Tyler the Creator

Biography

Tyler, the Creator is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and designer, known for his bold creativity and genre-defying artistry. He was born Tyler Gregory Okonma on March 6, 1991, in Ladera Heights, California, USA. Raised primarily by his mother, Tyler developed a fascination with music and design at a young age — teaching himself piano by ear and creating imaginary album covers as a child.

Before achieving fame, Tyler worked briefly at retail stores and pursued music as a self-taught producer. His early experiments with beats and lyrics quickly gained attention for their originality and unfiltered honesty.

Career

Tyler rose to prominence in the late 2000s as the founder and leader of the hip-hop collective Odd Future (OFWGKTA), a group that included artists such as Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and Hodgy Beats. Their raw, rebellious style helped redefine alternative hip-hop culture.

His solo debut album, Bastard (2009), and its follow-up, Goblin (2011), established him as one of the most provocative new voices in rap. The hit single “Yonkers” and its unsettling music video brought him international recognition and sparked both acclaim and controversy for its dark humor and avant-garde aesthetic.

Over time, Tyler evolved from shock-driven beginnings into a visionary artist celebrated for his musical sophistication and emotional depth. Albums like Wolf (2013) and Cherry Bomb (2015) showcased his growth as a composer and producer, blending rap, jazz, funk, and soul.

His later works earned widespread critical acclaim and major awards:

Flower Boy (2017) – Nominated for a Grammy Award, praised for its introspection and lush production.

IGOR (2019) – Won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, blending R&B, soul, and experimental pop into a deeply personal narrative.

Call Me If You Get Lost (2021) – Another Grammy-winning project that combined storytelling, braggadocio, and emotional honesty.

Beyond music, Tyler is a fashion designer and entrepreneur, having launched the successful clothing line Golf Wang and the lifestyle brand Golf le Fleur, both known for their colorful, eccentric aesthetics. He has also directed music videos and hosted the sketch comedy show Loiter Squad on Adult Swim.