To celebrate the brand-new Billboard #1 album from Tyler, The Creator, let’s take a look at a decade’s worth of innovative artistry from the 30-year-old genius (aka Wolf Hayley, aka Ace, the Creator, aka Tyler Baudelaire… the list goes on)
10 years ago, Tyler Okonma and a collective of like-minded artists were defining an era of music like no other. Under the moniker OFWGKTA, or simply Odd Future, the LA based ensemble were dominating the rap scene with their unique sound, style (everyone remembers the doughnut merch) and controversial lyrics.
Odd Future not only catapulted the careers of Okonma but also Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt; they even had a sketch show on Adult Swim called Loiter Squad which saw the group causing a ruckus in LA for the entertainment of viewers. Let’s explore some of Tyler’s most iconic from the last 10 years:
Goblin
In 2011, Tyler released his debut solo album Goblin at just 20 years old. The opening track which shares the name of the album is characterised by an uncomfortable somberness; the track presents the claustrophobic internal conflict of a young Tyler as he talks with his therapist. The pressure of being a role model proves too much for the young artist.
In 2015, Tyler was turned away at the UK border after the then-home secretary Theresa May issued a ban on him entering for 3-5 years. The letter to Tyler’s representatives stated that the “mentally unstable alter ego” presented in Goblin posed a threat to public order.
The OF Tape Vol. 2
Despite a plethora of mixtapes, The OF Tape Vol. 2 was the only studio album released by Odd Future. Reported by Tyler to have only taken 2 weeks to record, the impressive catalogue of songs features appearances from Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats and The Internet. The album closed with the 10-minute long favorite Oldie and debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200.
Golf Fashion Show
Tyler brings his eccentric, flamboyant personality to the catwalk with the Golf Fashion Debut in 2016. See the video from VOGUE below:
That Hair Statement
No words needed for this iconic look back in 2018 (swipe to the second pic)
Grammy Win for IGOR
In 2020 Tyler wins his first grammy for 2019 album IGOR which featured tracks such as EARFQUAKE (fun fact: it was originally written for Justin Bieber). After his win he calls out the Grammys for placing him within the rap category despite IGOR serving as Tyler’s least rap-focused album. He argued “it sucks that whenever we — and I mean guys that look like me — do anything that’s genre-bending […] they always put it in a rap or urban category.”
CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
The brand-new Billboard #1 album from Tyler showcases jazz influences, echoes of old school R&B and on a whole exhibits a more mature, introspective side to the artist who over the last decade has blossomed and demonstrated the full extent of his artistic capability.
What a decade it has been, we can’t wait to see what’s next from The Creator.
