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.
Tyler's fourth studio album, "Cherry Bomb", was released on April 13, 2015. The album marked a significant departure from his earlier works, experimenting heavily with distortion, unorthodox song structures, and influences from jazz and funk. Tracks like "Smuckers" featured high-profile collaborations with Kanye West and Lil Wayne, showcasing Tyler's growing reputation among hip-hop elites. Despite receiving mixed reviews for its chaotic production, Cherry Bomb solidified Tyler's reputation as an artist willing to take risks and push boundaries.
In 2017, Tyler released "Flower Boy", a deeply personal and introspective album that explored themes of identity, self-discovery, and loneliness. Tracks such as "See You Again," "911/Mr. Lonely," and "Glitter" demonstrated a more melodic and emotionally vulnerable side of Tyler, while "Who Dat Boy" and "I Ain't Got Time!" retained his trademark energy. Critics widely praised Flower Boy, with many calling it his best work to date. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone in Tyler's career.
In late 2018, Tyler surprised fans by releasing Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, a Christmas-themed EP. The project, while short and tied to a movie soundtrack, showcased Tyler's playful and creative approach to music, with tracks like "Lights On" and "Hot Chocolate" bringing a festive yet distinctly "Tyler" vibe to the holiday season.
Tyler's artistic evolution reached a new peak with the release of "IGOR" on May 17, 2019. A genre-blending masterpiece that fused hip-hop, R&B, soul, and electronic elements, the album told a cohesive narrative of heartbreak, jealousy, and acceptance. Tyler's production and vocal performances on tracks like "EARFQUAKE," "A BOY IS A GUN," and "GONE, GONE / THANK YOU" received widespread critical acclaim. IGOR won Best Rap Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards, cementing Tyler's place as one of the most innovative artists of his generation.
In 2021, Tyler released "Call Me If You Get Lost", an album that celebrated his love for travel, luxury, and self-reflection. Hosted by legendary DJ Drama, the project blended elements of gangsta grillz-style mixtapes with Tyler's signature storytelling. Tracks like "LUMBERJACK," "WUSYANAME," and "SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE" showcased his versatility as both a rapper and producer. Call Me If You Get Lost debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won Best Rap Album at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
In 2023, Tyler expanded Call Me If You Get Lost with The Estate Sale, a deluxe edition that included new tracks such as "DOGTOOTH," "SORRY NOT SORRY," and "WHARF TALK." These additions offered further insight into Tyler's artistic journey and were met with enthusiasm by fans and critics alike.
In 2024, Tyler surprised fans with "CHROMAKOPIA", an ambitious project blending vibrant visuals, experimental sounds, and narrative-driven tracks. While details about the album are still unfolding, it represents Tyler's continued dedication to innovation and his refusal to be confined by genre.
Over the years, Tyler's popularity has skyrocketed, transcending his origins in underground hip-hop with Odd Future. His influence now extends beyond music to fashion, film, and art. With ventures like Golf Wang and Golf le Fleur, as well as directing music videos and commercials, Tyler has become a cultural icon. His ability to reinvent himself with each project has earned him a devoted fan base and respect as one of the most dynamic artists of his generation.
Her
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It's this girl)
She lives next door, to the store that I loiter at
We talk every night, she cry to me about her guy
And if we text I get pissed when I get no reply
I know that she's the key to love
She is who I'm thinking of when I am beating Richard upTo mental images her face look
The closest that I got is when I'm poking her on Facebook
Video chats are so exciting
Cause it's like she is inviting me to her world full of privacy
I'm getting gassed up, I think she's liking me
She's gullible and I just wanna take it like a pirate
I see her in class
Not really two doors down but in anytime that I pass
To take a piss in a stall, I picture us in the hall
Locking lips on the wall, her hand grabbing my dick
My left hand on her tits, oh my shit's getting hard
From thoughts of dating this bitch
Her name is my passwords, fuck
All my niggas got they bitches and stuff
But all the bitches they fuck, are known as bitches and sluts
But she special, I know to y'all I come off as rough
But I'm the nicest to her, and I just want to concur
A relation, I want the cheesy dates at the movies
And stupid walks on the beach, and sharing straws in a cup
I never had that, so when we holding hands walking home
I look past that, the fact that she's fucking guys that I hate
But, things are looking great cut copy
Last time we talk she said that her relationship was Rocky (Action)
Now that Mr. Fag is gone, there's no one that can stop me
From bagging her, I got these tickets to the RoxyNext day metro's taking me home
I see her in a car at Wendy's, but she's not alone
Who's that guy? Wait, why the fuck he 'bout to kiss her?
Come to find out she got back with her nigga, damn, fuck
She's so pretty, fuck self pity, I feel so shitty
I wanna text her in a jealous rage
But if she reply to say anything, I'ma smile I know
What do I do with myself, sit in my room for some days
Play Xbox and piles full of wet socks? Fuck that
My nigga ask, "Ace, what happened to such and such?"
I could smother her name, and then tell him I probably fucked
Or I could tell him the truth, and just say she ain't like me much
But instead I lie and say she moved to Nebraska
In the song "Her," Tyler the Creator expresses his infatuation with a girl who lives next door to the store he often loiters at. Tyler talks to her each night, and she confides in him about her relationship troubles. When they text, Tyler becomes upset when she doesn't reply. Tyler admits that he is physically attracted to her and is sexually aroused by the thought of being physical with her, but he also wants to be in a relationship with her. Tyler imagines himself dating her and going on cheesy dates to the movies or walks on the beach. However, Tyler's plan is derailed when he sees her with another guy, discovering she has gotten back together with her ex-boyfriend.
In this song, Tyler is vulnerable, admitting his insecurities and desires for a relationship. His lyrics showcase his longing for something deeper than the shallow hookups his friends have. However, Tyler is also hypocritical in his attitude towards women, slut-shaming them while wanting a girl to be faithful to him. Tyler's lyrics display the push-pull of teenage romance, with the fantasy of being in a relationship clashing with the reality of the girl's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh I don't need the metronome bro
I don't need any help keeping time because I have this girl on my mind
(It's this girl)
I'm talking about a girl I really like
She lives next door, to the store that I loiter at
The girl I like lives near the store where I hang out
We talk every night, she cry to me about her guy
She opens up to me about her relationship problems
And if we text I get pissed when I get no reply
If she doesn't respond to my text messages, I get angry
I know that she's the key to love
I believe she is the one I am meant to be with
She is who I'm thinking of when I am beating Richard up
I think of her when I have sexual fantasies
To mental images her face look
I imagine her face in my head
The closest that I got is when I'm poking her on Facebook
The most intimate interaction we have is when we message each other on Facebook
Video chats are so exciting
Talking to her through video chat is a thrilling experience
Cause it's like she is inviting me to her world full of privacy
Through video chat, she is letting me into her private world
I'm getting gassed up, I think she's liking me
I'm feeling confident that she might feel the same way about me
She's gullible and I just wanna take it like a pirate
I think she is easily fooled and I want to take advantage of that
I see her in class
I see her when we're both in school
Not really two doors down but in anytime that I pass
Although she doesn't literally live two doors down from me, I see her often
To take a piss in a stall, I picture us in the hall
When I'm in the bathroom, I imagine us making out in the hallway
Locking lips on the wall, her hand grabbing my dick
In my imagination, we're being intimate in public
My left hand on her tits, oh my shit's getting hard
The thought of touching her like that turns me on
From thoughts of dating this bitch
Just thinking about being in a relationship with her gives me a boner
Her name is my passwords, fuck
I care about her so much that her name is in my passwords
All my niggas got they bitches and stuff
All of my friends are in relationships
But all the bitches they fuck, are known as bitches and sluts
My friends only sleep with girls they don't respect
But she special, I know to y'all I come off as rough
She is different and I know I come across as tough
But I'm the nicest to her, and I just want to concur
I treat her better than anyone else and I want to be in a relationship with her
A relation, I want the cheesy dates at the movies
I want to go on romantic, classic dates like going to the movies
And stupid walks on the beach, and sharing straws in a cup
I want to do cliche and corny things together like walking on the beach and sharing drinks
I never had that, so when we holding hands walking home
I've never experienced those romantic things, so holding her hand on the way home is special to me
I look past that, the fact that she's fucking guys that I hate
I try not to think about her being with other men, even men I dislike
But, things are looking great cut copy
Despite that, I feel good about how things are going
Last time we talk she said that her relationship was Rocky (Action)
The last time we talked, she said her current relationship was unstable
Now that Mr. Fag is gone, there's no one that can stop me
Since her previous partner is out of the picture, I feel like I have a chance with her
From bagging her, I got these tickets to the Roxy
I'm excited to take her out to a concert
Next day metro's taking me home
I'm taking the train home the next day
I see her in a car at Wendy's, but she's not alone
I see her with another man in a fast food parking lot
Who's that guy? Wait, why the fuck he 'bout to kiss her?
I'm frustrated and confused by her being intimate with someone else
Come to find out she got back with her nigga, damn, fuck
Later on I discover that she got back together with her ex-boyfriend
She's so pretty, fuck self pity, I feel so shitty
She's beautiful and I feel awful for feeling sorry for myself
I wanna text her in a jealous rage
I want to angrily confront her about being with someone else
But if she reply to say anything, I'ma smile I know
If she responds to my message, I'll be happy regardless of what she says
What do I do with myself, sit in my room for some days
I don't know how to cope with my emotions so I isolate myself
Play Xbox and piles full of wet socks? Fuck that
I don't want to distract myself with video games and dirty laundry anymore
My nigga ask, "Ace, what happened to such and such?"
My friend asks what happened with the girl I was pursuing
I could smother her name, and then tell him I probably fucked
I could lie and pretend I slept with her
Or I could tell him the truth, and just say she ain't like me much
I could be truthful and admit she wasn't interested in me
But instead I lie and say she moved to Nebraska
I choose to make up a fake story and say she left town
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TYLER OKONMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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