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.
The Purge
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Bow, bow!) Coming in for yours
Niggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door
Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor
Why you look confused motherfucker? This is war
Yeah, nigga, uh, yeah, nigga
Yeah, nigga, uh, yeah, nigga, uh
As this G shit begin, put this product placement on your chin
The realest nigga breathing, y'all pretend
Real crippy since I hopped off the swing
With my strap, that's my peace offering (Yo, yo, yo, yeah uh yeah ooh)
Five shots get rung out, five bodies falling
Come put your lights out, I spark your apartment
Deadline my clothing, don't fuck with Pink Dolphin
Strap on his hairline, his forehead gets softened
Send extras through his chest bones, shit, he don't need that coffin
Most niggas would've run away, but me I'm out here walking
Bucket hat with my shades on, my wardrobe look awesome
Now nah, I ain't no dolphin, fuck rhyming, I'm cripping
Niggas rap about what I'm living, all this false claiming, I'm marring
Doing drive-by's I ain't steering, white Peter Rose, I ain't tearin'
Fuck your bitch, in front of your chil'ren
See your whip side of my building, yeah
Put my dick and nuts in her mouth, bust in her hair
I'm very rare, got my trigger on top of my underwear
Bitch, I'm everywhere and over there
You die here, let of a pair (Yak yak!)
(Bow, bow!) Coming in for yours
Niggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door
Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor
Why you look confused motherfucker? This is war
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga, uh
Yeah nigga
House full of kilo's, sold pound to zero's
Cocaine my hero, you ain't you ain't Figg Side gettin' Deebo'd
Always asking for the burner like, young niggas still free load
Heart big as my ego, don't fly 'round my signal
I'll rearrange your dino, crippy my house shoes
Blue rag disciples, murder, I'm liable, you get the Eiffel
Aim out the eyeball, I'm getting violent, I got the stripe once
Won't get the stripe twice, you niggas half price
Which means you half off, I'm going Adolf
I'm smoking bath salt through sherm sticks, burn this, ooh
Knock knock through the condo's, Schoolboy from the fa' do's
But who was spanked to you unranked, you can fuck around and get that chin bank'd
Grew lining, Crip walk the whole mile
Do belts, still my pants down, Chuck Taylors, Cortez's, Hush Puppies
My glock ya fuck buddy, make money, take money
Earn crack money, drug money, bail money
Heard they got life for me, but how they got life for me?
When they took that from me, since I had my nose runny
I was out past sunny, had the strap by my tummy
You can go and ask mommy, grab a body bag, haumie, yeah
(Bow, bow!) Coming in for yours
Niggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door
Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor
Why you look confused motherfucker? This is war
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga, uh
Yeah nigga
Bust my gun all by myself
Rock cocaine all by myself
Poured propane all on myself
Go so hard might harm myself
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga
Yeah nigga, yeah nigga
Yeah, it's Kurupt young motherfuckin' Gotti
Still rollin' in the six dont fuck with the Bugatti
Come up in this motherfucker looking for a bitch
Probably sucked on my dick then you kissed her on the lips
The intrical, South Central Sentinel
Get roped and choked, poetical tentacles stretch (Haha)
Get roped and choked and rope-a-dope'd
Extra overdose of the okie doke
Get a nigga smoked, I ain't no joke
Tired of this bullshit and everything y'all talk about, they walked 'em in
I walked 'em out, they talked 'em in, I chalked 'em out
And I cock back that ox and pow, pow, pow, pow
Walk inside, pussy popping, top is popping off
Papadopulos neighborhood, roll with 60 bars
Ghettotropolis, squeezing pussy like octopuses
Show me where the money at, show me where the kush is
Next time you see me I'll probably be in the bushes
This is the reasons why I won't be fucking with pussies like you
Me, Tyler and Schoolboy Q, we tote 'em
(Bow, bow!) Coming in for yours
Niggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door
Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor
Why you look confused motherfucker? This is war
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga
Yeah nigga, uh, yeah nigga, uh
Yeah nigga
The Purge by Tyler, the Creator is an aggressive and violent song that talks about a seemingly non-specific war. The opening line “My daddy said, draw nigga” sets the tone for the rest of the song as Tyler then describes a violent and chaotic world where everyone is coming for each other. The chorus emphasizes this with the line “Coming in for yours, N*ggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door” and “Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor”. He addresses someone who looks confused and tells them, this is war.
Tyler, the Creator then goes on to describe himself as the realest in the game, he spits out bars about killing five bodies with five shots and how he can spark your apartment. He also talks about his wardrobe looking awesome, and he doesn't care about rhyming; he's just out there cripping. He then shares how he can mess with someone's wife and children in front of them, which is a very dark violence. As the song continues, it becomes difficult to pinpoint what the war he is describing is. It could be a metaphor for something, or it could be the chaos that comes with the purge.
Overall, The Purge is a song that depicts violence and chaos in society. Tyler’s lyrics are both vivid and graphic; however, there is the possibility that the lyrics might not be interpreted according to how the artist had intended. Regardless of the interpretation, the song still displays exceptional wordplay and craft from Tyler, the Creator.
Line by Line Meaning
My daddy said, draw nigga
Tyler reflects on his father's advice on always being prepared to defend oneself.
(Bow, bow!) Coming in for yours
He is warning his enemies that he is coming for them.
Niggas got them choppers and they knocking at your door
Tyler's rivals are coming after him with guns.
Sirens gettin' loud when the bodies hit the floor
As Tyler's enemies get killed, the police come to the scene with loud sirens.
Why you look confused motherfucker? This is war
Tyler tells his enemies that they shouldn't be surprised since this is a war.
Yeah, nigga, uh, yeah, nigga
He responds to his rival's confusion with pride, expressing his dominance.
As this G shit begin, put this product placement on your chin
Tyler mocks rappers who advertise luxury brands in their songs.
The realest nigga breathing, y'all pretend
Tyler believes himself to be the most genuine rapper alive, contrasting it with others who pretend in their music.
Real crippy since I hopped off the swing
Tyler has been associating himself with the Crips gang since a young age.
With my strap, that's my peace offering (Yo, yo, yo, yeah uh yeah ooh)
Tyler will use his gun as a symbol of peace to end conflicts.
Five shots get rung out, five bodies falling
He describes the sound and sight of killing people.
Come put your lights out, I spark your apartment
Tyler threatens to break into his enemy's home and kill them in their sleep.
Deadline my clothing, don't fuck with Pink Dolphin
Tyler mentions a clothing brand he likes and threatens those who disrespect it.
Strap on his hairline, his forehead gets softened
He shoots someone in the head, causing their forehead to be mutilated.
Send extras through his chest bones, shit, he don't need that coffin
Tyler will shoot someone with such force that the bullets will come out through their chest.
Most niggas would've run away, but me I'm out here walking
Tyler doesn't back down from his enemies.
Bucket hat with my shades on, my wardrobe look awesome
Tyler describes his fashion style.
Now nah, I ain't no dolphin, fuck rhyming, I'm cripping
Tyler reiterates that he is a member of the Crips gang, disregarding the importance of rhyming in his lyrics.
Niggas rap about what I'm living, all this false claiming, I'm marring
He accuses other rappers of claiming to be affiliated with a gang or lifestyle that they don't experience.
Doing drive-by's I ain't steering, white Peter Rose, I ain't tearin'
Tyler describes his involvement in drive-by shootings and damns wearing a white undershirt.
Fuck your bitch, in front of your chil'ren
He brags about sleeping with someone else's partner in front of their family.
See your whip side of my building, yeah
Tyler spots his rival's car parked next to his building.
Put my dick and nuts in her mouth, bust in her hair
He brags about another sexual encounter.
I'm very rare, got my trigger on top of my underwear
Tyler believes himself to be unique and always prepared for action.
Bitch, I'm everywhere and over there
Tyler boasts of his wide influence.
You die here, let of a pair (Yak yak!)
Tyler warns his rival that they will die in the battle.
House full of kilo's, sold pound to zero's
Tyler is in possession of abundant amounts of drugs.
Cocaine my hero, you ain't you ain't Figg Side gettin' Deebo'd
He uses cocaine as his drug of choice and implies that his enemies will not steal anything from him.
Always asking for the burner like, young niggas still free load
Tyler calls out those who ask for his gun and imply their dependence on him.
Heart big as my ego, don't fly 'round my signal
Tyler suggests that he is guarded and wary of people around him.
I'll rearrange your dino, crippy my house shoes
Tyler will cause someone serious harm and describes his shoes as a sign of his gang affiliation.
Blue rag disciples, murder, I'm liable, you get the Eiffel
Tyler is connected to the Crips and claims responsibility for killings, calling his rivals out.
Aim out the eyeball, I'm getting violent, I got the stripe once
He threatens to aim for the eyes and boasts about getting a gang member stripe.
Won't get the stripe twice, you niggas half price
Tyler suggests that others are inferior to him and can never achieve what he has.
Which means you half off, I'm going Adolf
He makes a reference to Adolf Hitler and implies his superiority over others.
I'm smoking bath salt through sherm sticks, burn this, ooh
Tyler describes a drug and how he consumes it.
Knock knock through the condo's, Schoolboy from the fa' do's
Tyler mentions Schoolboy Q, a fellow rapper.
But who was spanked to you unranked, you can fuck around and get that chin bank'd
Tyler doubts his rivals' strength and warns them they may get knocked out.
Grew lining, Crip walk the whole mile
Tyler muses on his gang involvement.
Do belts, still my pants down, Chuck Taylors, Cortez's, Hush Puppies
Tyler describes his fashion style yet again.
My glock ya fuck buddy, make money, take money
Tyler associates his gun with his financial gain.
Earn crack money, drug money, bail money
He lists the types of income he receives.
Heard they got life for me, but how they got life for me?
Tyler wonders how people could sentence him to life in prison without proof of his crimes.
When they took that from me, since I had my nose runny
Tyler suggests that he has been in trouble with the law since a young age.
I was out past sunny, had the strap by my tummy
He has always been armed and ready to defend himself, even when underage.
You can go and ask mommy, grab a body bag, haumie, yeah
Tyler is explicit in his violent dealings.
Bust my gun all by myself
He is not afraid to act alone.
Rock cocaine all by myself
Tyler enjoys doing drugs without the influence of others.
Poured propane all on myself
He describes a bold and risky act.
Go so hard might harm myself
Tyler is willing to take risks.
Yeah nigga, yeah nigga
He repeats his earlier assertions of power.
Yeah, it's Kurupt young motherfuckin' Gotti
Kurupt joins Tyler in the song, introducing himself and his gang affiliation.
Still rollin' in the six dont fuck with the Bugatti
He boasts about his fancy car and warns against messing with it.
Come up in this motherfucker looking for a bitch
Kurupt searches for a woman.
Probably sucked on my dick then you kissed her on the lips
He brags about having sex with someone else's partner.
The intrical, South Central Sentinel
Kurupt refers to himself as a crucial part of South Central LA.
Get roped and choked, poetical tentacles stretch (Haha)
He describes having a hold on people and their experiences, laughing at his power over them.
Extra overdose of the okie doke
Kurupt implies that people are manipulated by his actions.
Get a nigga smoked, I ain't no joke
He threatens to kill someone and claims it is no joke.
Tired of this bullshit and everything y'all talk about, they walked 'em in
Kurupt is tired of the lies that other rappers tell in their music.
I walked 'em out, they talked 'em in, I chalked 'em out
He turned people away from their lies and exposed them.
And I cock back that ox and pow, pow, pow, pow
Kurupt boasts about his gun and willingness to use it.
Walk inside, pussy popping, top is popping off
He enters a room where women are dancing to his music.
Papadopulos neighborhood, roll with 60 bars
Kurupt references a gang and area he associates with.
Ghettotropolis, squeezing pussy like octopuses
He describes his violent sexual actions.
Show me where the money at, show me where the kush is
Kurupt asks for money and drugs.
Next time you see me I'll probably be in the bushes
He hints at sneaking around and lurking.
This is the reasons why I won't be fucking with pussies like you
Kurupt will not associate himself with those he deems weak.
Me, Tyler and Schoolboy Q, we tote 'em
The three rappers are prepared for violence and will always have guns on them.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: Ricardo Emmanuel Brown, Quincy Matthew Hanley, Tyler Gregory Okonma, Paul D. Salva Jr., PAUL SALVA, RICARDO BROWN, QUINCEY HANLEY, TYLER OKONMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SJ-su1ki
Tyler's hook went hard AF and this beat is so simple yet insane.
@ognsk5474
that's what it's about better have few cold sounds than many medium ones
@raven5theday141
I don't know why people don't like this beat, the siren makes this song
@ambermartinez9401
Exactly.
@raven5theday141
mlg kid goku
I think you know what I mean
@OhhMend
Exactly
@MrUnrequited-98
Raven5 The day tylers production is amazing
@analovelacegamer584
Raven5 The day I agree the beat is MEAN AF
@conquestmedia2490
Some of the best rapping Q did in his career
@DTS214
I agree but also disagree to a point. He’s had some good ones in other songs but this song and the beat = a killer time 🤣