Tyler, the Creator
Encyclopedia
Tyler Okonma better known by his stage name Tyler, The Creator, is an American rapper
, record producer
, music video director
, actor
, graphic artist and fashion designer from Los Angeles, currently signed to English independent record label XL Recordings
and his own record label, Odd Future Records. He is the leader of the alternative hip hop
collective OFWGKTA
. He has rapped on and produced songs for nearly every OFWGKTA release. He also creates all the artwork for the group's releases and said in an interview with DJ Semtex
that he designs all the groups clothing and other merchandise as well.
. The album was eventually ranked 32nd on Pitchfork Media's list of the Top Albums of 2010. On February 11, 2011, Tyler released the music video for "Yonkers
", the first single from his second album, Goblin
, which was released May 10, 2011. The video has received attention from several online media outlets. An extended version with a third verse can be purchased on iTunes
. After the release of "Yonkers," Tyler announced that he had signed a one-album deal with XL Recordings
. Tyler and fellow OFWGKTA member Hodgy Beats made their television debut on February 16, 2011 when they performed "Sandwitches
" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
. On March 16, Tyler and Hodgy performed "Yonkers" and "Sandwitches" on the 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards, being joined by other members of Odd Future during "Sandwitches". Goblin was released on May 10, 2011.
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.
Tyler's third album Wolf
is scheduled for release in 2012. It will contain the instrumentals that Tyler has been making since the age of 15.
Tyler won Best New Artist for "Yonkers" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
.
slurs, in particular, his frequent use of the epithet "faggot" in his lyrics and on Twitter. 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," and "I'm not homophobic. I just think 'faggot' hits and hurts people." However, he later said in an interview with MTV
about the slurs that "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 nigga, 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."
and his misogynistic
lyrics. Brent DiCrescenzo of Time Out Chicago writes that rape
is a "predominant theme" of Goblin
and Hermione Hoby of The Guardian
writes that Tyler's "rape and murder fantasies (are) graphic enough to send the vomit rising along with the bile." The Fader
tallied 68 uses of the term "bitch" over Goblin
's 73 minutes. Responding to Tegan and Sara
's criticism of his lyrics, Tyler tweeted
: "If Tegan and Sara need some hard dick, hit me up!"
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
, record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, music video director
Music video director
A music video director is driven by a given music track. These are called music videos and are then used as promotional tools for popular music singles...
, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, graphic artist and fashion designer from Los Angeles, currently signed to English independent record label XL Recordings
XL Recordings
XL Recordings is a British independent record label owned by Richard Russell. It originated as a 1989 offshoot of Beggars Banquet Records.Though only releasing an average of six albums a year, XL Recordings has worked with The Prodigy, Radiohead, The White Stripes, Dizzee Rascal, M.I.A., Vampire...
and his own record label, Odd Future Records. He is the leader of the alternative hip hop
Alternative hip hop
Alternative hip hop is a sub-genre of hip hop music. Allmusic defines it as follows: -Origin:...
collective OFWGKTA
OFWGKTA
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, often abbreviated OFWGKTA and also known simply as Odd Future or Golf Wang, is an alternative hip hop collective from Los Angeles, California...
. He has rapped on and produced songs for nearly every OFWGKTA release. He also creates all the artwork for the group's releases and said in an interview with DJ Semtex
DJ Semtex
DJ Semtex is a disc jockey and presenter for BBC Radio 1Xtra digital radio station, presenting the flagship hip-hop shows, the Friday and Saturday Night Mixtapes from 19:00-22:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.-Biography:...
that he designs all the groups clothing and other merchandise as well.
Early life
At the age of 7, Tyler would take the cover out of an album's case and create covers for his own imaginary albums including a tracklist with song times before he could even make music. At the age of 14, Tyler taught himself how to play piano.2009–present: Bastard and Goblin
On December 25, 2009, Tyler self-released his first album, BastardBastard (album)
- Samples :* "Odd Toddlers" contains a sample from "Huit Octobre 1971" By Cortex* "Jack and the Beanstalk" contains a sample from "What More Can I Say" by Jay-Z...
. The album was eventually ranked 32nd on Pitchfork Media's list of the Top Albums of 2010. On February 11, 2011, Tyler released the music video for "Yonkers
Yonkers (song)
"Yonkers" is a song by American hip hop artist and OFWGKTA member Tyler, The Creator, released as the second single from his second studio album Goblin. It was produced by Tyler, the Creator...
", the first single from his second album, Goblin
Goblin (album)
Goblin is the second studio album by OFWGKTA leader Tyler, The Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011 through XL Recordings. The album's production came almost entirely from Tyler himself, along with contributions from fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his...
, which was released May 10, 2011. The video has received attention from several online media outlets. An extended version with a third verse can be purchased on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
. After the release of "Yonkers," Tyler announced that he had signed a one-album deal with XL Recordings
XL Recordings
XL Recordings is a British independent record label owned by Richard Russell. It originated as a 1989 offshoot of Beggars Banquet Records.Though only releasing an average of six albums a year, XL Recordings has worked with The Prodigy, Radiohead, The White Stripes, Dizzee Rascal, M.I.A., Vampire...
. Tyler and fellow OFWGKTA member Hodgy Beats made their television debut on February 16, 2011 when they performed "Sandwitches
Sandwitches
"Sandwitches" is a song by American alternative hip hop artist and OFWGKTA member Tyler, The Creator, featuring fellow Odd Future member Hodgy Beats, released as the first single from his second studio album Goblin.-Background:...
" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon on NBC. The show premiered on March 2, 2009, as the third incarnation of the Late Night franchise originated by David Letterman....
. On March 16, Tyler and Hodgy performed "Yonkers" and "Sandwitches" on the 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards, being joined by other members of Odd Future during "Sandwitches". Goblin was released on May 10, 2011.
During an interview with Tyler for Interview
Interview (magazine)
Interview is an American magazine which has the nickname The Crystal Ball Of Pop. It was founded in late 1969 by artist Andy Warhol. The magazine features intimate conversations between some of the world's biggest celebrities, artists, musicians, and creative thinkers...
, Waka Flocka Flame
Waka Flocka Flame
Juaquin Malphurs , better known by his stage name Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper signed to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. He is a Southern hip hop artist best known for his singles "O Let's Do It", "Hard in da Paint" & "No Hands", along with his debut album, Flockaveli...
expressed his interest in collaborating with the Odd Future frontman to direct a music video for him.
Tyler's third album Wolf
Wolf (Tyler, The Creator album)
Wolf is the third studio album by OFWGKTA member Tyler, The Creator. It is scheduled to be released sometime in May 2012.- Background :Tyler first mentioned the album in 2010 saying that he would have an album titled Wolf. In early 2011 he told fans through his Formspring that his third album would...
is scheduled for release in 2012. It will contain the instrumentals that Tyler has been making since the age of 15.
Tyler won Best New Artist for "Yonkers" at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
2011 MTV Video Music Awards
The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards took place on August 28, at Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, honoring the best music videos from the previous year. On July 20, the nominees were announced...
.
Homophobia
Tyler has been criticized for his use of homophobicHomophobia
Homophobia is a term used to refer to a range of negative attitudes and feelings towards lesbian, gay and in some cases bisexual, transgender people and behavior, although these are usually covered under other terms such as biphobia and transphobia. Definitions refer to irrational fear, with the...
slurs, in particular, his frequent use of the epithet "faggot" in his lyrics and on Twitter. 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," and "I'm not homophobic. I just think 'faggot' hits and hurts people." However, he later said in an interview with MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
about the slurs that "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 nigga, 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."
Misogyny
Tyler has also been criticized for his graphic depictions of violence against womenViolence against women
Violence against women is a technical term used to collectively refer to violent acts that are primarily or exclusively committed against women...
and his misogynistic
Misogyny
Misogyny is the hatred or dislike of women or girls. Philogyny, meaning fondness, love or admiration towards women, is the antonym of misogyny. The term misandry is the term for men that is parallel to misogyny...
lyrics. Brent DiCrescenzo of Time Out Chicago writes that rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
is a "predominant theme" of Goblin
Goblin (album)
Goblin is the second studio album by OFWGKTA leader Tyler, The Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011 through XL Recordings. The album's production came almost entirely from Tyler himself, along with contributions from fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his...
and Hermione Hoby of The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
writes that Tyler's "rape and murder fantasies (are) graphic enough to send the vomit rising along with the bile." The Fader
The Fader
The FADER, or FADER, is an United States-based music/culture/fashion magazine that covers hip-hop, reggae, independent rock, pop and dance music from around the world.-Overview:...
tallied 68 uses of the term "bitch" over Goblin
Goblin (album)
Goblin is the second studio album by OFWGKTA leader Tyler, The Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011 through XL Recordings. The album's production came almost entirely from Tyler himself, along with contributions from fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his...
's 73 minutes. Responding to Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara are a Canadian indie band composed of identical twin sisters Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin . Both Tegan and Sara play guitar and keyboard and write songs.-History:...
's criticism of his lyrics, Tyler tweeted
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
: "If Tegan and Sara need some hard dick, hit me up!"
Discography
- BastardBastard (album)- Samples :* "Odd Toddlers" contains a sample from "Huit Octobre 1971" By Cortex* "Jack and the Beanstalk" contains a sample from "What More Can I Say" by Jay-Z...
(2009) - GoblinGoblin (album)Goblin is the second studio album by OFWGKTA leader Tyler, The Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011 through XL Recordings. The album's production came almost entirely from Tyler himself, along with contributions from fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his...
(2011) - WolfWolf (Tyler, The Creator album)Wolf is the third studio album by OFWGKTA member Tyler, The Creator. It is scheduled to be released sometime in May 2012.- Background :Tyler first mentioned the album in 2010 saying that he would have an album titled Wolf. In early 2011 he told fans through his Formspring that his third album would...
(2012)
Filmography
| Television | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2011 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jimmy Fallon on NBC. The show premiered on March 2, 2009, as the third incarnation of the Late Night franchise originated by David Letterman.... |
Himself | Performed "Sandwitches Sandwitches "Sandwitches" is a song by American alternative hip hop artist and OFWGKTA member Tyler, The Creator, featuring fellow Odd Future member Hodgy Beats, released as the first single from his second studio album Goblin.-Background:... " with Hodgy Beats Hodgy Beats Gerard Damien Long , better known by his stage name Hodgy Beats is an American rapper from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He attended Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California... |
| When I Was 17 When I Was 17 When I Was 17 is an MTV television show which features celebrities of today and looks back on "when they were 17". The show features photos as well as interviews with family and friends... |
|||
| Workaholics | Extra | 1 episode | |
| Regular Show Regular Show Regular Show is an American animated television series created by J. G. Quintel... |
Blitz Common Big Trouble |
Voice roles 1 Episode |
|
| 2012 | Loiter Squad Loiter Squad Loiter Squad is an American sketch comedy television series starring Tyler, The Creator , Jasper Dolphin, Taco Bennett, and Lionel Boyce, all members of the Los Angeles hip hop collective OFWGKTA. Jeff Tremaine, Shanna Zablow, Dimitry Elyashkevich, Lance Bangs and Nick Weidenfeld are the show's... |
Himself | |