Early life and career beginnings:
Tyler Gregory Okonma was born on March 6, 1991, in Hawthorne, California. Growing up in a single-parent household, Tyler was introduced to music early on, often using his creativity as an outlet for expression. He began making beats at age 15 and joined the hip-hop group Odd Future (OFWGKTA) in the late 2000s. Before Tyler became a solo superstar, he was part of the rebellious hip-hop group Odd Future. Odd Future was known for its wild and crazy antics. They didn’t care about being politically correct and their music was often full of shocking and uncensored lyrics. But Odd Future was also about creativity and freedom and Tyler’s leadership in the group helped launch his career.
Music and production skills:
“Tyler is known for his incredible beat-making and production skills. He creates many of his beats from scratch, often using unconventional methods, such as playing most of the instruments himself. His production style has evolved from his early raw, minimalistic beats to complex, layered sounds that mix jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music. His ability to craft entire albums while remaining experimental is proof of his artistry.” (Source: HipHopDX)
Struggles and growth:
Despite his success, Tyler has faced challenges throughout his career, including criticism for his controversial lyrics and public persona. Many of his early tracks were criticized for being misogynistic and homophobic, leading Tyler to grow as a person and artist. He’s openly reflected on his growth, addressing his struggles with mental health, identity, and relationships in his later works, especially on Chromakopia and IGOR. “This vulnerability has endeared him to fans, who appreciate his honesty and evolution.” according to Billboard.
Collaborations and influence:
Tyler has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music world, including Kanye West, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, and Frank Ocean. His work with Odd Future’s members, particularly Frank Ocean, has been a key part of his career. Tyler has also influenced a new generation of artists who are drawn to his bold, genre-blending style and willingness to do whatever for his music. He’s a key figure in shaping the current landscape of alternative hip-hop and has inspired artists like Jaden Smith, Brockhampton, and Billie Eilish.
Fashion and clothing:
Tyler is also known for his fashion style, often blending streetwear with high fashion. His influence on fashion is just as strong as his impact on music. Golf Wang is Tyler, the Creator’s first fashion brand, which was inspired by skateboarding and known for its bold graphics. Golf le Fleur is Tyler, the Creator’s third fashion project, which is a luxury brand that has collaborated with Lacoste and Schott NYC. Golf le Fleur has expanded into other categories, including perfume, nail polish, and accessories.
Tyler, The Creator fans at AJMS:
According to eighth grader Luna Varela, “I love that guy man, he’s super cool.”
According to seventh grader Madison Luviano, ” He’s the best artist of our generation.”
According to eighth grader Allyson Abadiano, “I think he is a very generational artist, he’s been though a lot of eras, he’s also grown a lot which is rare for a lot of artists. I think he’s very unique and i love him very much.”
According to teacher Mr. Aleman, “I think he is a very funny, cool guy who makes great music.”
Some of Tyler’s albums include:
- Cherry Bomb (2015): Cherry Bomb marked a big change in Tyler’s music. Cherry Bomb blends his aggressive sound with jazz, rock, and oddly enough, experimental music. It mainly balances between a rough sound and a softer, rhythmic one. That former sound in particular is deemed to be “controversial” for some. Tyler collaborated with huge artists like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Schoolboy Q, which gave the album even more attention. Tracks like “Smuckers” and “F***ing Young/Perfect” showed his ability to mix rap, rock, and soul into a new, raw energy that people weren’t used to hearing. (My second favorite album <3)
- Flower Boy (2017): With Flower Boy, Tyler took his music in a softer, more soulful direction. The album explored more personal and vulnerable topics like identity, love, and his own mental health. Songs like “See You Again,” “Who Dat Boy,” “911/mr. lonely” and “glitter” became hits because of their catchy beats and honest lyrics. Flower Boy got Tyler a Grammy nomination and changed the way people saw him—not just as a controversial figure, but as an artist who could craft beautiful, deep music. Tyler, the Creator’s album Flower Boy features guest vocals from Frank Ocean, Rex Orange County, Kali Uchis, A$AP Rocky, Jaden Smith, Estelle, Anna of the North, Steve Lacy, and Lil Wayne.
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IGOR (2019): IGOR was Tyler’s biggest album yet. It wasn’t just an album; it was a full-on experience. Blending hip-hop with pop, soul, and electronic music, IGOR was a genre-bending masterpiece. Tyler’s lyrics told a story of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and the whole album had a futuristic, synth-heavy sound. Tracks like EARFQUAKE, NEW MAGIC WAND, GONE,GONE/THANK YOU, I THINK, I DONT LOVE YOU ANYMORE, PUPPET, and ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? showcased Tyler’s ability to make catchy songs while still staying true to his emotional depth. IGOR went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and Tyler proved that he was one of the best. The album features guest appearances from Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Solange, Kanye West, and Jerrod Carmichael. (My favorite Album<3)
- Call Me If You Get Lost (2021): Call Me If You Get Lost brought Tyler back to his roots with a more rap-focused album, but with a more mature, polished sound. With guest features from artists like Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, and Brent Faiyaz. Tyler created a project that was both nostalgic and fresh. The album showcased his incredible production skills, with songs like Lumberjack and Hot Wind Blows having a new, energetic vibe. The album’s storytelling was on point, as Tyler explored themes of luxury, self-confidence, and growth. It’s a mix of Tyler’s old self and his more refined new style.
- Goblin (2011): Goblin was dark, raw, and straight-up disturbing at times, but that’s what made it so popular. Tyler just threw all his anger, pain, and crazy thoughts into the music without holding back. Tracks like Yonkers and She were viewed as weird and disturbing by the public. Yonkers was especially disturbing, with the beat and the whole cockroach thing (he eats a cockroach in the music video). The whole album feels like a messed-up therapy session, where Tyler’s just venting about everything he hates and everything that’s messing with his head. It was shocking, but it was real. Goblin features guest appearances from Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats, Jasper Dolphin, Taco, Domo Genesis, Mike G, and Syd.
- CHROMAKOPIA (2024): Chromakopia is narrated by Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith. The concept was inspired by his experience growing up in Los Angeles and the life lessons he learned from Smith as a child that he began to understand and appreciate as he grew older. The album covers topics like the exploration of midlife anxieties and concerns about growing older and focuses on navigating adulthood, his father abandoning him, relationships, and Tyler’s experience with paranoia as a celebrity. This album has features from Daniel Caesar, Doechii, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Schoolboy Q.
Fans and Tyler’s impact on music:
Tyler’s fans are incredibly loyal and they connect with him on a deeper level. They see him as a friend more than an artist. A lot of his younger fans, especially teenagers, see Tyler as a voice for those who feel like outsiders. His honesty, his struggles with identity, and his evolution as an artist inspires a generation of people who appreciate music and that isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Tyler’s music speaks to fans who feel misunderstood, and they admire him for his raw, authentic approach to everything he does—whether it’s music, fashion, or his personal life. Tyler consistently teaches us to be ourselves and forget what anyone might think about us.
