Tyler, The Creator

Tyler Gregory Okonma (born March 6, 1991) also known as Tyler, The Creator, is a Grammy award-winning American rapper, singer, record producer, director, fashion designer, and the head of his independent record label, Odd Future Records. He was the leader of the now-defunct Los Angeles, California, USA hip-hop collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA). Since his first recordings had debuted on The Odd Future Tape in 2007, he had rapped on, and produced for, nearly every OFWGKTA release.

Tyler, The Creator is Okonma's most commonly used alias, and the one that both of his first two albums are credited to, but he has used several others as well, including Wolf Haley, Ace (or Ace Creator), and Young N***a, the latter of which was part of a prank on OFWGKTA's official site. Many other characters or alter egos and names are featured in his music, such as Tron Cat, a therapist called Dr. TC, and most recently, Tyler Baudelaire, the character from the 2021 album CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.

He self-released his debut mixtape Bastard (released December 25, 2009) as a free download off of the official OFWGKTA website in 2009. Two music videos were released for tracks off of Bastard, "VCR" and "French!," both of which were directed by Tyler (credited as Wolf Haley). The album is focused on dialogues between Tyler and Dr. TC, and it received generally positive reviews from critics and blogs alike.

After signing to XL Recordings in February 2011, he released "Yonkers," the lead single off his sophomoric album "Goblin" (released May 10, 2011), which was released on May 10, 2011. The music video for "Yonkers" (directed by Tyler credited as Wolf Haley) won Tyler The 2011 MTV Video Music Award for "Best New Artist," as well as a nomination for Video of the Year (which lost to Katy Perry's "Firework").

Goblin (May 10, 2011), an album described as "dark," "monolithic," and "a natural sequel to B*stard," continues the sessions with Tyler's fictional therapist, with Tyler venting to Dr. TC about fame, message boards, critics, hype, expectations, media scrutiny, and the idea of being a role model. All of the production was handled by Tyler, save for "Transylvania," which was produced by fellow OFWGKTA member Left Brain.

Released April 2, 2013, Tyler's third studio album, "Wolf" (April 2, 2013), moved the focus toward production while still showcasing his rapping. He alluded to several possible track names on his Formspring account, and he stated that the album would focus less on rapping and more on production. In an interview with DJ Semtex, he confirmed that he would handle all the production on the album, except for one song produced by Left Brain, the same approach that was used for Goblin. February 14, 2013 saw OFWGKTA upload a video to their YouTube account, which included L-Boy skydiving and stating that on April 2, 2013 Tyler revealed three album covers via his Instagram. The first single from the album was released on February 14, 2013, titled "Domo 23" along with the music video which features cameos from Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Jasper Dolphin and Taco Bennett. On February 26, 2013, Tyler performed the songs "Domo23" and "Treehome95" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Released on April 13, 2015, Tyler's fourth studio album, "Cherry Bomb" (April 13, 2015), marked a significant departure from his earlier works, experimenting heavily with distortion, unorthodox song structures, and influences from jazz and funk. The record pushed textures and volume to the foreground, trading polished hooks for raw, abrasive production that divided critics and listeners. Tracks like "Smuckers" showcased Tyler's ability to pull in high-profile collaborators such as Kanye West and Lil Wayne, while other songs revealed his growing interest in melodic arrangements and risky sonic decisions. Though the chaotic production drew mixed reviews, many noted that Cherry Bomb made clear Tyler was willing to defy expectations and push himself into new creative territory, laying groundwork for the more melodic work that followed.

Tyler released "Flower Boy" (July 21, 2017) in 2017, a deeply personal and introspective album that explored themes of identity, self-discovery, and loneliness. The project expanded Tyler's palette with lush, sun-soaked production and carefully arranged melodies, balancing vulnerability with moments of swagger. Songs such as "See You Again" (featuring Kali Uchis), "911/Mr. Lonely," and "Glitter" highlighted a newfound melodic confidence, while tracks like "Who Dat Boy" and "I Ain't Got Time!" kept his sharper, more confrontational side in view. Critics praised Flower Boy for its emotional honesty, detailed production, and clear artistic growth, with many calling it a breakthrough that recontextualized Tyler as both a songwriter and a producer.

The surprise late-2018 release Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (November 16, 2018) found Tyler leaning into whimsy and soundtrack-minded writing. Short and thematically tied to the film, the EP let Tyler play with holiday motifs and cinematic cues while retaining his distinctive melodic sense. Tracks like "Lights On" and "Hot Chocolate" provided brief, charming detours that showed how effortlessly he could adapt his sound to different moods and formats.

The release of "IGOR" on May 17, 2019 (May 17, 2019) marked a new peak in Tyler's artistic evolution. The album is a cohesive, concept-driven work that blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, and electronic elements into a single emotional arc about heartbreak, jealousy, and acceptance. Tyler leaned heavily into unconventional arrangements, warped synths, layered vocal textures, and inventive transitions that turned IGOR into an immersive listening experience rather than a collection of singles. Standout tracks like "EARFQUAKE" married pop accessibility to experimental production, and the album's overall unity and boldness earned widespread critical acclaim. IGOR's success culminated with Best Rap Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards, cementing Tyler's reputation as a forward-thinking producer and auteur.

Tyler released "Call Me If You Get Lost" (June 25, 2021) in 2021, an album that celebrated his love for travel, luxury, and self-reflection. Hosted by DJ Drama, the project adopted a mixtape energy while delivering tightly produced, cinematic tracks that showcased Tyler's storytelling and bravado. Songs like "LUMBERJACK," "WUSYANAME," and "SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE" displayed his range—shifting from hard-hitting rap to tender croons—while the album's persona work and clever sequencing gave it a clear identity. The record debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, won Best Rap Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards, and reinforced Tyler's ability to craft albums that are both adventurous and widely accessible.

Tyler expanded Call Me If You Get Lost in 2023 with The Estate Sale (released March 31, 2023), a deluxe edition that included new tracks such as "DOGTOOTH," "SORRY NOT SORRY," and "WHARF TALK." These additions offered further insight into Tyler's artistic journey and were met with enthusiasm by fans and critics alike.

Tyler surprised fans in 2024 with "CHROMAKOPIA" (released October 28, 2024), an ambitious project blending vibrant visuals, experimental sounds, and narrative-driven tracks. The project leaned into color and atmosphere, pairing adventurous production choices with moments of direct, character-driven lyricism. While details about every song continued to emerge, CHROMAKOPIA made clear Tyler's commitment to evolving his aesthetic and presentation, marrying visual spectacle to inventive musical choices.

Tyler again surprised fans in 2025 with "DON'T TAP THE GLASS" (released July 21, 2025). Having established larger themes across his previous albums, Tyler would tweet before the project's release that "yall better get them expectations and hopes down this aint no concept nothing". The album combines hip-hop, dance, house, and aspects of funk, pairing club-ready production with Tyler's knack for melody and character. High-profile features from Pharrell Williams, Madison McFerrin, and Yebba helped broaden the album's sonic palette, and reviews noted it as another bold step in Tyler's ongoing reinvention.

Over the years, Tyler's popularity has skyrocketed, transcending his origins in underground hip-hop with Odd Future. His influence now extends beyond music to fashion, film, and art. With ventures like Golf Wang and Golf le Fleur, as well as directing music videos and commercials, Tyler has become a cultural icon. His ability to reinvent himself with each project has earned him a devoted fan base and respect as one of the most dynamic artists of his generation.

Non-album singles (selected) — snippets

- OKRA — released March 29, 2018. A surprise one-off Tyler called a “throwaway” that still landed on the Hot 100; hard-edged, punchline-heavy rap with a self-directed video. :contentReference{index=0}

- 435 — released May 22, 2018. Unannounced digital single built around a sample of Saint Etienne’s “4:35 In The Morning,” issued with a studio one-take style video. :contentReference{index=1}

- PEACH FUZZ — released June 26, 2018. Romantic loosie over a Prophet / Mndsgn production; one of several loose tracks Tyler dropped through 2018. :contentReference{index=2}

- POTATO SALAD — premiered July 23, 2018 on AWGE DVD Vol. 3; streaming/digital release September 28, 2018. A playful freestyle over Monica’s “Knock Knock,” filmed in Paris. :contentReference{index=3}

- BEST INTEREST — video released December 23, 2019; streaming release January 25, 2020. An IGOR outtake with soulful production that Tyler later pushed to streaming. :contentReference{index=4}

- GROUP B — released December 23, 2019 (issued alongside "Best Interest"). A quick, punchy loosie Tyler said was recorded right before release. :contentReference{index=5}