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.
In 2009, Tyler self-released his debut mixtape B*stard as a free download off of the official OFWGKTA website. Two music videos were released for tracks off of B*stard, "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, 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, 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.
Tyler's third studio album, known as Wolf, was released in 2013. Tyler 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. On February 14, 2013, OFWGKTA uploaded 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.
Deathcamp
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't really like all these cameras, man
And this shit just don't feel right
And I don't really wanna be rude to you, sir
But fuck you mean I can't wear my hat in here?
And you got me fucked up, if you think I care, nigga
I hope you little niggas is listening
The blind niggas used to make fun of my vision
And now I pay a mortage and they stuck with tuition
So special the teacher asked if I was autistic
And now I'm making plates, you just washing the dishes
So if you don't mind, get the fuck out of my kitchen
But keep your ego here so I can butt fuck your opinion
But in the meantime brainwashing millions of minions
Leader of the new school
And you will never catch me in none of their fucking shin-digs
I hope you fucking niggas is angry, pissed, and offended
In Search of, did more for me than Illmatic
That's when I realized we ain't cut from the same fabric
I made my own shit, you went out and bought yours
Man I got too much drive, motherfucker, I hate traffic
La-di-da-di, I'm going harder than coming out the closet to conservative Christian fathers
When it's a lot at stake carne asada let's be honest, I'm really morphing
Named the album Cherry Bomb because Greatest Hits sounded boring
I don't like to follow the rules, she said that I must
I don't have any armpits
She wanted to talk who's in charge of this Golf shit
I said "Howdy do? How are you? I'm the sergeant"
And who I are isn't really important
My heart is as dark as a window with car tint
So hop in with your friends, yellin' out "unpark it"
And I'll do donuts until the fat one is carsick
It's young T
I don't like to follow the rules
And that's just who I am
I hope you understand
And I don't really think y'all cool
So give yourself a hand
No, no, give yourself a hand
Better pose for that camera
Better pose, boy you better pose
And it's your life nigga I suppose
For the lights, for the camera, and the action
Now you're face is meltin' from the flash of the big ol' lights
Nigga you ask for this life
Welcome to death camp
Yeah, welcome to death camp
Yeah, welcome to death camp
Kissing on my bean bag
Your lips half on my tongue
Moonwalk through your hair
(For the lights, and the camera, and the action)
This is fun I can tell
I don't know if you'll handle it well
Welcome to hell camp
(Lights, and the camera, and the action)
You should be mine in a way tonight
(For the lights, and the camera, and the action)
The opening lines of "DEATHCAMP" express Tyler the Creator's discomfort with fame and the media's obsession with him. He feels like a target under surveillance, and he calls out the absurdity of the situation as the cameras continue to capture him with harsh lighting. He's also frustrated by an authority figure trying to tell him what he can and can't do (not wearing his hat inside). Tyler asserts his independence and finds power in his success and unique expression. He takes pride in creating his art without conforming to anyone's standards. He also recognizes his influence and power over his fans as he calls them "minions" and acknowledges that he's brainwashing them with his outlook and ideals.
Tyler often uses provocative and controversial lyrics to express his views and feelings about society. "DEATHCAMP" is no exception. The song's title alludes to Nazi concentration camps, which makes a powerful statement about the music industry's exploitation of artists. Tyler compares the traps of fame to the atrocities of the Holocaust. He also seems to be taking aim at hip-hop elitism and commercialism, suggesting that he has more integrity than other rappers who follow trends and pander to mainstream audiences. Tyler's lyrics suggest that he will create the art that he wants, regardless of what anyone else thinks, and he does not care about the views of outsiders who are not part of his "Golf" crew.
Line by Line Meaning
Um, excuse me mister but can you please turn down the lights
I am uncomfortable with the bright lights and cameras on me, and I request that you lower them.
I don't really like all these cameras, man
The presence of cameras makes me feel uneasy and unsettled.
And this shit just don't feel right
I am sensing that something is wrong or off about this situation.
And I don't really wanna be rude to you, sir
I don't want to offend or disrespect you, but...
But fuck you mean I can't wear my hat in here?
I don't understand why there are rules about what I can wear, and I feel frustrated by that.
And you got me fucked up, if you think I care, nigga
I don't care if you have a problem with me or my behavior.
I hope you little niggas is listening
I hope that the young people who are listening to my music are paying attention.
Them Golf Boys is in this bitch like an infant
My crew, the Golf Boys, are present and powerful in this situation.
The blind niggas used to make fun of my vision
People who couldn't see my potential used to bully or mock me.
And now I pay a mortage and they stuck with tuition
I have achieved financial success while my former bullies struggle to pay for schooling.
So special the teacher asked if I was autistic
My talent and creativity were so impressive that a teacher assumed I had a learning disability.
And now I'm making plates, you just washing the dishes
I have moved on to bigger and better things, while those who doubted me are still stuck doing menial work.
So if you don't mind, get the fuck out of my kitchen
If you can't handle the heat, get out of my way.
But keep your ego here so I can butt fuck your opinion
I will listen to your opinion, but I reserve the right to disregard it.
But in the meantime brainwashing millions of minions
While you argue with me, I am influencing my fans in a powerful way.
Leader of the new school
I am a current and respected leader in the world of music.
And you will never catch me in none of their fucking shin-digs
I don't associate myself with other musicians or public events much.
I hope you fucking niggas is angry, pissed, and offended
I want to evoke strong emotions in my listeners and make them think.
In Search of, did more for me than Illmatic
An album by the group N.E.R.D. had more impact on my career and music than the iconic album 'Illmatic'.
That's when I realized we ain't cut from the same fabric
I am different from other musicians and have a unique style.
I made my own shit, you went out and bought yours
I create my own music from scratch, while others rely on pre-existing patterns and formulas.
Man I got too much drive, motherfucker, I hate traffic
I am very motivated and driven, and don't like anything that slows me down.
La-di-da-di, I'm going harder than coming out the closet to conservative Christian fathers
I am working extremely hard and putting myself out there in a challenging way.
When it's a lot at stake carne asada let's be honest, I'm really morphing
When the stakes are high, I am constantly evolving and improving myself.
Named the album Cherry Bomb because Greatest Hits sounded boring
I named my album 'Cherry Bomb' to be creative and distinctive, not to play it safe.
I don't like to follow the rules
I like to do things my own way and question the status quo.
She said that I must
Despite my desire to be independent, someone else is enforcing rules and limits on me.
I don't have any armpits
This is likely a metaphor for being unique or unconventional in some way, rather than a literal statement.
She wanted to talk who's in charge of this Golf shit
Someone is inquiring about who is leading or directing our group, Golf Wang.
I said "Howdy do? How are you? I'm the sergeant"
I introduced myself as a leader and controller of the situation.
And who I are isn't really important
Although I assert my authority, I don't find my personal identity very significant.
My heart is as dark as a window with car tint
I have a complicated and difficult-to-read personality, like a car window that is tinted too dark.
So hop in with your friends, yellin' out "unpark it"
Despite the challenges in dealing with me, people are still eager to join my group or participate in my projects.
And I'll do donuts until the fat one is carsick
I will challenge and intimidate people who try to hold me back or slow me down.
It's young T
I am Tyler, the Creator, aka 'young T' or 'T'.
And I don't really think y'all cool
I don't find the people around me to be particularly impressive or interesting.
So give yourself a hand
You should give yourself a pat on the back if you managed to impress me or gain my respect.
Better pose for that camera
You should get ready to have your picture taken.
Better pose, boy you better pose
You need to strike a confident and impressive pose.
And it's your life nigga I suppose
You are free to make your own choices and live your life as you see fit.
For the lights, for the camera, and the action
This moment is all about being seen and recognized, so it's time to put on a show.
Now you're face is meltin' from the flash of the big ol' lights
The brightness of the camera flashes is causing your face to perspire and appear shiny or melted.
Nigga you ask for this life
You took steps to put yourself in this public position or career, so don't complain about the attention or scrutiny.
Welcome to death camp
This situation or environment is intense, challenging, and possibly dangerous.
Yeah, welcome to death camp
This is not a friendly or supportive atmosphere.
Kissing on my bean bag
This is likely a vulgar or sexual reference, and not intended to be taken literally.
Your lips half on my tongue
This is likely a romantic or sexual reference, and not intended to be taken literally.
Moonwalk through your hair
This is a metaphorical image of moving smoothly and effortlessly through someone's hair.
(For the lights, and the camera, and the action)
This moment is all about being seen and recognized, so it's time to put on a show.
This is fun I can tell
Despite the intensity of the situation, I am finding it enjoyable and exciting.
I don't know if you'll handle it well
I am uncertain if others can handle this situation as well as I can.
Welcome to hell camp
This experience is difficult, challenging, and possibly painful.
(Lights, and the camera, and the action)
This moment is all about being seen and recognized, so it's time to put on a show.
You should be mine in a way tonight
I intend to dominate, influence, or impress you in some way this evening.
(For the lights, and the camera, and the action)
This moment is all about being seen and recognized, so it's time to put on a show.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyler Gregory Okonma, Hermon Lee Weems
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind