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.
YELLOW
Tyler the Creator Lyrics
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I could tell you was the one
That I've been searchin' for
I needed somethin' that was like the Sun
Now all my flowers grow
Right now my life, it blooms, baby
You're my favorite color, my favorite color
It's like the endless summer, endless summer
Whenever I'm with you
Cause you're my yellow, yellow, yellow
Cause you're my yellow, yellow, yellow
In Tyler The Creator's song "Yellow," featuring Kali Uchis, the opening lines express his instant connection with someone. He claims to have known that she was the one from their first meeting. This feeling could be attributed to a special energy or chemistry between them. He then goes on to express his search for something that was like the sun. The sun, a symbol of warmth, light, and vitality, represents happiness and positivity. Tyler needed something that could bring these qualities into his life. The implication is that the person he's singing to, his "sun," is the missing piece to his puzzle.
He compares this person to his favorite color - yellow, which also represents light, positivity, and warmth. To Tyler, they're like an endless summer, leaving him feeling happy and fulfilled. He repeats, "cause you're my yellow, yellow, yellow," three times, suggesting that the importance of the color and the person are both paramount to him.
Overall, the lyrics of "Yellow" express the excitement and fulfillment someone can feel when they find someone who brings light and joy into their life. The color yellow and the sun symbolize these feelings and are fitting metaphors for this special person.
Line by Line Meaning
Now when I first saw you
From the moment I laid eyes on you
I could tell you was the one
I immediately knew that you were the one I have been searching for
That I've been searchin' for
Someone special and important to me that I have been looking for some time
I needed somethin' that was like the Sun
I was looking for something or someone that could bring light and warmth into my life, just like the sun does
Now all my flowers grow
My life and everything around me is thriving and flourishing
Right now my life, it blooms, baby
My life is currently in a state of growth, improvement, and happiness
You're my favorite color, my favorite color
You are my favorite color, something that brings me joy and happiness
My favorite color's you
You are the source of all the happiness and positivity I feel
It's like the endless summer, endless summer
Being with you feels like an eternal summer, full of warmth, light, and happiness
Whenever I'm with you
Every time I am around you
Cause you're my yellow, yellow, yellow
You are my sunshine, my light, my everything
Cause you're my yellow, yellow, yellow
You are the source of all the happiness and positivity in my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tyler Okonma
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind