Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyler, the Creator

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tyler, the Creator made an impact.

Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, is an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Rising to prominence in the late 2000s, he became known as the leader and co-founder of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future. He contributed to the group as a rapper, producer, director, and actor, producing albums for its members and appearing in their sketch comedy show, Loiter Squad.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2007: Co-founding of Odd Future

In 2007, Tyler, the Creator co-founded the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future alongside Hodgy, Left Brain, and Casey Veggies.

2009: Influence of Bastard Album

In 2009, Tyler, the Creator's album 'Bastard' was released. The horrorcore-based aesthetics and transgressive lyrical content were influenced by Eminem, especially his album 'Relapse'.

2010: Tyler Mr. Hot Sauce Haley Wolf Credited

In 2010 Tyler, the Creator, was credited as Tyler Mr. Hot Sauce Haley Wolf.

April 2011: Signing Deal with Red Distribution/Sony

In April 2011, Tyler, the Creator and the rest of Odd Future signed a deal with Red Distribution/Sony.

September 8, 2011: Loiter Squad Confirmed

On September 8, 2011, it was confirmed that Odd Future would have their own TV show called Loiter Squad, a 15-minute live-action show composed of various sketches, man on the street segments, pranks, and music made by Odd Future.

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2011: "Yonkers" Music Video Controversy

In 2011, the music video for Tyler, the Creator's song "Yonkers," which featured him eating a cockroach and committing suicide, attracted controversy in the media. However, Kanye West posted the video on his Twitter account, calling it "the video of 2011".

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January 31, 2014: Recording with Mac DeMarco

On January 31, 2014, Tyler, the Creator was reported to be recording with Mac DeMarco.

2015: Loiter Squad is no more

In 2015, Tyler, the Creator stated that Loiter Squad "is no more".

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February 2019: UK Ban Lifted

In February 2019, it is believed that Tyler, the Creator's ban from visiting the United Kingdom was lifted, concurring with a scheduled performance in London to promote Igor. However, the show was cancelled due to safety concerns.

May 6, 2019: Teasing New Music with Short Video Clips

On May 6, 2019, Tyler, the Creator, released two short video clips on his online profiles featuring new music, previewing his upcoming album. The videos depicted him dancing while wearing a blonde wig, multicolored suit, black sunglasses, and a grill, a style he would also use for the album's promotional content.

June 2019: DJ Khaled Criticizes Igor

In June 2019, after Tyler, the Creator's album Igor, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing DJ Khaled's album Father of Asahd, DJ Khaled posted a video on Instagram criticizing Tyler's music. He emphasized the importance of albums that are widely played and heard, contrasting it with "mysterious shit you never hear the songs". DJ Khaled later deleted the video.

January 26, 2020: Grammy Win for Igor

On January 26, 2020, Tyler, the Creator won his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for 'Igor'. However, he expressed mixed feelings about the categorization of his music as rap, viewing it as a "backhanded compliment" due to genre-bending elements.

August 6, 2021: Tyler, the Creator Addresses DJ Khaled Controversy

On August 6, 2021, Tyler, the Creator discussed the DJ Khaled controversy on Hot 97. He stated he enjoyed "just watching a man die inside because the weirdo is winning", and claimed that DJ Khaled had to deal with the fact that his "whole identity is being number one".

2021: Call Me If You Get Lost Album

In 2021, Tyler, the Creator released Call Me If You Get Lost, a concept album about the persona of "Tyler Baudelaire", described as a well-traveled gentleman. It helped establish Tyler as one of the most acclaimed artists of his generation. He also established himself in the fashion industry with Golf Le Fleur, a high-end luxury line reflecting the mise en scène of the album.

January 5, 2022: Forecastle Festival Headliner Announcement

On January 5, 2022, it was announced that Tyler, the Creator would be a headliner at Louisville's Forecastle Festival, scheduled for May 27–29, 2022.

March 25, 2022: Appearance on Nigo's Album and Grammy Win

On March 25, 2022, Tyler, the Creator appeared on two tracks from Nigo's album 'I Know Nigo!': "Lost and Found Freestyle 2019" (with A$AP Rocky) and "Come On, Let's Go". A music video for "Come On, Let's Go" showcased Tyler's Golf le Fleur* clothing line. Also, his album 'Call Me If You Get Lost' won Best Rap Album at the 64th Grammy Awards.

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2022: Grammy Win and "Mysterious Music" Reference

In 2022, after winning Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards for Call Me If You Get Lost, Tyler, the Creator made multiple references to "mysterious music" on Twitter, writing "MYSTERIOUS MUSIC! HA!", seemingly in reference to DJ Khaled's earlier criticism.

March 27, 2023: Announcement of Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale

On March 27, 2023, Tyler, the Creator announced the release of 'Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale', a collection of songs recorded for 'Call Me If You Get Lost' that didn't make the final cut. The single "Dogtooth" was released on the same day, accompanied by a music video.

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March 29, 2023: Release of "Sorry Not Sorry"

On March 29, 2023, Tyler, the Creator released the single "Sorry Not Sorry", accompanied by a music video. The song is part of the album 'Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale'.

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March 31, 2023: Release of The Estate Sale

On March 31, 2023, Tyler, the Creator released 'The Estate Sale', along with a music video for the song "Wharf Talk".

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November 7, 2023: DJ Khaled Expresses Interest in Collaborating with Tyler, the Creator

On November 7, 2023, Rolling Stone reported that DJ Khaled expressed interest in collaborating with Tyler, the Creator, asserting that they now have a good rapport.

April 13, 2024: Headlining Coachella Performance

On April 13, 2024, Tyler, the Creator headlined at Coachella, closing Saturday night with a performance featuring guest appearances from Childish Gambino, ASAP Rocky, Kali Uchis, and Charlie Wilson. He performed tracks from his discography, starting the set by bursting through a fake trailer wall. The performance was praised as an "exhilarating, high-stakes spectacle".