Tyler Gregory Okonma, renowned as Tyler the Creator, is an esteemed American rapper, record producer, songwriter, and actor. He stands as a co-founder of the acclaimed ‘Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All,’ garnering immense acclaim for both his music and media persona.
For those intrigued by the journey of this 28-year-old visionary millionaire, read on to discover the remarkable tale of how he ascended to stardom, overcoming a lack of formal music training.
Early Life:
Tyler Gregory Okonma, or Tyler, The Creator, hails from a large family, comprising five siblings. Raised single-handedly by his mother, Louisa Van, he was born on 6th March 1991 in Ladera Heights, California. The absence of his father, Walter Whitman, didn’t perturb or intrigue him.
Throughout his education, Tyler attended 12 different schools, constantly shifting between locations in Los Angeles and Sacramento. From the tender age of seven, he displayed a fervent passion for music, envisioning himself on stage, introducing the world to his unique compositions. Over time, he honed his skills as a pianist, cultivating an exceptional talent.
Despite his ardor for music, Tyler faced a challenging path to pursuing his dreams, laboring at establishments such as FedEx and Starbucks to support his aspirations.
Music Career:
Tyler the Creator’s musical journey commenced when he released his debut mixtape, ‘Bastard,’ in 2009, rapidly garnering popularity and securing him a record deal with XL Recordings. The following year witnessed the release of his album ‘Goblin,’ which received glowing reviews, resulting in heightened demand for shows and concerts.
His meteoric rise to fame led to coveted appearances and features on esteemed shows such as ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’ and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ in 2011. During the same year, Tyler founded his own hip-hop group, ‘Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All’ or ‘Odd Future,’ alongside nine other emerging artists.
The tracks “Yonkers” and “She” from Tyler’s debut studio album, ‘Goblin,’ became his first major mainstream hits, earning him respect and a dedicated fan base. Subsequently, ‘Odd Future’ produced a television comedy series titled ‘Loiter Squad,’ which aired on Adult Swim, further solidifying Tyler’s presence as an actor.
In addition to his success as an actor, Tyler continued to thrive in the music industry, collaborating with illustrious artists like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. He announced the release of his third album, ‘Cherry Bomb,’ under the labels ‘Odd Future Records,’ Sony Music Entertainment, and RED Distribution, solidifying his standing as a multi-talented artist.
Notably, Tyler’s fifth studio album, ‘Igor,’ soared to the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, earning him a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Personal Life:
In 2018, Tyler, the Creator was rumored to be in a relationship with Jaden Smith, a claim confirmed by Jaden himself at Tyler’s annual Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Some of Tyler’s songs, such as “Flower Boy” and “I Ain’t Got Time!,” hinted at his own exploration of same-sex relationships and attractions.
The artist identifies as an atheist, openly expressing his beliefs through his mixtapes ‘Bastard’ and ‘Goblin.’
Achievements and Awards:
Tyler, the Creator’s illustrious career has led to numerous accolades and awards. He won Best New Artist and received nominations for Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. In 2011, he was bestowed with the Rookie of the Year Award at the MTV2 Sucker Free Awards. Notably, in 2013, Tyler garnered a Grammy Awards nomination for Album of the Year.
Tyler the Creator Net Worth:
As one of the most exceptional hip-hop artists, Tyler’s current net worth is estimated at a staggering $16 million, a testament to his dedication and hard work in reaching the pinnacle of the music industry. In addition to his music and endorsement earnings, Tyler ventured into entrepreneurship, launching his own clothing line, GOLF WANG, catering to vibrant hip-hop, streetwear, and skateboarding accessories.