Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, the Creator, is a well-known rap artist. His strange style, and edgy music has sent him to the forefront of artists. His music is extraordinarily unique, instantly recognizable from his somewhat raspy voice and strange, almost spoken, lyrics. Millions love him, some hate him, but he is undeniably, as he claims, a creator.
Tyler was born in 1991 in Los Angeles. At 16 he was featured in the Los Angeles times in an article about the life of a teen, and soon after he started his first musical group, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All or OFWGKTA. The group made edgy music that disgusted many because of its breaking of social norms. The music was repetitive, but the lyrics and style were very new and creative. Odd Future was not only about music though. Tyler also created the Odd Future clothing line, which is extremely popular to this day. At age 20, he started his own record label for his group’s gritty innovative music.
From his impressive origins Tyler’s innovation only grew. He next designed a second clothing brand, Golf Wang, which he fully produced and designed, and which grew to incredible success. Next he began to make his own music outside of the group, under the name Tyler, the Creator. His music pushes boundaries and changes the way people look at music itself. His first album under his new name was called Goblin. It was successful, debuting at number five in the US Billboard 200, but each consecutive album has been more and more popular. None of his four albums are generic or repetitive, each represents a slightly different style. He, perhaps better than any other artist, is able to outdo himself every time.
So, is he worthy of his self-dubbed title: The Creator? Absolutely. His music is incredibly innovative, and his clothing lines are truly entertaining. From a young age Tyler did precisely what his name says, he created. An entrepreneur through and through.
I personally like Tyler the creator and this article gave me a good insight into his life and how he became famous. Really cool person to do an article on, great article.
I think Tyler the Creator definitely displays unique characteristics of an innovator. While I am encouraged by his ability to be a culture-maker rather than a culture follower, I do not think his creations are for the betterment of society. Although he is a talented rapper and stylist, it is discouraging to think that he has grown to fame through the use of vulgarity.
As a Tyler the Creator fan, I always appreciated his uniqueness and willingness to be different and not care about others opinions. He does a great job of this through his music and the creation of his fashion brand Golf Wang as you discussed. He is a perfect example of what it takes to be an entrepreneur because he has always been true to himself and hasn’t conformed to society’s opinions and views.
I never expected this from Tyler the Creator, and how he came to be essentially. This is a great article, and provides insight to his life, one of which I never fully knew, and maybe others. I especially like how he stays true to himself. That to me makes you more marketable, which would explain how he is so successful.
Wow! This was very informative and great to read. I had absolutely no idea about Tyler the Creator. I didn’t know that he designed a second clothing brand, Golf Wang, which he fully produced and designed on his own. I agree that his music pushes boundaries and changes the way people look at music itself. I really appreciate how you brought to light that he, perhaps better than any other artist, is able to outdo himself every time. I think it says a lot if an innovator and entrepreneur is able to constantly compete with themselves solely. You are your biggest competitor. Great post!
Great piece, I loved reading this and seeing the business side of Tyler the Creator. I think as an entrepreneur you are constantly working to push yourself and boundaries that exist, and Tyler does that perfectly. It seems his own drive comes from simply wanting to be a better version of himself and that is the best motivation one can have.