Challenges Faced by Tyler, the Creator: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Tyler, the Creator faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, is an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer prominent in alternative hip-hop. He gained recognition in the late 2000s as the leader and co-founder of the music collective Odd Future, contributing as a rapper, producer, director, and actor. He also produced studio albums for Odd Future's members and appeared on the group's sketch comedy show, Loiter Squad.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Lyrics from Bastard cited for UK ban

In 2009, Lyrics from the album Bastard were cited as the reason for the ban, from visiting the UK, although Okonma had toured multiple times in the UK since its release.

2010: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

From 2010 to 2011, he made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.

December 22, 2011: Arrest for vandalism at The Roxy

On December 22, 2011, Okonma was arrested on suspicion of vandalism after allegedly destroying equipment during a show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. He later paid $8,000 in damages.

2011: Sexually explicit comments towards Selena Gomez

From 2010 to 2011, he made a series of sexually explicit comments directed towards Selena Gomez over Twitter.

2013: Comments about Selena Gomez relationship

In a 2013 interview, he stated that he and Selena were not on good terms, explaining, "We don't really get along. She don't like me. We don't like each other. Because I'm kicking it with Justin — like that's my homeboy. She always be mean muggin' me. Like why are you hating on me?"

March 15, 2014: Arrest for inciting a riot at SXSW

On March 15, 2014, Okonma was arrested in Austin, Texas, for inciting a riot after telling fans to push past security guards at his South by Southwest performance. The charges were later dropped.

2014: Eminem's Criticism of Tyler, the Creator

In 2014, Eminem criticized Tyler, the Creator for his opinion on Eminem's single "Walk On Water" and album Shady XV.

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2018: Eminem's "Fall" Controversy

In 2018, Eminem's single "Fall" contained derogatory language towards Tyler, the Creator, criticizing his music and sexuality. Eminem later expressed regret for the lyrics, acknowledging their potential harm. Tyler, the Creator, in an interview with The Guardian, stated that the line "was okay" and that he didn't take offense from it.

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February 2019: UK ban reportedly lifted

In February 2019, it is believed the ban from visiting the United Kingdom was lifted, concurring with a scheduled performance in London to promote Igor. However, the show was forcibly cancelled by police.

June 2019: DJ Khaled's Criticism of Igor

In June 2019, after Tyler, the Creator's album Igor reached number 1 on the Billboard 200, surpassing DJ Khaled's album Father of Asahd, DJ Khaled criticized Tyler's music in an Instagram video. He criticized the album's style and mysteriousness. DJ Khaled later deleted the video.

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 that he enjoyed watching DJ Khaled's reaction to his success, emphasizing the impact on DJ Khaled's identity as "number one".

2021: Public apology in Manifesto

In 2021, he made a public apology in his song "Manifesto" in his studio album Call Me If You Get Lost. Tyler Aquilina of Entertainment Weekly wrote of the controversy, "Tyler was known as a provocateur at that point in his career, and was frequently criticized for what many observers called homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, including depictions of violence against women".

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