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.
Gen2
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To me as inspiration i'm
23 fucking years old and I
Built a fucking monster and
I'm not ever gonna fucking land
Stop being scared and negative
Start believing in yourself and stop
Living for all these
Put that fucking blunt down
And go do what the fuck you know you need
To do do it for yourself
I believe in everyone because
I believe in myself fuck
Reaching for the stars, that's
Setting a limit fuck those some
Of you don't like yourself
Some of you aren't comfortable
With yourself that's so
Fucking sad stop that shit some
Of you can't that's why y'all ask for likes
On Instagram and shit
Because y'all's self esteem
Is so fucking low cut that
Shit out and start liking
Yourself when that happens, you
Will start trusting yourself, then you
Trust your ideas
Then you fucking become that
Person you really
Want to be if you don't have any confidence
Let me be your fucking confidence
I'm gonna be a fucking great
Years from now and
I fully believe that and fully do not
Care about anyone's opinion on
Why I'm not because
I know start smiling more and start hanging
Around people that makes you feel
Good or make you want to be better stop
Associating with losers
If a nigga only hit's you up to smoke
Or drink or turn up and have
Nothing else to offer to get
You where ever you
Think about being when you
Are alone daydreaming
Then get the fuck away from them time is
Going by so fast and before you know
It, you're gonna be on
Your deathbed telling stories
About how much you sucked and how you
Regret not living the life
You wanted to live
Loving the people you wanted to love
Taking the chances you wanted
To take tHERE ARE
NO RULES fUCK THE RULES gO fIND YOUR WINGS i
Found my wings and i'm still flying and
I WILL NEVER EVER LAND some of you have
To find yourself i knew who I was
At like age 10 i knew the
Music, I loved the colors, and I knew what I
Was into most of you listen to what ever
Is hot or what your friends like
Y'all dress how everyone else
Dresses, y'all do what everyone
Else does fUCKING STOP
BEING A FUCKING FOLLOWER read the comments
The weak ass follower that will
Never make a difference ever
Because they fucking suck are
Gonna say some shit
Like "easier said than done" or
"you are a hypocrite"
Or "you changed" or some stupid shit like
That, because they are the
Weak fucks that I'm
Talking about and they can't cope with it
Cause they are scared dON'T BE SCARED
I don't know why I'm typing this i'm on a
Lake on vacation just drawing
And listening to music
(I've been playing CC The World for like
6 hours) and I just realized
"Oh wow! I'm on a vacation for no reason
This is crazy i've dreamed of this
How did I get this far? Oh yeah
By trusting myself and not
Following the path that my mom
Wanted me to go
And by surrounding myself with other people
That wanted more out of
Life and trusted my wild ideas
And I put my art
Out there and people liked it and trusted me
And now I'm here i guess
What I'm trying to say
Is that I want everyone to win
I want everyone to smile
I want everyone to be in
A good mood and annoying
And always jumping around like me cause
I'm so fucking happy and
Grateful, but I realize niggas is
Scared or who knows, maybe I'm just
A special one i don't know anything
I'm in the woods and I
Really want to meet a moose
In person if I see
One I'm gonna get a photo Ha ha hahahaha oh
And RACISM is fucking weak as fuck anti
GOLF BOYS this saturday
There will be another fall
Winter drop from GOLF love you today
I want you to find your wings
Tyler, the Creator's lyrics in "Gen2" serve as a powerful motivational manifesto, challenging the listener to shun negativity and embrace their individuality. From the outset, Tyler directly addresses what he perceives as a pervasive negativity prevalent in contemporary culture. By positioning himself as an example of success at 23, he challenges others to reconsider their self-limiting beliefs and dare to chase their aspirations. He is insistent that self-belief is paramount and that people often squander their potential by being swayed by the opinions and judgments of others. Tyler encourages his audience to stop conforming to societal expectations and to confront their fears head-on—a theme that resonates strongly with those who struggle with self-esteem and self-worth.
Building on that foundational encouragement, Tyler continues to emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. He warns against maintaining relationships that do not foster personal growth and suggests that those who offer only escapism, such as smoking or partying without any deeper connection or ambition, should be distanced from one's life. The urgency in his tone comes from a belief that life is fleeting; he implores listeners to recognize the passage of time and the danger of living in regret. By highlighting the idea that one could be lying on their deathbed reflecting on unfulfilled dreams, Tyler injects a sense of urgency into his message. This “time is precious” mentality serves as both motivation and a call to action, promoting a life filled with purpose and genuine connection.
The lyrics also delve into a critique of societal pressures that dictate conformist behaviors. Tyler argues that many individuals lack true self-expression, evidenced by their tendencies to mirror mainstream trends or their peers’ preferences. He challenges the stereotypical teenage experience of following popular culture instead of carving out one’s unique identity. The reference to reading negative comments under his work speaks to the ubiquitous nature of judgment in the digital age, where self-doubt is easily exacerbated by external criticism. By denouncing the act of being a "follower," he implies that true fulfillment lies in authenticity and risk-taking rather than in adhering to the status quo. This message aligns with the ethos of self-acceptance and encourages aspiring creatives to recognize and value their individuality.
In the final portion of the lyrics, Tyler reflects on his personal journey, embedding his thoughts in the serene imagery of being on a vacation while drawing and listening to music. This scene symbolizes a moment of introspection, revealing how far he has come by trusting his instincts and rejecting conventional paths that were imposed on him. He attributes his success not only to self-belief but also to the company he keeps; surrounding himself with those who share ambitious dreams fosters a creative environment that nurtures growth. Concluding with an inclusive wish for happiness for everyone, Tyler conveys a deep-seated desire for collective success, aiming not just to lift himself but to elevate others in their quests for fulfillment. This powerful blend of personal affirmation, relatability, and communal encouragement encapsulates Tyler's aspirational vision, serving as an invitation for listeners to find their own wings.
Line by Line Meaning
All of you negative motherfuckers should look
Everyone harboring negativity should turn their attention towards me.
To me as inspiration i'm
See me as a source of motivation and encouragement.
23 fucking years old and I
At just 23 years of age, I have achieved remarkable things.
Built a fucking monster and
I have created something powerful and impressive.
I'm not ever gonna fucking land
I refuse to stop or settle for anything less than constant improvement.
Stop being scared and negative
Let go of fear and pessimism.
Start believing in yourself and stop
Cultivate self-confidence and avoid self-doubt.
Living for all these
Quit focusing on the opinions of others.
Other fucking idiots some of y'all should
Many of you are wasting time on foolish individuals.
Put that fucking blunt down
Stop indulging in distractions.
And go do what the fuck you know you need
Act on your responsibilities and potential.
To do do it for yourself
Pursue your goals for your own sake.
I believe in everyone because
I have faith in every individual’s potential.
I believe in myself fuck
My self-belief is paramount.
Reaching for the stars, that's
Aiming high is a way to limit yourself.
Setting a limit fuck those some
Disregard those who tell you to set limits.
Of you don't like yourself
Many of you struggle with self-acceptance.
Some of you aren't comfortable
Many feel uneasy in their own skin.
With yourself that's so
This discomfort is deeply troubling.
Fucking sad stop that shit some
It's unfortunate—put an end to that negativity.
Of you can't that's why y'all ask for likes
This lack of self-love leads to seeking validation from others.
On Instagram and shit
Through social media platforms.
Because y'all's self esteem
Your self-worth is dependent on external approval.
Is so fucking low cut that
This creates a cycle of low self-esteem.
Shit out and start liking
Eliminate that mindset and learn to appreciate yourself.
Yourself when that happens, you
Once you embrace yourself, you will see changes.
Will start trusting yourself, then you
This self-love fosters trust in your intuition.
Trust your ideas
You will have confidence in your thoughts and creativity.
Then you fucking become that
This leads to personal growth and development.
Person you really
You will evolve into your true self.
Want to be if you don't have any confidence
Without self-confidence, you cannot achieve your dreams.
Let me be your fucking confidence
Allow me to inspire and embolden you.
I'm gonna be a fucking great
I am destined for greatness.
Years from now and
In the future, I will look back at my achievements with pride.
I fully believe that and fully do not
I have unwavering faith in my path and reject negativity.
Care about anyone's opinion on
I disregard external judgments.
Why I'm not because
I do not heed criticisms about my journey.
I know start smiling more and start hanging
I encourage you to cultivate joy and surround yourself with positivity.
Around people that makes you feel
Be with those who uplift and inspire you.
Good or make you want to be better stop
Prioritize connections that encourage personal growth.
Associating with losers
Avoid wasting time with unambitious individuals.
If a nigga only hits you up to smoke
If people only reach out for petty distractions,
Or drink or turn up and have
Or to party without any real substance or connection,
Nothing else to offer to get
If they provide no value to your life,
You where ever you
And do not support your ambitions,
Think about being when you
Then consider distancing yourself.
Are alone daydreaming
Envision your dreams in solitude.
Then get the fuck away from them time is
Cut ties with them—life is fleeting.
Going by so fast and before you know
Time passes quickly and can be regretful.
It, you're gonna be on
Eventually, you will reflect on your life.
Your deathbed telling stories
You’ll recount tales of missed opportunities.
About how much you sucked and how you
Regretting the chances you didn't take.
Regret not living the life
This leads to sorrow about unfulfilled dreams.
You wanted to live
You should strive for the life you truly desire.
Loving the people you wanted to love
Cherish those you wish to love without restraint.
Taking the chances you wanted
Be brave enough to seize opportunities.
TO TAKE tHERE ARE
Life is full of possibilities.
NO RULES fUCK THE RULES gO fIND YOUR WINGS i
Break free from societal constraints and explore your potential.
Found my wings and i'm still flying and
I've discovered my freedom and I'm continuously growing.
I WILL NEVER EVER LAND some of you have
I commit to ongoing evolution—some of you need to discover yourselves.
To find yourself i knew who I was
It's crucial to understand your true essence.
At like age 10 i knew the
From a young age, I recognized my passions.
Music, I loved the colors, and I knew what I
I was aware of the art and aesthetic that resonated with me.
Was into most of you listen to whatever
In contrast, many blindly follow trends.
Is hot or what your friends like
You tend to gravitate towards popular fads.
Y'all dress how everyone else
You conform to societal norms and expectations.
Dresses, y'all do what everyone
You imitate others instead of being authentic.
Else does fUCKING STOP
Break away from the chains of conformity.
BEING A FUCKING FOLLOWER read the comments
Reject the mindset of a mere follower; critique societal judgments.
The weak ass follower that will
Those who lack initiative won't bring about change.
Never make a difference ever
They leave no impact because they fear stepping out of line.
Because they fucking suck are
They know they are stagnant and unoriginal.
Gonna say some shit
And they will retaliate with negative comments.
Like 'easier said than done' or
They will dismiss my words as impractical or hypocritical.
'you are a hypocrite' or 'you changed' or
They will accuse me of inconsistency or transformation.
Some stupid shit like that, because they are the
These are the fearful individuals I'm referring to.
Weak fucks that I'm
They lack the strength to embrace change.
Talking about and they can't cope with it
They struggle to process their own fears.
Cause they are scared dON'T BE SCARED
Fear should not dictate your actions; break free from it.
I don't know why I'm typing this I'm on a
I'm uncertain about sharing these thoughts as I relax.
Lake on vacation just drawing
I find peace by engaging in my creative expressions.
(I've been playing CC The World for like
I've been immersed in my own world for hours.
6 hours) and I just realized
This realization has struck me strongly.
Oh wow! I'm on a vacation for no reason
I’m reveling in the joy of existence without purpose.
This is crazy i've dreamed of this
This moment feels surreal and fulfilling.
How did I get this far? Oh yeah
I reflect on the journey that led me here.
By trusting myself and not
I owe this success to my own self-belief.
Following the path that my mom
I didn’t simply follow societal expectations or familial pressures.
Wanted me to go and by surrounding
Instead, I aligned myself with those who elevate my ambitions.
Myself with other people
I chose companions who inspire growth.
That wanted more out of
Their aspirations matched my desire for a fuller life.
Life and trusted my wild ideas
They encouraged my unconventional thoughts.
And I put my art
I took the risk of sharing my creativity.
Out there and people liked it and trusted me
And the response validated my efforts.
And now I'm here i guess
This is the culmination of my journey so far.
What I'm trying to say
The essence of my message moving forward.
Is that I want everyone to win
I hope for success and happiness for everyone.
I want everyone to smile
Joy should be universal.
I want everyone to be in
I envision a world full of positivity.
A good mood and annoying
I wish for delight and exuberance in daily life.
And always jumping around like me cause
I want others to share in my joy and enthusiasm.
I'm so fucking happy and
I express my immense gratitude for life.
Grateful, but I realize niggas is
While I feel fortunate, I see that many are trapped in fear.
Scared or who knows, maybe I'm just
It’s unclear if I’m uniquely different.
A special one i don't know anything
I don’t presuppose to have all the answers.
I'm in the woods and I
I find solace in nature’s embrace.
Really want to meet a moose
I have a whimsical desire for unique experiences.
In person if I see
I wish to engage with nature directly.
One I'm gonna get a photo Ha ha hahahaha oh
I would relish capturing that funny moment.
And RACISM is fucking weak as fuck anti
Discrimination is cowardly and despicable.
GOLF BOYS this saturday
I am excited for the upcoming event.
There will be another fall
Upcoming releases are about to drop.
Winter drop from GOLF love you today
I appreciate your support in this journey.
I want you to find your wings
Let every individual discover their unique path to freedom.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@なぴろとち
this shit sound mischievous
@SaterSea
Gen X