Tyler The Creator

in conversation with Malcolm-Aimé Musoni

Malcolm-Aimé: Fame is one thing. Success is another and money is something else. But, happiness and being content are what this is all about. Are you happy and content?

Tyler The Creator: I am a very happy man, sun is shining heavy. No complaints on this side. Never content tho, it’s always more to be enamored with. 

‘IGOR’ is the album that got you the critical acclimation you have wanted. You got the #1 album, you got the Grammy. What does a post IGOR world look like for you creatively? 

Shit I honestly don't know, whatever I feel at the moment like with everything. 

‘IGOR’ was super super personal, I have cried to that album several times. Do you regret being that open about love and heartbreak…specifically unrequited love?

Nah, why would I regret it? Nothing bad came from it, plus im not ashamed or anything, it was a moment that made for great times and overall a fucking amazing album! I think you’re projecting! 

Did winning the Grammy and getting the #1 album feel as good as you thought it would be? I think often times as creatives we pine after these things and we get them and its like…fuck this is nice but damn this is anticlimactic as fuck!

I hate the term “creative” to describe a person and I’m not sure why. But, winning that grammy was awesome, it was something I’ve always wanted and finally got. For that album to reach that side of the music world was a feat in itself. I had the pick in my hair on stage and my mom and Jasper was there. That accolade and recognition made people also realize, “Oh he’s been doing this shit for a while,” which will make a few people dig and check out other shit. I  love that. plus my performance was FLAME! 

As an artist who can directly communicate to your fans via Twitter, IG, your finsta and your carnival, is there any appeal in talking to the media anymore?  I appreciate you doing this btw

It depends because certain outlets allow for certain questions to be answered and for certain eyes to see those answers. So depending on what I’m working on or what the end goal is for awareness, I’ll choose from there. And I honestly don’t know why I did this, but I do know this opened the door for everyone thinking they can get an interview now. NOPE! 

A lot of artists go back and develop talent, is that something you want to do now that you’re pretty much seasoned in the industry? Is there a future to where you’re signing niggas in the way that like Beyoncé signed Chloe x Halle onto Parkwood and now they are stars in their own right?

Nah, I never want to be responsible for someone else's career. I’ll give advice to the younger guys who needs it but, the idea of having my own label or something isn't the move for me, personally. But fuck imagine if i did, all the different genres and the awesome jackets and chains everyone would get. damn.....

Can you cook, if so, what you be cooking?

Steak. Lil maple syrup on it while it simmers. Chefs kiss. I can also make broccoli. I know you read that and said “nigga that is just water in a pot.”  You are correct. Quarantine sucked cause I’d rather pay someone to make exactly what I want. I don’t know how to make food with love, I can only make it with “nigga I gotta eat something.”  The kitchen isn’t my thing cause I keep trying to put brown sugar and syrup on everything, but someone could say that about my music which has worked thus far. 

What are some songs/albums that have been in heavy rotation for you?

“Cherry Pie” by Buju Banton has been on repeat for 5 days. I NEEDED this song. ‘We Paid’ by Lil baby and 42 dugg is rap music. I fucking LOVE it. Los retros new album is fucking amazing! 

Are you aware of the impact you have, specifically on black kids? I was a teen in Iowa feeling so inspired by you and Odd Future creatively. The idea that you can literally do some shit if you do it and utilize the internet and your friends the right way. 

I would be lying if i said i didn't see it more and more as i've gotten older. But man, I’m just happy to see lil black kids being free. Not following the “rules” or following paths that was around when I was growing up. It's so beautiful to just see them exist. Whether or not it stems from what we did, I just love seeing it. 

Is there any way your life has changed because of the pandemic? You’re up early always, you bike a lot. What has changed, if anything? 

Aside from traveling and being a thot, it's kinda the same. Certain things like clothing and shows get pushed back and canceled but overall man I've been well. Healthy, biking, picnics, I'm grateful that I can say it's been pretty awesome. i haven't been productive at all but i like it a bit. 

Would you mind literally telling me anything at all about ‘Are We Still Friends’ or the making or any background info? 

Jack White plays guitar on the bridge but he didn't want to be credited because I mixed it so low. 

Fashion wise..what is next? You were ahead of the game with your approach to merch and pop-up shops..where are you taking it next? Would you want to style a TV show or movie?

You’ll see. 

We are almost 10 years away from this tweet. I’ve thought about it almost every day since. You’re just 3 years away from that. Any thoughts?

I dont think he had any malicious intent when he said it, but I still was like, “WHAT NIGGA?” when he said it. I feed off of people saying I can't do anything, especially when I know I'm better than them at whatever they’re referring to. With that said, that first BEP album was the album I was writing my raps to when I was 7 years old. He mixed jazz and rap together so well, but the hooks and structure had pop footprints to it. Will.i.am going into pop down the line makes sense if you paid attention. 

Camp Flog Gnaw 2020? 😬

🤡