] the son of a Nigerian Igbo father[10] and an African-American mother.[11] He spent his early life living in Hawthorne before moving to Ladera Heights at 17.[9][12][13] At the age of seven, Okonma took covers out of CD cases and create covers for his own imaginary albums—including a tracklist with song lengths—before he could make music.[14] At the age of 14, he taught himself to play the piano.[10]
In his 12 years of schooling, Okonma attended 12 different schools in the Los Angeles and Sacramento areas.[15] In the eighth grade, he joined a drama class and was removed for being too hyperactive, while in the ninth grade, he was not allowed to join the band class because he could not read music.[16] He attended Westchester High School, where he befriended Lionel Boyce in a theater class.[17]
Okonma worked at FedEx for under two weeks, and at Starbucks for over two years.[18] He took his stage name from a Myspace page he used to post his creative endeavors.[19]
When Okonma was 15, he had a YouTube channel named "bloxhead".[20] His first YouTube video was released on February 28, 2008. He posted videos until October 2009, when he stopped uploading to focus on his debut album, Bastard. The channel was originally titled "I Smell Panties" named after his comedy hip-hop duo group with Jasper Dolphin.[21]
Career
[edit]2007–2011: Odd Future, Bastard, and Goblin
[edit]
Tyler co-founded the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future in 2007, alongside Hodgy, Left Brain, and Casey Veggies. They self-released their debut mixtape, The Odd Future Tape, in November 2008. On December 25, 2009, Tyler self-released his first album, Bastard. It was eventually ranked 32nd on Pitchfork Media's list of the Top Albums of 2010.[22] On February 11, 2011, Tyler released the music video for "Yonkers". The video received attention from several online media outlets.[23][24][25][26] An extended version with a third verse was made available on iTunes.[27] Tyler won Best New Artist for "Yonkers" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.[28] Tyler's thematic content in these first two solo projects led fans and publications alike to categorize him in the horrorcore scene, although he vehemently rejected his connection with it.[29][non-primary source needed]
In early 2011, Tyler was gaining the interest of a number of figures in the music industry, including Steve Rifkind, Jimmy Iovine, Rick Ross and Jay-Z.[30] Tyler and the rest of Odd Future eventually signed a deal with Red Distribution/Sony in April 2011.[31] His second studio album, Goblin, was released May 10, 2011.[32] Tyler and fellow Odd Future member Hodgy Beats made their television debut on February 16, 2011, when they performed "Sandwitches" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.[33] On March 16, Tyler and Hodgy performed "Yonkers" and "Sandwitches" at the 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards, being joined by other members of Odd Future during "Sandwitches".[34] During an interview with Tyler for Interview, Waka Flocka Flame expressed his interest in collaborating with the Odd Future frontman to direct a music video for him.[35] In early 2011, Tyler told fans through his Formspring account that his third album would be called Wolf and it was scheduled to be released in May 2012.[citation needed] Tyler also announced that Odd Future would establish their own TV show called Loiter Squad. On September 8, 2011, the show was finally confirmed as a 15-minute live-action show composed of various sketches, man on the street segments, pranks and music made by Odd Future. Dickhouse Productions, the production partnership that created Jackass, was scheduled to produce the show.[citation needed]
2012–2014: Wolf and Loiter Squad TV show
[edit]
Odd Future's television show Loiter Squad premiered on Adult Swim on March 25, 2012. The show ran for three seasons and featured guest appearances from celebrities, including Johnny Knoxville, Lil Wayne and Seth Rogen. In 2015, Tyler stated that the show "is no more".[36] On February 14, 2013, Odd Future uploaded a video to their YouTube account, which includes L-Boy skydiving and stating that Wolf would be released on April 2, 2013. The same day, Tyler would reveal the three album covers via his Instagram account.[37]
In promotion of Wolf, Tyler performed several guest verses for other artists, notably "Trouble on My Mind" by GOOD Music artist Pusha T, "Martians vs. Goblins" by The Game (also featuring Lil Wayne), "I'ma Hata" by DJ Drama (also featuring Waka Flocka Flame and D-Bo), the title track from fellow Odd Future member Domo Genesis' collaboration album with The Alchemist, No Idols, and "Blossom & Burn" by Trash Talk (also featuring Hodgy Beats). Tyler also co-produced the song "666" from MellowHype's third album Numbers, which featured Mike G.[citation needed] Through March and April 2013, Tyler toured North America and Europe.[37] The first single from the album was released on February 14, 2013, titled "Domo23" along with the music video which features cameos from Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Jasper Dolphin and Taco Bennett.[38] On February 26, 2013, Tyler performed the songs "Domo23" and "Treehome95" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.[39]
Wolf was released on April 2, 2013, by Odd Future Records and RED Distribution under Sony Music Entertainment. It featured guest appearances by Frank Ocean, Mike G, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Left Brain, Hodgy Beats, Pharrell, Casey Veggies and Erykah Badu. The album was produced solely by Tyler, except for the final track "Lone". Along with the lead single "Domo23", music videos were filmed for "Bimmer", "IFHY" and "Jamba". Upon release, the album was met with generally positive reviews and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 90,000 copies in its first week.[citation needed] On January 31, 2014, Tyler was reported to be working with Mac DeMarco.[40]
2015–2016: Cherry Bomb
[edit]
On April 9, 2015, Tyler released the music video for the song "Fucking Young" to Odd Future's official YouTube channel. The video also included a short snippet of another song, "Deathcamp".[41] Tyler announced on the same day that the songs will be featured on his upcoming album Cherry Bomb, set for release on April 13, 2015.[42] Tyler announced via his Twitter account that the album would feature Charlie Wilson, Chaz Bundick and Black Lips member Cole Alexander.[43][non-primary source needed] Two days later, Tyler performed the songs "Fucking Young" and "Deathcamp" for the first time at Coachella. During the set, Tyler notably criticized VIP members in the audience, of which many were celebrities, for their lack of enthusiasm.[44]
Cherry Bomb was released digitally on April 13, 2015, through Odd Future Records,[45] with physical copies of the album, featuring five different album covers,[46] set to be released on April 28, 2015.[47][non-primary source needed][48][non-primary source needed] The album features performances from notable artists such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Schoolboy Q.[49][50] The album was supported by a world tour through North America, Europe and Asia, beginning at Coachella Festival on April 11, 2015, and ending in Tokyo, Japan in September 2015.[51] Tyler cancelled the Australian leg of his Cherry Bomb World Tour following a campaign by the grassroots organization Collective Shout to bar him from returning to Australia due to their opinion that his music promotes and glorifies violence against women.[52]
On August 26, 2015, Tyler revealed that he had been banned from visiting the United Kingdom for three to five years, which forced him to cancel a string of tour dates supporting the Cherry Bomb album, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. The reason for the ban comes from lyrics dating back to 2009. His manager Christian Clancy said they were informed of the ban via a letter from then-Home Secretary Theresa May.[53] May cited lyrics from the album Bastard as the reason for the ban, although Tyler had toured multiple times in the UK since its release.[54][55] Tyler later claimed that he felt he had been treated "like a terrorist" and implied that the ban was racially motivated, stating that "they did not like the fact that their children were idolizing a black man".[56]
2017–2018: Flower Boy, television, and WANG$AP
[edit]On April 8, 2017, Frank Ocean released a song titled "Biking" on his Beats 1 radio station "Blonded Radio", which features both Tyler, the Creator, and Jay Z. Eight days later it was announced Tyler would write, produce, and perform the theme song for scientist Bill Nye's new show, Bill Nye Saves the World. On June 28, the trailer for Tyler's TV show Nuts + Bolts premiered on Viceland. The show focuses on things Tyler, the Creator, finds interesting or is passionate about, and explains how they are created. The series premiered on August 3, 2017.[57]
On June 29, 2017, Tyler released the song "Who Dat Boy" featuring ASAP Rocky on a new YouTube channel, following many promotional countdown posts on his social media accounts. Later that night, he released the song on streaming services alongside a new song titled "911 / Mr. Lonely" featuring Steve Lacy, Frank Ocean, and Anna of the North. On July 6, 2017, he announced the title, tracklist and release date of his fifth album, Flower Boy,[58] which was released on July 21, 2017.[59] Several singles were released following up to the album's release date, including "Boredom" and "I Ain't Got Time!". The album was released via iTunes, Spotify, and other major music services. On September 14, 2017, Tyler, the Creator, announced his third TV show to date, The Jellies!. It premiered on October 22, 2017.[60] Flower Boy received rave reviews from critics and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, giving Tyler his second Grammy nomination after contributing to 2013 Album of the Year nominee Channel Orange, but was beat out by Kendrick Lamar's fourth studio album Damn.
On March 29, 2018, Tyler released "Okra",[61] among a string of freestyles and remixes. Tyler referred to it as a "throwaway song",[62] stating that it was not going to be included on any upcoming album, and was not an indication of the sound of any future projects.[63][non-primary source needed] On May 22, 2018, he released "435",[64] continuing this string of singles. On July 23, 2018, Tyler and ASAP Rocky announced a collaborative project, WANG$AP, by releasing a music video for a remix of Monica's "Knock Knock" called "Potato Salad" on "AWGE DVD (Vol. 3)", a video compilation by AWGE, ASAP Rocky's creative agency.[65]
2019–2023: Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost
[edit]
On May 6, 2019, Tyler released two short video clips on his online profiles which featured new music. The videos showed him dancing erratically while wearing a long blonde wig, multicolored suit, black sunglasses, and a grill; he donned the same style for pictures on his social media and the music videos for the album's singles. He soon announced his sixth studio album, Igor, which was released on May 17.[66] Igor was met with widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, becoming Tyler's first number-one album in the United States.[67] The album also features the song "Earfquake", which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.[68] On December 23, 2019, Tyler released two songs, "Best Interest", a song that did not make the cut of Igor that was released with a music video, and "Group B".[69]
On January 26, 2020, Tyler won his first-ever Grammy at the 62nd Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap Album for Igor.[70] Tyler admitted that while he was "very grateful" for his win, the categorizing of his music as rap is a "backhanded compliment".[71] "It sucks that whenever we — and I mean guys that look like me — do anything that's genre-bending or that's anything they always put it in a rap or urban category. I don't like that 'urban' word — it's just a politically correct way to say the n-word to me," he said. He also added that he would love to be recognized on a more mainstream level and not forever pigeonholed in "urban" categories.

For his seventh studio album, Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler placed billboards in major cities across the world containing a phone number that when called, played a recorded conversation between Tyler and his mother.[72] That recording is included in the album as "Momma Talk".[73][74] Soon after the billboards were spotted, a website of the same name was discovered.[75] The album's lead single, "Lumberjack", was released on June 16.[76] The following day, Tyler revealed the album's cover and confirmed its release date of June 25.[77] Upon release, it received widespread critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, becoming Tyler's second number-one album in the United States.[78] On January 5, 2022, Tyler, the Creator, was announced as a headliner of Louisville's Forecastle Festival scheduled for May 27–29, 2022.[79]
Louis Vuitton's Men's Fall-Winter 2022 fashion show, held at Carreau du Temple, Paris was one of the last shows put together by the late fashion designer and Louis Vuitton creative director Virgil Abloh. This show was scored by Tyler, the Creator. His score was arranged by Arthur Verocai and it was Gustavo Dudamel who conducted the live performance by the Chineke! Orchestra.[80][81]
On March 25, 2022, Tyler appeared on two tracks off Nigo's album I Know Nigo!, the opening track "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" with A$AP Rocky, and the closer, "Come On, Let's Go", the latter of which was released along with a music video showcasing Tyler's Golf le Fleur* clothing line.[82] Call Me If You Get Lost won the award for Best Rap Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.
On March 27, 2023, Tyler revealed Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale, which would include songs recorded for Call Me If You Get Lost but did not appear on the final album, including the single "Dogtooth", which was released on the day of the announcement, alongside a music video.[83] On Twitter, Tyler stated that "Call Me If You Get Lost was the first album I made with a lot of songs that didn't make the final cut".[84] On March 29, 2023, another single "Sorry Not Sorry" was released, alongside a music video.[85] The Estate Sale was released on March 31, 2023,[83] along with a music video for the song "Wharf Talk".[86]
2024–present: Chromakopia and Don't Tap the Glass
[edit]
On April 13, 2024, Tyler performed a headliner set at Coachella, closing out Saturday night with a performance that included guest appearances from Childish Gambino, ASAP Rocky, and Kali Uchis along with a duet of "Earfquake" with Charlie Wilson.[87] He began the set bursting through the wall of a fake trailer using pyrotechnics, before performing tracks from across his discography. Critics labeled the performance as an "exhilarating, high-stakes spectacle",[88] and a "brilliant reminder of a cult hero's power".[89]
On October 16, 2024, Tyler revealed the name of his next album as Chromakopia in a teaser video titled "St. Chroma". On October 21, Tyler released the single, "Noid".[90] The album was released on October 28.[91][92] Following this, Tyler performed the album at smaller venues and in public.[93] He also performed the album at the 10th edition of the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival on November 16. He announced Chromakopia: The World Tour, his seventh headlining concert tour in support of the album on October 23, 2024.[94] It started on February 4, 2025, in Saint Paul and is set to conclude on September 21, 2025, in Quezon City. He also announced that Lil Yachty and Paris Texas would serve as supporting acts for the tour.
Tyler made a guest appearance on Clipse's fifth album, Let God Sort Em Out on the album's third track, "P.O.V." Unbeknownst to many of his fans, Tyler began work in January on Don't Tap the Glass, his ninth album while on tour.[95] On Instagram and Twitter, he began teasing its release as well as erecting an art installation outside the venue during a concert on July 18. On July 19, a website (donttaptheglass.com) was established and all products from the Golf Wang website were briefly removed and were replaced with merchandise for the album, including a pre-order for a vinyl and CD format of the album.[96] On the eve of the album's release, Tyler held a listening party for 300 guests at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, disallowing phones and camera from the venue. The album was released on July 21 through Columbia Records and received generally positive reviews, critics describing it as a dance, techno and house album. A music video was uploaded to YouTube for the track "Stop Playing With Me", with Clipse, LeBron James and Maverick Carter appearing in the video.[97] Following its release, Tyler said his inspiration for the album was video recording at concerts, attributing it to the decline of dancing publicly. He encouraged listeners to enjoy the album "at full volume" and to dance while doing so.[98]
On August 12, 2025, Tyler released the self-directed video for "Sugar on My Tongue," featuring a provocative and surreal narrative set in a white-tiled room, blending elements of rave culture, BDSM, and absurdist humor, as part of his album Don't Tap the Glass.[99]
Artistry
[edit]
Tyler's music has been described as alternative hip-hop,[100][101] hip hop,[102] neo soul,[100] West Coast hip hop,[103] jazz rap,[100] and hardcore hip hop, while his early music has been described as horrorcore.[102][104] When Tyler emerged on the music scene as a "strange figure" of the Internet and one of the leaders of the music collective Odd Future, his musical productions instinctively became noted for resembling those of Pharrell Williams and his works in N.E.R.D and The Neptunes during the 2000s,[105][106] which Tyler has referenced as his greatest inspirations and references.[107] The horrorcore-based aesthetics and transgressive lyrical content of his debut and second albums Bastard and Goblin were influenced by Eminem, especially his album Relapse (2009), which according to Tyler, is one of his favorites.[108][109][non-primary source needed] When asked about the reason for his offensive content in his lyrics, Tyler responded that "they are not offensive" and that "I just like to piss off old white dudes."[110] The "nihilistic" and dark aesthetic of his early work was heavily criticized in online music communities for including lyrics in which he talked about rape and murder. The music video for "Yonkers", which featured Tyler eating a cockroach and committing suicide at the end, attracted controversy in the media, as well as being posted by Kanye West on his Twitter account, calling it "the video of 2011".[111]
As the de facto leader of Odd Future during the early 2010s, the group quickly gained notable attention from the media and the Internet, comparing them to the Wu-Tang Clan for their rebellious attitude and refusal to fall within industry standards.[112] However, Tyler quickly denied these comparisons: "we are in a completely different thing".[113] The group's "DIY" approach made a strong impact on hip-hop, releasing music and content whenever they wanted through unconventional platforms such as YouTube, Tumblr or Myspace, influencing artists to take an alternative path in building their careers.[114][115] The group and Tyler also influenced fashion, beginning to popularize urban clothing under the streetwear Supreme and Converse brands, in addition to their own brand "Golf Wang" with its striking colorful aesthetic.[116] Tyler also brought a new wave of attention to skateboarding and biking as he was constantly seen riding a BMX or skateboard around Los Angeles.[117][118] Several members of the group, such as Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt, would go on to have successful musical careers, while alternative groups such as The Internet, led by Syd and Steve Lacy, would spawn.

From the release of his third studio album Wolf, critics noticed a musical change in Tyler's productions, venturing into more accessible and melodic sounds through fusions of jazz, R&B and soul, including collaborations with artists from those genres such as Erykah Badu, Charlie Wilson or Frank Ocean.[119] He also took a more intimate approach in his lyrics, talking about his father's abandonment in the song "Answer". However, his next release, Cherry Bomb, had a mixed reception from fans and critics for its experimental production, in which Tyler decided to "create only songs" without any connection between them, with a more "aggressive" and "noisy" aesthetic.[120] The Medium would write in an analysis that "(Cherry Bomb) is the album that signaled this change and would pave the way for his follow-up's Flower Boy and Igor to build upon, in terms of Tyler's style of production and lyricism." Around this time, Tyler would indefinitely step away from his responsibilities with Odd Future, signing with the record label Columbia Records.
Tyler's fifth album, Flower Boy, "marked the beginning of a new era — a complete departure from the wildly offensive lyrics and dark themes that defined his previous works".[121] Igor, Tyler's first Grammy-winning album, was a deeply personal concept album about "the emotional journey of being the odd man out in a love triangle",[122] while Call Me If You Get Lost, his second Grammy-winning album, was a concept album about "the persona of "Tyler Baudelaire", a suave, well-traveled gentleman with a sophisticated taste for high art". This latest trilogy established Tyler as one of the most acclaimed and highest-rated artists of his generation and decade.[123] During his acceptance of the Cultural Influence Award at the BET Awards, Tyler thanked Q-Tip, André 3000, Chad Hugo, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Hype Williams as his influences.[123] In addition to music, Tyler also established himself in the fashion industry with Golf Le Fleur, a high-end luxury line described to "embody the globe-trotting mise en scène of his 2021 album Call Me If You Get Lost".[124]
Personal life
[edit]Okonma has been a skateboarder since 2002 and collects BMX bicycles.[125][126] He is an atheist.[127][128][129][130][131] Okonma has asthma,[132] and has been seen using an inhaler while on stage.[133] For this reason, he follows a straight edge lifestyle.[134]
Sexuality
[edit]Okonma has been the subject of speculation regarding his sexuality and has made numerous direct references in lyrics and interviews to having had same-sex relationships or experiencing same-sex attractions.[135][136][137] He described himself in a 2015 Rolling Stone interview as "gay as fuck" and said "My friends are so used to me being gay. They don't even care."[138] In 2017, during an interview with Noisey, Okonma said that by age 15 he already had a boyfriend.[139] In a 2018 interview with Fantastic Man, while discussing the Flower Boy lyric "I been kissing white boys since 2004" and the public response to it, Okonma said "It's still such a grey area with people, which is cool with me. Even though I'm considered loud and out there, I'm private, which is a weird dichotomy."[138] Igor follows what many interpreted to be a romantic relationship between Okonma and a closeted bisexual man,[140][141][142] while the song "Wilshire" on Call Me If You Get Lost has the lyric "I could fuck a trillion bitches every country I done been in/Men or women, it don't matter, if I seen 'em, then I had 'em". The song "Sorry Not Sorry" from the deluxe version of the album includes the lyric "Sorry to the guys I had to hide/Sorry to the girls I had to lie to", referring to his hiding male lovers from the public.[143]
Okonma has been criticized for his use of homophobic slurs, particularly his frequent use of the epithet "faggot" in his lyrics and on Twitter.[144][145] He has denied accusations of homophobia, stating, "I'm not homophobic. I just say faggot and use gay as an adjective to describe stupid shit,"[146][147] and, "I'm not homophobic. I just think faggot hits and hurts people."[148] However, he later said in an interview with MTV, "Well, I have gay fans and they don't really take it offensive, so I don't know. If it offends you, it offends you. If you call me a nigger, I really don't care, but that's just me, personally. Some people might take it the other way; I personally don't give a shit."[149][150] Okonma supported fellow Odd Future member Frank Ocean after Ocean publicly revealed a past relationship with another man.[151] Lyrics on the album Flower Boy led to speculation that Okonma was coming out as gay; the tracks in question were "Foreword", "Garden Shed", and "I Ain't Got Time!"[152][153]
Legal issues
[edit]On December 22, 2011, Okonma was arrested on suspicion of vandalism after allegedly destroying equipment during a show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. A fan recorded video depicted Okonma throwing a microphone at a sound engineer.[154] Okonma subsequently paid $8,000 in damages to The Roxy.[155]
On March 15, 2014, Okonma was arrested in Austin, Texas, for inciting a riot after telling fans to push past security guards at his South by Southwest performance. Okonma faced up to one year in prison and a $4,000 fine.[156] Okonma's lawyer, Perry Minton, argued that the riot charge was overblown and perpetuated misconceptions of his client, who had no criminal record. The charges were later dropped.[157]
On August 26, 2015, Okonma revealed that he had been banned from visiting the United Kingdom for three to five years, which forced him to cancel tour dates supporting the Cherry Bomb album, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals. His manager Christian Clancy said they were informed of the ban via a letter from then-Home Secretary Theresa May.[53] May cited lyrics from the 2009 album Bastard as the reason for the ban, although Okonma had toured multiple times in the UK since its release.[54][55] Okonma later said that he felt he had been treated like a terrorist and implied that the ban was racially motivated, stating that "they did not like the fact that their children were idolizing a black man."[56] According to the BBC, it is believed the ban was lifted in February 2019,[158] concurring with a scheduled performance in London to promote Igor. However, the 2019 show was forcibly cancelled by police due to safety concerns that the venue was "overcrowded" and "too rowdy."[158] After winning International Male Solo Artist at the 2020 Brit Awards, Okonma referenced the ban. "I wanna give a special shout out to someone who I hold dear to my heart, who made it where I couldn't come to this country five years ago," he said. "I know she's at home pissed off. Thank you Theresa May."[159]
Controversy
[edit]From 2010 to 2011, Okonma made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.[160][161] In a 2013 interview, he stated that he and Selena were not on good terms, explaining, "We don't really get along. She don't like me. We don't like each other. Because I'm kicking it with Justin — like that's my homeboy. She always be mean muggin' me. Like why are you hating on me?"[162] In 2021, Okonma made the public apology in his song "Manifesto" in his studio album Call Me If You Get Lost.[163][164] Tyler Aquilina of Entertainment Weekly wrote of the controversy, "Tyler was known as a provocateur at that point in his career, and was frequently criticized for what many observers called homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, including depictions of violence against women".[165]
In October 2025, when Okonma made a tribute towards American singer D'Angelo shortly after his death on X, he criticized his white fans for disrespecting the singer's death. Social media users made arguments against Okonma, claiming he had cultivated an anti-black white fanbase early in his career and that Okonma hated himself and his own Blackness.[166] Controversial tweets resurfaced among the drama. Amidst the Ferguson riots, Okonma tweeted "AND BLACK PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY MAD RIGHT NOW BUT IN 2 WEEKS WILL BE OVER IT CAUSE THEY REALLY DON'T CARE, COOL HASTHAG THO RIGHT?" and had also criticized affirmative action, tweeting "Hahahahaha, Some Black Chick Works Here. Affirmative Nigga."[167] X users also highlighted images of Okonma wearing Ku Klux Klan robes and whiteface.
Feuds
[edit]Eminem
[edit]Eminem, in his 2018 single "Fall", referred to Okonma as a "faggot" and implied that he explored sexuality in his music for attention.[168] Eminem also attacked Okonma for being critical of his single "Walk on Water" and Shady XV (2014).[169] After receiving backlash for his lyrics,[170] Eminem responded in an interview with Sway, saying, "I think the word that I called him was one of the things where I felt like this might be too far. In my quest to hurt him, I realized I was hurting a lot of other people. It was one of the things that I kept going back to. Not feeling right with this." In an interview with The Guardian, Okonma responded, saying, "[The "Fall" line] was okay. Did you ever hear me publicly say anything about that? I knew what the intent was. He felt pressured because people got offended for me. We were playing Grand Theft Auto when we heard it. We rewound it and [shrugged]. Then kept playing."[171]
DJ Khaled
[edit]In June 2019, after Igor debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 over DJ Khaled's album Father of Asahd, DJ Khaled posted a video on Instagram, criticizing Okonma's music saying, "I make albums so people can play it and you actually hear it. [If] driving your car, you hear another car playing it, go to the barbershop, you hear them playing it [and] turn the radio on, and you hear them playing it. It's called great music. It's called albums [where] you actually hear the songs. Not no mysterious shit you never hear the songs".[172] He then deleted the video.
On August 6, 2021, Okonma spoke about the DJ Khaled controversy on Hot 97, stating that he enjoyed "just watching a man die inside because the weirdo is winning". He claimed that DJ Khaled "had to deal with that because his whole identity is being number one and when he didn't get that, that sat with him longer in real life time than that moment. I moved on."[173] Okonma made multiple references to "mysterious music" on Twitter, writing "MYSTERIOUS MUSIC! HA!" after winning Best Rap Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards for Call Me If You Get Lost.[174]
Rolling Stone reported in a November 7, 2023 feature story about DJ Khaled that he had expressed interest in collaborating with Tyler, the Creator, and that he asserted they now have a good rapport.[175]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Bastard (2009)
- Goblin (2011)
- Wolf (2013)
- Cherry Bomb (2015)
- Flower Boy (2017)
- Igor (2019)
- Call Me If You Get Lost (2021)
- Chromakopia (2024)
- Don't Tap the Glass (2025)
Tours
[edit]Headlining
[edit]- Wolf Tour (2013)[176]
- 2014 Tour (2014)[177]
- Cherry Bomb Tour (2015)
- Okaga, CA Tour (2016)[178]
- Flower Boy Tour (2017–2018)[179]
- Igor Tour (2019)
- Call Me If You Get Lost Tour (2022)
- Chromakopia: The World Tour (2025)
- Latin American Tour (2026)
Co-headlining
[edit]- Rocky and Tyler Tour (with A$AP Rocky) (2015)[180]
Supporting
[edit]Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | Himself | 2011: Performed "Sandwitches" with Hodgy Beats 2013: Performed "Treehome95" with Coco O and "Domo23" |
| 2011 | When I Was 17 | ||
| Workaholics | Extra | Episode: "Heist School" | |
| Regular Show | Blitz Comet Big Trouble |
Voice roles (Episode: "Rap It Up") | |
| 2012 | Punk'd | Himself | 2 episodes; Season 9, Episodes 2 and 4[132] |
| Ridiculousness | Season 2, Episode 10: Tyler, the Creator, and Taco Bennett | ||
| The Mindy Project | Rapper | Season 1, Episode 10: Mindy's Brother | |
| 2012–2014 | Loiter Squad | Himself | Co-creator, producer, composer |
| 2013 | Late Show with David Letterman | Performed "Rusty" with Domo Genesis and Earl Sweatshirt | |
| The Arsenio Hall Show | |||
| Axe Cop | Liborg | 2 episodes | |
| 2015 | Black Dynamite | Broto | Season 2, episode 10: "The Wizard of Watts" |
| The Eric André Show | Himself | Season 3, episode 8: "Jimmy Kimmel; Tyler, The Creator"[182] | |
| Tavis Smiley | |||
| 2015, 2017–2019 | The Jellies! | Various | Creator, Executive Producer, composer |
| 2017 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Himself | Performed "911" |
| 2020 | Kidding | Cornell | Season 2[183] |
| 2022 | Big Mouth | Jesus Christ | Season 6, episode 1: The Hookup House[184] |
Films
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Jackass Forever | Himself | Guest appearance |
| Jackass 4.5 | Cameo | ||
| 2024 | Piece by Piece | Mr. Thoroughgood | Cameo; voice role |
| 2025 | Marty Supreme | Wally | Post-production[185]; Credited as Tyler Okonma |
Video Games
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Additional voices | Credited under The Local Population[186]
Credited as Tyler Mr. Hot Sauce Haley Wolf 2010 |
As director
[edit]Music videos
[edit]| Year | Song | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Bastard" | Tyler, the Creator | Credited as Wolf Haley Co-directed by Taco Bennett |
| "French!" (featuring Hodgy Beats) | |||
| "VCR" | |||
| 2011 | "Yonkers" | Credited as Wolf Haley | |
| "She" (featuring Frank Ocean) | |||
| "Bitch Suck Dick" (featuring Jasper Dolphin & Taco) | |||
| 2012 | "Rella" (featuring Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis and Tyler, the Creator) | Odd Future | |
| "NY (Ned Flander)" (featuring Hodgy Beats & Tyler, the Creator) | |||
| "Sam (Is Dead)" (featuring Domo Genesis and Tyler, the Creator) | |||
| "F.E.B.N." | Trash Talk | ||
| 2013 | "Domo 23/Bimmer" | Tyler, the Creator | |
| "Whoa" (featuring Tyler, the Creator) | Earl Sweatshirt | ||
| "IFHY/Jamba" (featuring Pharrell and Hodgy Beats) | Tyler, the Creator | ||
| "Tamale/Answer" | |||
| "Glowing" | D.A. Wallach | ||
| 2015 | "Fucking Young/Deathcamp" | Tyler, the Creator | |
| 2016 | "Buffalo/Find Your Wings" (featuring Shane Powers, Roy Ayers, Syd, and Kali Uchis) | ||
| "Perfect" (featuring Kali Uchis and Austin Feinstein) | |||
| 2017 | "Who Dat Boy/911" (featuring A$AP Rocky) | ||
| 2018 | "Okra" | ||
| "Potato Salad" (featuring A$AP Rocky) | |||
| "See You Again / Where This Flower Blooms" (featuring Kali Uchis and Frank Ocean) | |||
| 2019 | "Earfquake" | ||
| "A Boy Is a Gun" | |||
| "I Think" | |||
| "Best Interest" | |||
| 2021 | "Lumberjack" | ||
| "WusYaName" (featuring Youngboy Never Broke Again and Ty Dolla Sign) | |||
| "Juggernaut" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell Williams) | |||
| "Corso" | |||
| "Lemonhead" (featuring 42 Dugg and Frank Ocean) | |||
| 2022 | "Come On, Let's Go" (featuring Nigo) | Credited as Tyler Okonma | |
| 2024 | "Noid" | ||
| "Thought I Was Dead" (featuring Schoolboy Q and Santigold) | |||
| 2025 | "Sticky" (featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne) | ||
| "Stop Playing With Me" | |||
| "Sugar on My Tongue" |
Awards and nominations
[edit]References
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- ^ a b Corner, Lewis (September 20, 2018). "Tyler, The Creator speaks about the "grey area" around his sexuality". Gay Times. Archived from the original on June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
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- ^ Lambert, Chris. "'Igor' Explained: A Guide To The Story, Themes, And Devices Of Tyler The Creator's 2019 Album". Forbes. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
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- ^ Pattison, Louis (2011) "Tyler, The Creator Goblin", NME, May 14, 2011, p. 12
- ^ Lester, Paul (2011) "Tyler the Creator in the UK: forget hip-hop, we're the new Sex Pistols! Archived April 25, 2019, at the Wayback Machine", The Guardian, May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011
- ^ MacPherson, Alex (May 10, 2011). "Is hip-hop homophobia at a tipping point?". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on July 25, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
- ^ "Tyler, The Creator Defends His Use Of The Other F-Word". MTV. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
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- ^ a b "'Rowdy' crowd stops rapper's surprise gig". BBC News. May 18, 2019. Archived from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
- ^ Duffield, Charlie (February 19, 2020). "Why Tyler, The Creator thanked Theresa May during his Brit Awards speech". i (newspaper). Archived from the original on June 17, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
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- ^ "Selena Gomez Just Received an Apology From Tyler, the Creator for Those Explicit Tweets". Glamour. June 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler, The Creator on Selena Gomez". Power 106 Los Angeles. May 9, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler, the Creator Addressed Explicit Tweets He Once Wrote About Selena Gomez". Teen Vogue. June 27, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler, the Creator apologizes to Selena Gomez for his past sexually explicit tweets towards her on his new song "Manifesto"". Business Insider. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Tyler, the Creator apologizes to Selena Gomez for past explicit tweets on new song". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ Ihaza, Jeff (October 21, 2025). "Tyler, the Creator Is Trapped in an Online-Discourse Vortex". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ Art, Pop Culture & (October 20, 2025). "Tyler, The Creator faces backlash over resurfaced anti-Black posts from his early career". The Express Tribune. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
- ^ Watson, Elijah C. (September 14, 2018). "Eminem Reveals Tyler, The Creator Diss Was Because Tyler And Earl Sweatshirt Criticized His Music". Okayplayer. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
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- ^ "Tyler, the Creator announces 2014 tour dates". Consequence. Archived from the original on April 26, 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
- ^ "Tyler, The Creator OKAGA, CA Tour". Viva la Hip Hop. February 25, 2016. Archived from the original on August 3, 2021. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
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- ^ "ASAP Rocky and Tyler, the Creator team up for US tour". Consequence. August 4, 2015. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- ^ "Kid Cudi Announces Tour Dates with Tyler, the Creator x Big Sean x Logic". Okayplayer.com. July 19, 2013. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
- ^ "Eric Andre Show Appearance". Spin (magazine). January 10, 2015. Archived from the original on January 4, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
- ^ "Tyler, The Creator To Star In Jim Carrey's Comedy Series "Kidding"". HotNewHipHop. February 8, 2020. Archived from the original on March 27, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Watch Tyler, the Creator Voice Jesus in Netflix's 'Big Mouth'". Yahoo. October 30, 2022. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ Strauss, Matthew (September 16, 2024). "Tyler, the Creator Joins Cast of Josh Safdie's New A24 Movie". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ Teixeira, Miri (December 2, 2020). "Tyler, the Creator reveals he voiced 'Grand Theft Auto V' characters". NME. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Official website

- Tyler, the Creator on Twitter
- Tyler, the Creator at AllMusic
- Tyler, the Creator discography at Discogs
Tyler, the Creator
View on GrokipediaTyler Gregory Okonma (born March 6, 1991), known professionally as Tyler, the Creator, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and visual artist.[1]
Okonma co-founded the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All in 2007 alongside collaborators including Hodgy and Left Brain, emerging as its creative leader through self-produced mixtapes distributed online that gained a cult following for their raw, irreverent style.[2]
His early work, including albums like Bastard (2009) and Goblin (2011), featured explicit lyrics promoting shock value with themes of violence, rape, and homophobia, leading to bans such as the UK's five-year entry prohibition in 2015 justified by authorities as promoting terrorism and sexual violence.[2]
Okonma's career evolved with genre-blending albums like Flower Boy (2017), Igor (2019)—which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album—and Call Me If You Get Lost (2021), the latter also securing a Best Rap Album Grammy, highlighting his shift toward introspective narratives on identity and relationships alongside innovative production incorporating soul and jazz elements.[3][1]
Beyond music, he established the fashion and lifestyle brand Golf Wang in 2011 and has directed acclaimed music videos, earning MTV Video Music Awards, while his boundary-pushing persona continues to provoke discussions on artistic expression amid periodic resurfacing of provocative early social media content from his formative years.[2]
Early life
Family background and childhood
Tyler Gregory Okonma was born on March 6, 1991, in Hawthorne, California, to a father of Nigerian Igbo ancestry and a mother of mixed African-American and white Canadian heritage.[4][5] His father left the family shortly after his birth, resulting in Okonma being raised by his single mother, Bonita, without paternal involvement during his formative years.[6][7] The family resided primarily in the Ladera Heights and Hawthorne neighborhoods of Los Angeles, areas characterized by working-class demographics in South Los Angeles.[2] Okonma's childhood involved frequent relocations, leading him to attend twelve different schools across the Los Angeles and Sacramento regions before high school.[8] He attended Dana Middle School in Hawthorne around 2004–2005, where he participated in a talent show performing to Omarion's "Touch."[9] By age 15, he was enrolled in summer school at Hawthorne High School.[10] Despite these instabilities, Okonma displayed early creative inclinations, teaching himself piano as a child and experimenting with drawing and clothing design.[2]Education and early influences
Okonma attended multiple high schools during his youth, changing schools frequently—up to 12 times—across the Los Angeles and Sacramento areas, often due to family moves and behavioral issues.[8][11] He briefly enrolled at Elk Grove High School in Sacramento and spent time in summer school at Hawthorne High School.[12][10] In 2007 or 2008, he joined a Media Arts Academy program in Hawthorne, where he focused on beat production over rapping.[13] He did not graduate from high school in the conventional manner, instead earning a general educational development (GED) certificate.[11] Largely self-taught, Okonma began learning piano at age 14 without formal lessons, fostering his independent approach to music creation amid a transient educational experience.[2][8] This autodidactic method aligned with his early immersion in skateboarding culture during his teenage years, which instilled a DIY ethos and visual irreverence that permeated his artistic output.[8][2] His nascent musical palette drew from hip-hop provocateurs like Eminem, whose boundary-pushing lyrics and cultural disruption informed Okonma's initial raw, confrontational style.[8] Broader inspirations included neo-soul and R&B figures such as Brandy and Mary J. Blige, whose emotive deliveries and production elements seeded his later genre experimentation.[14] These influences, absorbed through personal exploration rather than structured curricula, propelled his shift from consumer to creator in his mid-teens.[2]Career beginnings
Formation of Odd Future
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), abbreviated as Odd Future, emerged in 2007 in Los Angeles as a loose collective of teenage rappers, producers, and skateboarders led by Tyler Okonma, professionally known as Tyler, the Creator.[2] [15] The group coalesced from local underground hip-hop enthusiasts, many connected through high school friendships, skating culture, and early internet platforms like MySpace, where Okonma first shared beats and tracks.[16] [17] Core founding members encompassed Hodgy Beats (real name Gerard Long), Left Brain (Javier Starks), Casey Veggies, Matt Martians, Pyramid Vritra, and Jasper Dolphin, with Okonma driving the creative direction through his production skills and provocative lyricism.[18] Initially envisioned by Okonma as a skate-inspired magazine to showcase art and music, the project evolved into a music-focused entity after the group began recording collaborative tapes in makeshift home studios.[15] This shift emphasized self-produced mixtapes blending horrorcore influences, absurd humor, and anti-establishment themes, distributed freely online to build a grassroots following.[19] The collective's early dynamic relied on informal collaborations without formal contracts, fostering a DIY ethos rooted in Los Angeles' alternative rap scene, distinct from mainstream industry gatekeepers.[20] By late 2007, they released The Odd Future Tape, a compilation marking their debut as a unit, which highlighted raw energy and group synergy over polished production.[21] This foundational output, shared via blogs and file-sharing sites, positioned Odd Future as outliers in hip-hop, prioritizing shock value and communal experimentation over commercial viability.[22]Early mixtapes: Bastard and Goblin (2007–2011)
Tyler, the Creator began releasing music as part of the Odd Future collective, formed in 2007 in Los Angeles, contributing productions and verses to early group projects such as The Odd Future Tape Vol. 1 in late 2008.[23] This mixtape featured Tyler on tracks like "Odd Toddlers" alongside Casey Veggies, showcasing his early production style influenced by hazy, lo-fi beats and raw, irreverent lyricism typical of the group's underground sound.[23] These initial efforts built a cult following through free online distribution, emphasizing shock value and adolescent rebellion without commercial backing.[24] His solo debut, Bastard, arrived on December 25, 2009, as a self-released mixtape comprising 15 tracks entirely produced by Tyler.[25][26] Clocking in at approximately 56 minutes, the project delved into themes of paternal abandonment, therapy sessions with a fictional alter ego Dr. TC, and personal turmoil, delivered through horrorcore-infused alternative hip-hop with explicit, vulgar language intended to provoke.[27] Distributed for free via Odd Future's Tumblr, Bastard generated underground buzz for its unfiltered aggression and self-produced beats sampling artists like MF DOOM and The Neptunes, though its provocative content drew early controversy over misogynistic and violent imagery.[28] Following Bastard's momentum, Tyler's Goblin marked his first major-label effort, released on May 10, 2011, through XL Recordings with primary production by Tyler himself.[29][30] The 18-track album extended the therapist narrative from Bastard, exploring mental health struggles, fame's alienation, and hedonistic excess amid features from Odd Future affiliates like Frank Ocean and Jasper Dolphin, blending synth-heavy beats with hardcore hip-hop aggression.[31] Reception praised its passionate, unpolished revival of raw rap energy against mainstream polish, though critics highlighted ongoing issues with graphic lyrics on self-harm and abuse.[32] Goblin achieved commercial breakthrough, debuting at number five on the U.S. Billboard 200.Musical evolution
Wolf and Loiter Squad (2012–2014)
Tyler, the Creator released his third studio album, Wolf, on April 2, 2013, through Odd Future Records.[33] The project debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 89,000 copies in its first week despite lacking radio airplay.[34] Wolf featured contributions from Odd Future affiliates including Earl Sweatshirt, Domo Genesis, and Hodgy, alongside external artists such as Erykah Badu and Frank Ocean.[35] The album continued Tyler's self-produced style but shifted toward more introspective narratives and campy storytelling, exemplified by the 18-track sequence presented as entries from a summer camp counselor's journal.[36] In parallel, Tyler and fellow Odd Future members starred in Loiter Squad, a live-action sketch comedy series that premiered on Adult Swim on March 25, 2012.[37] The show, produced by Dickhouse Productions, spanned three seasons and 31 episodes until its conclusion on July 17, 2014, blending pranks, absurd skits, man-on-the-street segments, and musical performances by the collective.[38] Featuring core cast members like Tyler, Jasper Dolphin, Lionel Boyce, and Travis Bennett, Loiter Squad showcased Odd Future's chaotic humor and DIY ethos, drawing comparisons to Jackass while incorporating hip-hop elements.[39] The series amplified the group's cult following, with episodes often highlighting their irreverent antics and collaborative energy during the Wolf era.[40] During this period, Tyler supported Wolf with a North American tour commencing in March 2013, performing alongside Odd Future peers and emphasizing the album's themes of personal growth and escapism.[41] The combined output of the album and television project solidified Tyler's role as Odd Future's creative linchpin, blending music, visual media, and performance art.[42]
Cherry Bomb and experimental phase (2015–2016)
Cherry Bomb, Tyler, the Creator's fourth studio album, was released on April 13, 2015, via Odd Future Records.[43] The project consists of 13 tracks, self-produced entirely by Tyler, featuring guest appearances from artists including Syd, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Pharrell Williams.[43] [44] Tracks such as "DEATHCAMP" and "SMUCKERS" exemplify the album's noisy, distorted sound, drawing from jazz, R&B, and punk influences in a departure from Tyler's prior rap-centric work.[45] The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, moving 51,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with the majority from pure sales.[46] It also topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[46] Initial reception was mixed, with critics noting its experimental production and introspective lyrics on fame and personal identity, though some highlighted inconsistencies in cohesion.[47] Tyler later described the backlash as "the greatest thing to ever happen" to him, crediting it with pushing his artistic evolution.[47] Promotion included an informal iTunes announcement on April 9, 2015, and a Coachella performance the day before release, where Tyler shared the tracklist via Instagram.[48] [49] The Cherry Bomb Tour followed, spanning dozens of dates across 2015 and extending into 2016, often co-headlined with A$AP Rocky and featuring elaborate stage setups.[50] [51] In 2016, Tyler continued touring and contributing to projects, including Odd Future affiliates, while refining his sound amid the experimental shift initiated by Cherry Bomb, which foreshadowed more polished explorations in subsequent releases.[52] No major solo releases occurred that year, allowing focus on live performances and creative development.[53]Flower Boy, Igor, and mainstream breakthrough (2017–2019)
Flower Boy, Tyler, the Creator's fifth studio album, was released on July 21, 2017, through Columbia Records, marking a departure from his earlier aggressive style toward more vulnerable, jazz-influenced production and lyrics exploring themes of identity, loneliness, and self-acceptance.[54] Primarily self-produced by Tyler with contributions from collaborators like Frank Ocean and Pharrell Williams, the 14-track project featured guest appearances from artists including AAP Rocky), "See You Again" (featuring Kali Uchis), "Boredom" (with Rex Orange County and Anna of the North), and "I Ain't Got Time!," the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, driven by approximately 119,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[55] It also topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in 2018, with critics praising its lush instrumentation and emotional depth as a maturation in Tyler's artistry.[56][57] Building on Flower Boy's momentum, Tyler released Igor on May 17, 2019, a 12-track concept album self-produced under the persona of "Igor," a fictional producer entangled in a tumultuous love triangle involving unrequited affection for a man committed to another partner, blending soul samples, distorted vocals, and narrative arcs of infatuation, heartbreak, and acceptance.[58] Features included Playboi Carti, Solange, and Jerrod Carmichael narrating interludes, with singles like "Earfquake" (peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100) and "I Think" emphasizing melodic hooks over traditional rap flows.[59] Igor debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, moving 165,000 album-equivalent units in its first week—Tyler's first chart-topping album—and later won the Grammy for Best Rap Album at the 2020 ceremony, solidifying critical consensus on its innovative structure and thematic ambition.[60][61][3] This period represented Tyler's mainstream breakthrough, as Flower Boy's commercial performance and Igor's chart dominance, Grammy win, and cultural impact—coupled with performances at major festivals and recognition as the Wall Street Journal's Music Innovator of the Year in 2019—elevated him from underground provocateur to a versatile artist embraced by broader audiences, evidenced by increased streaming numbers and high-profile collaborations.[62][63] The albums' success, with Igor's number-one debut surpassing prior efforts, demonstrated Tyler's ability to fuse experimental production with accessible emotional narratives, attracting over 1 billion combined streams by 2020 and shifting perceptions of his work toward critical and commercial viability.[64]Call Me If You Get Lost and thematic maturity (2020–2023)
Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator's seventh studio album, was released on June 25, 2021, through Columbia Records. Primarily self-produced by Tyler under his alias Tyler Baudelaire, the project features guest appearances from artists including Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, 42 Dugg, and DJ Drama, who provides narration framing the album as a lost passport's contents. Singles "Lumberjack" and "WusYaName" preceded the release, with the former peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 280,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Tyler's third consecutive chart-topping release.[65] The album received critical acclaim for its blend of hip-hop, jazz rap, and neo-soul elements, earning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on April 3, 2022, Tyler's second win in the category following Igor in 2020. He accepted the award via video while hiking, emphasizing authenticity over industry norms. In support, the Call Me If You Get Lost Tour commenced on February 10, 2022, at Pechanga Arena in San Diego and concluded on August 3, 2022, in Melbourne, grossing $40.5 million from 478,817 tickets sold across 41 shows. A deluxe edition, Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale, expanded the tracklist with five new songs and was released on March 31, 2023, further boosting streams and chart returns.[66][67][68] Thematically, Call Me If You Get Lost signifies Tyler's maturation, shifting from the adolescent provocation and shock tactics of his Odd Future era to introspective explorations of identity, vulnerability, and adult relationships. Adopting a luxurious, jet-setting persona reminiscent of golden-age rap mixtapes, Tyler delves into guilt, regret, and self-discovery, urging listeners to pursue personal desires amid fame's isolation. Tracks like "Sweet/I Thought You Wanted to Dance" and "Wilshire" reflect on romantic entanglements and emotional restraint, contrasting his earlier unchecked angst with refined boasting and melodic vulnerability. Critics noted this evolution as a departure from past homophobic or violent lyrics toward honest reckoning with growth, prioritizing truthfulness over controversy.[69][70][71][72] This period's output underscores Tyler's progression toward thematic depth, evident in performances like his 2023 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival set, where he blended new material with catalog staples, reinforcing a narrative of sustained artistic refinement over sensationalism.[73]Chromakopia and recent tours (2024–present)
Chromakopia, Tyler, the Creator's eighth studio album, was released on October 28, 2024, through Columbia Records.[74] Primarily self-produced by Tyler, the 14-track project incorporates a range of featured artists and continues his pattern of experimental rap with introspective themes, clocking in at approximately 53 minutes.[75] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 299,500 equivalent album units in its first week—a career high for Tyler—and marking his third consecutive studio album to top the chart.[76] The album also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and amassed over 500,000 units in the United States by its third week, during which it held the top position again.[77][78] Critical reception praised Chromakopia for sustaining Tyler's creative momentum, with reviewers highlighting its blend of raw energy, varied production, and lyrical depth on topics like fame and personal reflection, though some noted its shorter length as a shift from prior expansive works.[79][75] To promote the album, Tyler announced the Chromakopia: The World Tour in October 2024, a 64-date arena outing featuring special guests Lil Yachty and Paris Texas on select legs.[80][81] The tour commenced on February 4, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and spanned North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America, concluding on September 21, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.[82][83] Performances emphasized high-energy sets drawing heavily from Chromakopia alongside prior hits, with production elements reflecting the album's thematic motifs.[84]Artistry
Musical style and production
Tyler's musical style is characterized by its eclecticism and evolution from raw, horrorcore-influenced hip-hop to genre-blending compositions incorporating jazz, soul, R&B, and rock elements. Early works like Bastard (2009) and Goblin (2011) featured dark, brooding beats with midtempo percussion, low-register piano, and violent bass drops, reflecting themes of mental turmoil and imposter syndrome through harsh, vulgar lyrics and minimal instrumentation.[85][86] Influenced heavily by MF DOOM's experimental production techniques, including unconventional mixing and clever wordplay, Tyler developed a distinctive sound during his teenage years that emphasized raw emotional intensity.[8] In production, Tyler self-produces all tracks across his eight studio albums spanning 15 years, employing sampling from diverse sources—such as Zamrock on "Noid" from Chromakopia (2024) or Uncle Luke on "Balloon"—alongside off-kilter drums, warped synths, and strategic use of space and silence to create dynamic tension.[86] His methods draw from hip-hop traditions of excavating old records for sounds while integrating lush electric keys, emotive piano, and big drums reminiscent of 1970s Quiet Storm soul and cosmic trap in later projects like Flower Boy (2017) and Chromakopia.[86] This approach aligns with experimental producers like Herbie Hancock, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, prioritizing genre eschewal and persona-matched beats, as seen in the gritty '90s Wu-Tang-inspired vibe of Call Me If You Get Lost (2021).[86] Tyler's style progressed toward accessibility and melody starting with Wolf (2013), incorporating jazz and rock influences with lighter, narrative-driven beats, and further experimentalized in Cherry Bomb (2015) through emphasized drums, harmonies, and bold structures exploring personal growth.[85] By Igor (2019), he blended edgy rock, gloomy electronics, heavy drums, and pitched-up vocals to narrate breakup stages, while Flower Boy shifted to uplifting, introspective jazzy synths and melodic chords addressing self-acceptance.[85] Recent albums like Call Me If You Get Lost feature cinematic, jazz-inspired production with detailed rap performances, evolving into doo-wop soul and '80s pop callbacks on Chromakopia, balancing lush arrangements with minimalism for thematic maturity.[85][86] Later influences include Kanye West's expansive albums like Graduation (2007) and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), informing Tyler's cinematic scope and willingness to reinvent sonically.[86]Visual and thematic elements
Tyler's visual artistry prominently features an evolution from gritty, horror-infused imagery in early mixtapes like Bastard (2009) and Goblin (2011), characterized by dark, exaggerated motifs reflecting adolescent angst, to softer, pastel-dominated palettes in later albums such as Flower Boy (2017) and Igor (2019).[87] This shift incorporates vibrant colors, fashionable figures, and idealized destinations in music videos, often directed or co-directed by Tyler himself or collaborators like Luis Perez, who emphasize building immersive universes with peachy hues and surreal elements.[88] [87] Album covers exemplify this progression, with Igor's black-and-white, masked persona symbolizing hidden identity and emotional turmoil, while Chromakopia (2024) centers the masked St. Chroma figure amid complex, noir-inspired visuals that blend personal narrative with bold graphics.[89] [90] Tyler's Golf Wang brand extends these visuals into streetwear, featuring embroidered logos, unique graphics, and vibrant color combinations that echo the playful yet subversive humor in his music videos and artwork.[91] Thematically, Tyler's work delves into autobiographical explorations of identity, relationships, and self-discovery, transitioning from early themes of rebellion and macabre fantasy to introspective examinations of vulnerability and unrequited love.[87] In Flower Boy, lyrics and visuals intertwine floral motifs with motifs of loneliness and a desire for genuine connection amid fame's isolation.[92] Igor narrates a storyline of infatuation, heartbreak, and concealed sexuality through distorted vocals and thematic devices like wigs and masks, prioritizing emotional atmosphere over literal lyricism.[58] Later projects like Chromakopia incorporate self-reflective themes of family, regret, and bold self-expression, paired with visuals that homage personal history through humor and dynamic imagery. These elements unify across media, with Tyler emphasizing melody and vibe over explicit lyrics to convey causal emotional realism in human experiences.[93]Influences and innovations
Tyler, the Creator has cited numerous artists as formative influences on his creative development. During his acceptance speech for the Cultural Influence Award at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards on October 5, 2021, he explicitly thanked Q-Tip, André 3000, Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes for laying the blueprint in hip-hop production and artistry.[94] [95] Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D. particularly shaped his genre-blending versatility and production ethos, evident in Tyler's early admiration for their fusion of hip-hop with funk and rock elements.[96] Eminem's provocative lyricism and cultural impact during the 2000s influenced Tyler's initial raw, confrontational style in his teenage years, bridging underground experimentation with mainstream disruption.[8] Neo-soul and R&B figures such as Brandy and Mary J. Blige also informed his melodic sensibilities and emotional depth, as he detailed in a 2019 breakdown of their role in his sound evolution.[14] Broader inspirations include MF DOOM, Clipse, and Pharcyde for intricate sampling and lyricism, alongside jazz and chillwave aesthetics that permeated his self-taught production techniques.[97] Tyler's innovations lie in his self-reliant production approach, where he has primarily crafted beats for his albums without external collaborators, solidifying his status as a top rapper-producer by 2024.[86] His 2009 mixtape Bastard pioneered dark, introspective lyrics paired with unconventional beats, setting a template for alternative hip-hop's raw edge.[98] In albums like Igor (2019), he fused rock, R&B, hip-hop, and psychedelic elements into a narrative-driven structure eschewing traditional rap formats, achieving critical cohesion through layered synths and vocal manipulations.[85] Cherry Bomb (2015) further advanced this by integrating punk, jazz, and funk, expanding hip-hop's sonic boundaries via distorted guitars and live instrumentation.[98] Through Odd Future's leadership in the early 2010s, Tyler catalyzed alternative hip-hop's rise, merging skate culture with genre experimentation to evolve the form's cultural and musical parameters.[99]Business ventures
Fashion and Golf Wang
Golf Wang is a streetwear brand founded by Tyler, the Creator in 2011, initially as a blog and creative platform that evolved into a full clothing line reflecting his personal aesthetic of bold colors, playful patterns, and subversive humor.[91] [100] The brand name serves as a spoonerism of "Wolf Gang," tying into his Odd Future roots, and emphasizes easy-to-wear items like striped t-shirts, hoodies, and animal-print motifs.[101] [102] The brand's first physical retail location, a flagship store, opened on October 26, 2017, at 350 N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, marking a shift toward established streetwear infrastructure amid growing demand.[103] Golf Wang has since expanded through seasonal drops, such as the Fall/Winter 2024 collection and anniversary lines commemorating albums like Cherry Bomb in 2025, available via its official website and app.[104] [105] Tyler, the Creator's fashion influence permeates Golf Wang, drawing from his eclectic style that blends preppy elements with hip-hop irreverence, often featuring vibrant palettes and ironic graphics that critique conventional norms.[106] [107] Key collaborations include footwear lines with Converse under the GOLF le FLEUR* imprint, starting around 2016, which incorporate floral motifs and pastel tones, as well as capsule collections with Supreme, Lacoste, and the Japanese brand +44.[108] [109] These partnerships have broadened Golf Wang's reach, producing limited-edition sneakers and apparel that align with Tyler's vision of defying rap's traditional sartorial constraints.[109] [107] Golf Wang hosted its inaugural fashion show in Los Angeles, showcasing the brand's signature vibrancy through runway presentations of casual, pattern-heavy garments that embody Tyler's artistic evolution.[102] The line's designs prioritize accessibility and cultural commentary, evolving alongside Tyler's music career to include music-themed merchandise tied to releases like Chromakopia.[100] [104]Collaborations and festivals
Tyler, the Creator has engaged in several high-profile brand collaborations, primarily in footwear, leveraging his Golf Wang imprint to design limited-edition products. His partnership with Vans began in the early 2010s, producing Odd Future and Golf Wang-branded sneakers including Old Skool, Authentic, and Sk8-Hi models, with multiple releases emphasizing custom patterns and graphics until around 2016.[110] In 2017, he transitioned to Converse, citing Vans' restrictions on creative input as a key factor, which allowed greater design freedom for the GOLF le FLEUR* sub-line featuring floral motifs and pastel aesthetics on silhouettes like the One Star Pro and Chuck 70.[111] This ongoing Converse collaboration has yielded seasonal capsules, including a 2025 release of archival styles such as the "1908" series with Naut-1 and Coach Jogger models.[112] In the festival domain, Tyler founded and curates Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, an annual two-day music and carnival event held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles since 2012, blending live performances with amusement rides and food vendors.[113] Produced in partnership with Goldenvoice, the festival features lineups handpicked by Tyler, who headlines alongside acts like A$AP Rocky, Childish Gambino, and Earl Sweatshirt; the 2025 edition is scheduled for November 15–16.[114] Past iterations have included performers such as Snoop Dogg, Frank Ocean, and Tyler's Odd Future affiliates, emphasizing hip-hop, alternative, and R&B genres while generating revenue through ticket sales starting at advance prices around $200–$400 per day.[115] The event's carnival elements, including Ferris wheels and games, distinguish it from standard music festivals, reflecting Tyler's vision for immersive fan experiences tied to his creative ecosystem.[116]Other entrepreneurial efforts
In 2016, Tyler, the Creator introduced Golf le Fleur (stylized as GOLF le FLEUR*), an upscale lifestyle brand distinct from his streetwear-focused Golf Wang, emphasizing floral motifs and eclectic products including apparel, footwear, eyewear, accessories, fragrances, luggage, nail polish, and home goods.[117] The brand initially gained traction through collaborations, such as with Converse starting in 2017, producing colorful sneaker lines like the One Star and Chuck 70 variants that incorporated pastel aesthetics and playful designs.[118] By 2021, Golf le Fleur expanded to its first standalone collection, independent of prior partnerships, featuring ready-to-wear items and further diversifying into non-apparel categories to appeal to a broader consumer base beyond hip-hop and streetwear enthusiasts.[119] This evolution reflects Tyler's intent to build a comprehensive ecosystem of creative output, with the brand's official site offering seasonal drops that integrate his visual artistry—such as vibrant patterns and whimsical elements—into functional consumer products.[120] Golf le Fleur has also incorporated limited experiential extensions, including pop-up ice cream and food collaborations tied to product launches, enhancing brand engagement without establishing permanent foodservice operations.[121] These efforts underscore Tyler's approach to entrepreneurship as an extension of his multimedia persona, prioritizing aesthetic consistency and direct-to-consumer sales over traditional retail dependency.[122]Cultural impact
Influence on hip-hop and youth culture
Tyler, the Creator co-founded the hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All in 2007 at age 16, releasing their debut mixtape The Odd Future Tape in 2008, which leveraged free online distribution to build a grassroots following and exemplify rap's transition to internet-driven promotion.[8][123] This model prefigured the SoundCloud rap era by emphasizing viral sharing over traditional label gatekeeping, enabling rapid dissemination of raw, unpolished tracks that resonated with disaffected youth.[124] Odd Future's chaotic energy, marked by Tyler's horrorcore-inspired lyrics on albums like Bastard (2009) and Goblin (2011), injected irreverent humor, nihilism, and shock tactics into hip-hop, influencing subsequent artists to prioritize provocation and subcultural authenticity over commercial polish.[125][19] Over time, Tyler's evolution toward genre-blending production—incorporating jazz, soul, and indie elements on projects like Flower Boy (2017) and Igor (2019)—broadened hip-hop's sonic palette, encouraging rappers to draw from non-rap traditions such as Pharrell Williams' eclectic style and skate culture's DIY ethos.[126][127] His self-taught production techniques, evident in beats crafted on Fruity Loops software during his teens, democratized music creation tools for aspiring artists, fostering a wave of bedroom producers in the 2010s.[85] This shift contributed to hip-hop's cultural expansion beyond urban narratives, appealing to diverse demographics including suburban white males who embraced the collective's outsider rebellion.[125] In youth culture, Tyler's persona and Odd Future's antics normalized blending hip-hop with skateboarding, visual art, and fashion experimentation, inspiring teens to adopt vibrant, anti-establishment aesthetics through brands like Golf Wang, launched in 2011.[128] His candid explorations of identity, vulnerability, and personal growth in later works modeled resilience against public scrutiny, shaping fans' approaches to self-expression amid social media pressures.[129][130] By 2025, Tyler reflected that distinct "youth culture" may have eroded due to homogenized online influences, yet his early output had already embedded hip-hop's subversive spirit into broader generational attitudes toward creativity and nonconformity.[131]Reception and critical analysis
Tyler's reception evolved from polarizing responses to his early Odd Future-era output, characterized by shock-value lyrics on violence, abuse, and taboo subjects, to widespread acclaim for his later genre-blending maturity. The 2011 album Goblin drew mixed reviews, with critics like Pitchfork noting its strengths in conveying isolation and confusion amid chaotic energy, but faulting its excess length and repetitive aggression, resulting in a Metacritic score of 66 based on 24 reviews.[132][133] Early detractors, including mainstream outlets, highlighted provocative content as immature or harmful, while supporters valued its lo-fi production and satirical edge as a deliberate challenge to hip-hop norms.[134] A pivotal shift occurred with Flower Boy in 2017, which earned a Metacritic score of 84 from 28 reviews, praised for cohesive production, vulnerability on themes of identity and loneliness, and fusion of jazz, soul, and rap elements—marking Tyler's departure from abrasiveness toward introspection.[135] Igor (2019) followed with an 81 score across 24 reviews, analyzed as an impressionistic concept album tracing unrequited love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through fragmented vocals and synth-driven narratives, with Pitchfork commending its emotional charge and auteur refinement.[136][137] Call Me If You Get Lost (2021) achieved 88 from 20 reviews, lauded for opulent beats evoking luxury travel and sharp bars flexing Tyler's rap dexterity beyond prior emotional experiments.[138] Recent works solidified his critical stature: Chromakopia (2024) debuted with a career-high Metacritic of 91, interpreters highlighting its raw psyche-probing on paranoia, fatherhood fears, and genre-hopping from rock-rap to funk, as an "electric, revealing" mask-on/mask-off odyssey.[139][140] Don't Tap the Glass (2025), his ninth album, garnered 90% positive ratings on Metacritic, described by Pitchfork as a brisk electro-funk-disco romp prioritizing movement and playfulness over introspection.[141][142] Analyses consistently trace Tyler's arc from edgelord provocation—rooted in adolescent rebellion against sanitized rap—to innovative auteurship, evidenced by self-production evolving from gritty samples to orchestral layers, and thematic depth in mental health struggles, relational ambiguity, and identity fluidity without prescriptive labels.[85][58] This maturation, per observers, stems from causal self-examination rather than external pressure, yielding albums that prioritize sonic experimentation and personal causality over shock.[87] Yet, acclaim coexists with backlash; 2025 saw resurfaced early tweets on race and anti-Black sentiments amplified via social media and hip-hop discourse, tied to critiques of his fanbase's cultural ignorance, though such episodes often rely on decontextualized youth-era artifacts amid his demonstrated growth.[143][125] Critics in left-leaning outlets, prone to retrospective moralizing, contrast this with Tyler's empirical output: Grammy wins (e.g., Best Rap Album for Igor) and sales exceeding 10 million equivalent units by 2024, underscoring reception's tension between past rhetoric and artistic merit.[144]Legacy and ongoing relevance
Tyler, the Creator's legacy lies in his foundational role in shifting hip-hop toward internet-native dissemination and alternative aesthetics, co-founding Odd Future in the late 2000s to leverage platforms like YouTube for viral breakthroughs that challenged mainstream rap's sonic and promotional norms.[126] This approach catalyzed rap's integration with streetwear and visual media, fostering collaborations that normalized artists as multifaceted creators rather than mere performers, with his production techniques—blending jazz, soul, and rock—evident in albums earning Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album, including Igor in 2020 and Call Me If You Get Lost in 2022.[1] His influence on subsequent generations, including Billie Eilish and Brockhampton, stems from this model of unfiltered experimentation, prioritizing artistic autonomy over commercial conformity.[2] In fashion and broader culture, Tyler established Golf Wang in 2011 as a blueprint for artist-driven brands emphasizing playful, subversive designs, which expanded into footwear collaborations with Converse and lifestyle ventures like fragrances, proving sustainable revenue streams beyond music royalties.[145] This entrepreneurial pivot reinforced hip-hop's economic diversification, with his 2025 Bottega Veneta campaign and Pharrell Williams partnerships highlighting enduring appeal in luxury-streetwear hybrids.[146] His ongoing relevance persists through Chromakopia's October 28, 2024, release, which secured the Billboard 200 number-one spot on partial-week sales of 299,000 equivalent units, driven by introspective tracks addressing fame and vulnerability that critics noted as his most emotionally raw yet structurally innovative work.[147] [148] A 2025 American Music Award nomination for Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist further underscores commercial endurance, amid continued festival headlining and brand expansions that sustain his position as a cultural innovator adapting to digital and consumer shifts.[149]Personal life
Family and relationships
Tyler Gregory Okonma was born on March 6, 1991, in Ladera Heights, California, to Bonita Smith, who raised him as a single mother after his Nigerian father of Igbo descent abandoned the family shortly after his birth.[6][150] Smith, an entrepreneur who operates a health and wellness spa in Woodland Hills, California, has appeared in Okonma's music, including a spoken-word interlude on the 2021 album Call Me If You Get Lost where she discusses her efforts to support his career.[151][152] Okonma's absent father has been a recurring theme in his early work, such as the 2009 album Bastard, which explores themes of paternal abandonment and its emotional impact.[6] Okonma has one younger sibling, a half-sister, whom he has referenced in social media posts, such as a 2012 tweet celebrating her birthday, but he has intentionally kept her identity and details private to respect her privacy.[153] He has publicly stated in interviews that he is not particularly close to her.[154] Okonma maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his romantic relationships, with few confirmed details emerging from reliable reports. Since approximately 2021, he has been rumored to be in a relationship with model Reign Judge, born October 2, 2001, who has collaborated with him professionally, including appearing in campaigns for his Golf le Fleur fragrance line.[155][156][157] The pair, who share a 10-year age difference, have not publicly confirmed their status and do not follow each other on social media.[156] Earlier, in 2017, he was linked to actress and singer Steffanie Christi'an after they were seen together publicly, though no long-term confirmation followed.[158]Sexuality and public statements
Tyler, the Creator has frequently alluded to same-sex attractions in his lyrics and interviews without explicitly labeling his sexuality. In his 2017 album Flower Boy, tracks such as "I Ain't Got Time!" include lines like "I've been kissing white boys since 2004," which sparked widespread interpretation as references to homosexual experiences.[159] He later clarified in a 2018 interview that his sexuality exists in a "grey area," stating, "even though I'm considered loud and out there, I'm private," and noting that his friends perceive him as gay but he avoids definitive categorization.[160] In a 2019 discussion with The Fader, Tyler expressed frustration over public reluctance to accept implications of his non-heterosexual experiences, which he linked to criticism of his earlier use of homophobic slurs in Odd Future-era work; he maintained that terms like "faggot" were employed for emotional impact rather than targeted prejudice, though he acknowledged their hurtful connotations.[161] [162] By 2023, in the track "Sorry Not Sorry" from a collaborative project, he rapped about apologizing for concealing aspects of his sexuality, reflecting ongoing internal tension.[163] His 2024 album Chromakopia contains more direct references, including lyrics stating, "I've had boyfriends, though... I've had boyfriends in my past. I never denied that I had boyfriends," confirming past male romantic partners while emphasizing privacy. In the same context, he described a pattern of attraction to women complicated by male involvements, as in a prior freestyle remark: "I like girls—I just end up fucking their brother every time".[164] These statements align with his broader artistic approach of blurring personal boundaries for provocation, though sources interpreting them as a full "coming out" often stem from outlets with incentives to frame ambiguity as affirmation, warranting caution against over-labeling absent self-identification.[165]Controversies and legal issues
Early provocative lyrics and Odd Future backlash
Tyler's early mixtapes with Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), including Bastard released on December 25, 2009, and Goblin on May 10, 2011, contained lyrics graphically describing rape, murder, and suicide, often delivered in a first-person narrative style that blurred lines between fantasy and endorsement.[166][167] These elements were hallmarks of OFWGKTA's shock-rap approach, with Tyler positioning himself as the group's provocative leader through tracks like "Yonkers" from Goblin, which included lines about self-harm and consumption of insects to unsettle listeners.[168] The collective's full name, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, itself evoked violent imagery, aligning with lyrics across members' outputs that incorporated misogynistic threats and homophobic slurs such as "faggot."[169][170] OFWGKTA's rise via free online releases and viral videos amplified these themes, fostering a fanbase drawn to the raw, unfiltered rebellion against mainstream hip-hop norms, but also provoking accusations of normalizing hate speech.[171] Critics argued the content exceeded artistic provocation, potentially influencing impressionable youth toward real-world misogyny and homophobia, as evidenced by the group's exclusion from certain festivals and venues due to content warnings.[172] In May 2011, indie duo Tegan and Sara issued an open letter to Pitchfork and OFWGKTA, questioning when "misogynistic and homophobic ranting and raving" would face industry repercussions beyond mere publicity.[173] Mainstream outlets like The Guardian described Tyler's work as "hateful," emphasizing rape-centric narratives in songs like those on Goblin, though such coverage often framed the material through a lens prioritizing cultural offense over the group's intent to satirize suburban angst and personal demons.[166][170] The backlash reflected broader tensions in hip-hop over free expression versus social responsibility, with OFWGKTA's defenders viewing the outrage as hypocritical given precedents in genres like horrorcore rap, yet empirical patterns of protest—such as canceled shows and boycotts—highlighted causal links between the lyrics' extremity and public pushback from advocacy groups.[174] Tyler responded in interviews by attributing the content to his isolated upbringing and therapeutic exaggeration, not literal advocacy, but this did little to stem early criticisms that positioned OFWGKTA as emblematic of unchecked adolescent toxicity in music.[175] By 2011, the controversy had escalated to international scrutiny, foreshadowing later actions like the UK's 2015 entry denial citing Bastard and Goblin for fostering "hatred with views hostile to women and homosexuality," though contemporaneous backlash centered on domestic media and activist responses.[176]Feuds with other artists
Tyler, the Creator engaged in a public exchange with rapper B.o.B in 2011, stemming from criticisms of Odd Future's style and influence. On March 25, 2011, B.o.B released the diss track "No Future," targeting Tyler and his collective with lyrics accusing them of lacking substance and predicting their irrelevance.[177] Tyler responded dismissively in interviews, questioning B.o.B's relevance and defending Odd Future's authenticity, though no further tracks were exchanged.[178] In 2019, tension arose between Tyler and DJ Khaled over Billboard chart competition. Tyler's album IGOR debuted at number one on June 8, 2019, displacing Khaled's Father of Asahd, which had been projected to top the chart. Khaled alluded to the loss in social media posts and interviews, expressing frustration without naming Tyler directly, while Tyler mocked Khaled's production style and ego in subsequent comments and lyrics.[179][180] The feud appeared resolved by November 2023, when Khaled expressed interest in collaborating at a Jay-Z event.[180] Tyler has referenced early animosity with AAP Mob in the early 2010s. In a 2019 interview, Tyler described mutual dislike fueled by entourages, stating, "Our crews had beef," though he clarified no personal hatred existed between him and Rocky.[181] They later collaborated and reconciled, with Rocky praising Tyler publicly. A separate 2021 dispute involved A$AP Nast, who accused Tyler of copying outfits; Tyler addressed it in a verse on "RISE!" from Call Me If You Get Lost, prompting Nast to downplay it as non-serious on a livestream.[182][182] Tyler admitted to early disdain for Childish Gambino (Donald Glover), triggered by Gambino's fictional win over him in a 2011 Regular Show episode rap battle. During his April 13, 2024, Coachella performance, Tyler revealed, "I used to hate that dude," but credited Gambino's album Because the Internet for changing his view, leading to a joint live rendition of "Running Out of Time."[183] This one-sided resentment evolved into mutual respect without escalated conflict.Recent resurfaced content and cancel attempts
In October 2025, Tyler, the Creator faced renewed scrutiny after liking an X (formerly Twitter) post on October 19 criticizing his predominantly white fanbase for showing little interest in Black art or history, which prompted users to resurface derogatory tweets and images from his early Odd Future era (circa 2011–2014).[184][185] The unearthed content included posts with anti-Black rhetoric, such as tweets mocking Black cultural figures and expressing disdain for aspects of Black identity, alongside images interpreted as him wearing a KKK-style hood and performing what appeared to be a Nazi salute.[186][144] Tyler subsequently deleted several of these tweets, but screenshots circulated widely on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, fueling accusations of hypocrisy given his recent tribute to R&B artist D'Angelo and advocacy for Black cultural appreciation.[185][187] Critics, including some former fans, amplified calls for accountability and boycotts, framing the incident as evidence of unresolved "edgelord" tendencies from his shock-rap phase, where provocative content was central to Odd Future's aesthetic.[143][188] Media outlets like Complex and Rolling Stone noted the irony of Tyler's current image—evolved through albums like Flower Boy (2017) and Call Me If You Get Lost (2021)—clashing with his adolescent online persona, while online discourse highlighted how such resurfacing often escalates via algorithmic amplification rather than new revelations.[184][143] Tyler did not issue a direct public statement on the deletions by October 23, but supporters argued the content reflected teenage irreverence in a pre-accountability era of hip-hop, predating his public growth and disavowals of early homophobic and violent lyrics.[189][125] A prior cancel attempt occurred in November 2024, when Tyler briefly overtook Taylor Swift on Spotify's global Top Artists chart following a Halloween performance in Boston, prompting Swift fans ("Swifties") to dredge up his early lyrics containing slurs and violent imagery to demand platform deprioritization.[190][191] During the same show, Tyler addressed the backlash onstage, labeling the critics "racist a-- Swifties" and defending his artistic evolution while acknowledging the "old me" they invoked.[192][193] This episode underscored partisan fan dynamics, with Tyler attributing the scrutiny to competitive resentment rather than genuine moral outrage, as similar tactics were not applied uniformly to other artists with comparable pasts.[190] No formal cancellations resulted, and his streaming metrics remained robust.[191]Discography
Studio albums
Tyler, the Creator's studio albums demonstrate a stylistic evolution from abrasive, horrorcore-influenced hip hop in his early work to more polished, genre-fusing productions incorporating neo-soul, jazz, and orchestral elements in later releases. His discography includes nine studio albums as of October 2025, with four consecutive releases debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. Early albums like Goblin faced criticism for provocative lyrics but gained cult followings, while later efforts such as Igor and Chromakopia received widespread acclaim for their conceptual depth and production innovation.[76]| Title | Release date | Label | Billboard 200 peak | First-week US units/sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastard | April 2009 | Self-released | — | — |
| Goblin | May 10, 2011 | XL Recordings | 5 | 45,000 |
| Wolf | April 2, 2013 | Odd Future | 3 | — |
| Cherry Bomb | April 13, 2015 | Odd Future | 4 | 58,000 |
| Flower Boy | July 21, 2017 | Columbia | 2 | — |
| Igor | May 17, 2019 | Columbia | 1 | — |
| Call Me If You Get Lost | June 25, 2021 | Columbia | 1 | 169,000 |
| Chromakopia | October 28, 2024 | Columbia | 1 | — |
| Don't Tap the Glass | July 2025 | Columbia | 1 | 197,000 |
Mixtapes and EPs
Tyler, the Creator released his debut solo project, the mixtape Bastard, on December 25, 2009, distributing it for free via online platforms. Self-produced entirely by Tyler using FL Studio software, the 15-track release features raw, lo-fi beats and introspective lyrics centered on themes of fatherless upbringing, failed romances, and psychological turmoil, often narrated through his Wolf Haley persona.[25][199] The mixtape's provocative content, including references to violence and suicide, drew initial underground attention within the Odd Future collective but also foreshadowed later controversies.[25] Tracks like "Yonkers," with its minimalist piano loop and infamous worm-eating video, propelled early buzz, amassing views on YouTube and marking Tyler's shift toward viral, shock-value aesthetics.[200] Bastard laid foundational elements for Tyler's production style, blending horrorcore influences with jazz samples, and received retrospective praise for its unpolished authenticity despite lacking commercial distribution at launch.[28] Tyler has not released additional solo mixtapes post-Bastard, transitioning to studio albums after signing with XL Recordings. His discography includes one extended play, though details remain sparse and unassociated with major solo efforts beyond group or collaborative singles.[201] Early contributions to Odd Future's The Odd Future Tape Vol. 1 (2007) featured Tyler-produced tracks like "Odd Toddlers," but these are collective releases rather than solo mixtapes.[202]Singles and collaborations
Tyler's early singles, such as "Yonkers" released on February 14, 2011, as the lead track from Goblin, gained underground traction through its music video but achieved modest commercial performance, peaking at No. 78 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[203] Subsequent singles like "Domo23" from Wolf in 2013 also prioritized artistic experimentation over mainstream appeal, with limited chart impact.[203] Commercial breakthrough arrived with singles from Flower Boy (2017), including "911 / Mr. Lonely," which blended introspective lyrics with orchestral production, though it did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 top 50. The collaborative track "See You Again" featuring Kali Uchis, released as a single on June 28, 2017, marked an early crossover hit, reaching No. 69 on the Hot 100 and benefiting from Uchis's rising profile in alternative R&B.[204] The 2019 album Igor yielded Tyler's highest-charting single to date at the time, "EARFQUAKE," released May 28, 2019, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by its soulful sampling and vulnerable themes.[205] Follow-up singles like "I THINK" featuring Solange (June 27, 2019) further showcased his production versatility but peaked lower at No. 38. From Call Me If You Get Lost (2021), "WUSYANAME" featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Ty Dolla $ign, released June 25, 2021, climbed to No. 14 on the Hot 100, incorporating phone voicemail aesthetics and rapid-fire flows.[206] Recent singles from Chromakopia (2024) represent Tyler's strongest Hot 100 performance, with "Noid" and "St. Chroma" featuring Daniel Caesar entering the top 10 in late 2024, his first such achievements after years of building momentum.[205] "Sticky" featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne, released alongside the album on October 28, 2024, also charted, highlighting his adaptability to trap-influenced collaborations.[206] As a featured artist, Tyler contributed to singles like "Biking" by Frank Ocean featuring Jay-Z, released April 8, 2017, which debuted at No. 67 on the Hot 100 and exemplified his chemistry with Odd Future affiliate Ocean. Other notable features include "Smuckers" on Kanye West's The Life of Pablo (2016), peaking at No. 71, and "Who Dat" by A$AP Rocky (2011), an early posse cut that bolstered his reputation within hip-hop circles.[207] These appearances often amplified his production skills, with Tyler handling beats for many, underscoring his dual role as rapper and beatsmith across genres from horrorcore to neo-soul.Tours and live performances
Headlining tours
Tyler's initial headlining efforts followed the release of his 2011 debut studio album Goblin, with performances characterized by raw energy and minimalist staging focused on his lyrical delivery. The tour aligned with Odd Future's East Coast run but emphasized Tyler's solo presence, drawing crowds amid the group's rising notoriety.[208] The 2015 Cherry Bomb Tour promoted his fourth album Cherry Bomb, spanning multiple North American dates with chaotic, high-energy sets that highlighted the record's experimental production. Performances featured abrupt transitions and audience interaction, reflecting the album's polarizing reception, though specific routing details emphasized urban arenas.[53] In support of Flower Boy (2017), Tyler launched a fall U.S. tour starting October 31 in San Francisco, extending into a 2018 North American leg co-headlined with Vince Staples. The outing included dates from Vancouver on January 26 to Milwaukee, showcasing floral-themed staging and collaborative vibes that amplified the album's introspective themes. Taco and Vince Staples joined as openers on select legs.[209][210] The Igor Tour (2019), his fifth headlining run, backed the Grammy-winning Igor and comprised 34 dates kicking off August 30 at Seattle's Bumbershoot festival. It covered North American arenas like Minneapolis' Armory on September 2 and Chicago on September 4, with theatrical elements including wigged alter-ego personas and synchronized visuals. Jaden Smith appeared as a supporting act on portions.[211][212] Tyler's sixth headlining endeavor, the Call Me If You Get Lost Tour (2022), supported his 2021 album and began February 22 at Chicago's United Center, hitting venues like Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum on February 24. The production incorporated luxury motifs such as a stage Rolls-Royce, with international extensions to Europe starting June 3 in Warsaw and Australia. Willow and Teezo Touchdown served as openers.[213][214] Chromakopia: The World Tour, announced October 23, 2024, promotes his eighth album Chromakopia across 64 dates worldwide, including North America, Europe, Australia, and Latin America. U.S. legs feature stops like Detroit and Chicago's United Center on June 30-July 1, 2025, with Lil Yachty and Paris Texas as special guests. The tour emphasizes choreographed sequences and set design, continuing into 2026 with events like São Paulo's Interlagos Racetrack.[84][215][216]Festival appearances and co-headlining
Tyler, the Creator headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2024, performing closing sets on the main stage during both weekends (April 12–14 and 19–21).[217] Later that year, he was scheduled to headline Lollapalooza in Chicago (July 31–August 4) and Outside Lands in San Francisco (August 9–11) but canceled both appearances in June, apologizing to fans via Instagram for the last-minute withdrawal without specifying reasons beyond personal commitments.[218] [219] In 2015, he headlined London's Wireless Festival on July 5 at Finsbury Park, delivering a set that included tracks from his album Cherry Bomb amid growing tensions within Odd Future.[220] He has also performed at earlier festivals such as Bonnaroo in 2013 and various Pitchfork Music Festival editions starting in 2011, often showcasing Odd Future material before transitioning to solo sets.[220] Tyler curates and headlines his own annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in Los Angeles, first held in 2012 at Exposition Park, with performances featuring elaborate staging and guest appearances; the 2025 edition is set for November 15–16, including acts like A$AP Rocky and Childish Gambino.[221] Recent announcements position him as a top-billed act across multiple festivals, sharing headlining duties in several cases. For Outside Lands 2025 (August 8–10 at Golden Gate Park), he co-headlines with Doja Cat and Hozier.[222] He is also slated to headline Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, in June 2025, and Lollapalooza in Chicago (July 31–August 3).[223] In 2026, he will headline London's All Points East on August 28 and 29, the first artist to top both days in the event's history, joined by supports including Turnstile and Vince Staples.[224]Filmography and directing
Television and film roles
Tyler, the Creator co-created and starred in the Adult Swim sketch comedy series Loiter Squad, which aired from March 25, 2012, to February 9, 2014, across three seasons comprising 39 episodes; the live-action show featured him and other Odd Future members performing pranks, sketches, and street segments in a surreal, irreverent style.[37][38] In animation, he provided voice work as Liborg, the bombastic Chief of the Normal Police, in the Fox series Axe Cop during its first season episode "Super Axe" on July 21, 2013.[225][226] He later co-created and voiced the lead character Cornell—a human teenager adopted by anthropomorphic jellyfish parents struggling with identity—in the Adult Swim animated sitcom The Jellies!, which ran for two seasons from October 22, 2017, to March 10, 2019, totaling 36 episodes.[227][228] For live-action television beyond Loiter Squad, Tyler appeared as Cornell, an eccentric employee at a nostalgia therapy center employing "compassionate deception," in the second-season episode "The Acceptance Speech" of Showtime's Kidding on February 23, 2020.[229][230] In film, Tyler made his feature acting debut in Marty Supreme, a dramedy directed by Josh Safdie dramatizing the life of table tennis player Marty Reisman, starring alongside Timothée Chalamet as Reisman; the A24 production premiered in 2025, with Tyler expressing gratitude for the opportunity to expand beyond music.[231][232]Music videos and creative direction
Tyler, the Creator has directed the majority of his own music videos, often under the pseudonym Wolf Haley, establishing a signature style characterized by cinematic visuals, narrative depth, and thematic cohesion with his albums. Early works like the 2011 video for "Yonkers" featured stark, provocative imagery, including self-harm and surreal elements, which garnered attention for their raw intensity and helped propel Odd Future's underground appeal.[233] This approach contrasted with mainstream hip-hop videos of the era, prioritizing artistic expression over commercial polish. His creative direction emphasizes world-building, where visuals extend album concepts into immersive stories, drawing influences from filmmakers like Wes Anderson, as seen in symmetrical compositions and quirky character-driven narratives inspired by films such as The Royal Tenenbaums.[234] Videos for tracks from Wolf (2013), including alter-ego portrayals of Wolf Haley, integrated short-film elements to explore psychological themes, blending horror tropes with personal introspection.[235] In later projects, Tyler collaborates closely with cinematographer Luis "Panch" Perez to achieve complex, high-fidelity aesthetics, as in Call Me If You Get Lost (2021) videos featuring opulent sets and dynamic tracking shots that mirror the albums' globetrotting motifs.[88] Recent self-directed videos, such as "Sugar on My Tongue" (August 2025), maintain this evolution with vibrant, playful production values produced by Tara Razavi, underscoring his hands-on role in scripting, storyboarding, and post-production to ensure visual fidelity to lyrical intent.[236] This integrated approach has influenced broader hip-hop videography, prioritizing auteur-like control over outsourced direction.[237]Awards and nominations
Tyler, the Creator has received multiple accolades recognizing his contributions to music, including two Grammy Awards, three BET Hip Hop Awards, one MTV Video Music Award, and one BRIT Award.[1][238][239][240][241][242]| Award | Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 2020 (62nd) | Best Rap Album | Igor | Won[1] |
| Grammy Awards | 2022 (64th) | Best Rap Album | Call Me If You Get Lost | Won[1] |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | 2021 | Hip Hop Album of the Year | Call Me If You Get Lost | Won[239] |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | 2021 | Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award | N/A | Won[240][94] |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | 2022 | Best Live Performer | N/A | Won[238] |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2011 | Best New Artist | "Yonkers" | Won[241][243] |
| BRIT Awards | 2020 | International Male Solo Artist | N/A | Won[242][244] |