Who is Tyler?

Early life

Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma on March 6, 1991, in Ladera Heights, California, grew up with his mother and sister, never meeting his Nigerian father. A creative child, he designed imaginary album covers and taught himself piano at 14. Constantly switching schools, he embraced his outsider status, channeling it into music, skateboarding, and design. Influenced by Pharrell Williams and Kanye West, Tyler’s unique vision laid the foundation for his groundbreaking artistry and Odd Future collective.

Tyler’s Rise to Fame

In 2007, Tyler co-founded Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), a hip-hop collective known for their raw, rebellious style and DIY ethos. The group gained a cult following through mixtapes, videos, and their unapologetically unique personalities. Their breakout project, The Odd Future Tape (2008), showcased Tyler’s production and lyrical talents, setting the stage for his solo career.
Tyler released his debut mixtape, Bastard (2009), which introduced his dark, introspective style and narrative-driven lyrics. The viral success of his single “Yonkers” and its provocative music video propelled him to stardom, leading to the release of Goblin (2011), his first studio album.
Between 2012 and 2015, Tyler continued to evolve artistically with Wolf (2013), blending emotional storytelling with jazzier production, and Cherry Bomb (2015), where he experimented with chaotic, genre-defying sounds. During this time, Odd Future members like Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean also rose to prominence, but the collective eventually disbanded, with members focusing on solo careers.

Cherry Bomb to Present Day

In 2017, he released Flower Boy, a deeply personal and introspective album. Its lush, melodic production and vulnerable lyrics about love, identity, and self-discovery earned critical acclaim and Tyler’s first Grammy nomination, elevating his mainstream profile.
Tyler’s next album, IGOR (2019), further solidified his status as a visionary. A concept album about heartbreak and unrequited love, IGOR blended funk, soul, and hip-hop, earning Tyler his first Grammy for Best Rap Album. The project saw him step into the spotlight as a full-fledged producer, writer, and performer.
In 2021, Tyler dropped Call Me If You Get Lost, an album inspired by mixtape culture and hosted by DJ Drama. The album explored themes of luxury, escapism, and self-reflection, earning widespread praise and his second Grammy for Best Rap Album.
Beyond music, Tyler has expanded his creative empire through ventures like his clothing brand Golf Wang, the Camp Flog Gnaw music festival, and voice acting. His ever-evolving artistry continues to push boundaries, solidifying him as one of the most innovative figures in contemporary music and culture.