Tyler Okonmam, more commonly known as Tyler, The Creator, is a multi-award-winning rapper and producer. Originally born in California, he’s known not only for his music but his ‘I don’t give a f**k’ attitude and meme-ability, for lack of a better term.
My friend, for one, is obsessed with Tyler, The Creator, and quotes him regularly, always ready to list off the best Tyler, The Creator songs. Tyler, The Creator is somewhat of an eccentric artist, always looking for a different angle to approach his music.
He originally started writing horrorcore, which is a genre based on, you guessed it, the horror genre as a whole. Emphasizing violence and graphic imagery, much like a horror novel or film would, Tyler, The Creator explored the rap subgenre at the beginning of his career.
With the beginning of exposure, Tyler, The Creator faced criticism and queries about whether his work was too graphic, including transgressive lyrics, embodying the true foundation of why rock’n’roll began – shock value – except it was in rap music.
The new introduction of horrorcore served Tyler, The Creator well, as he gained traction and was known by a group of the general public. Even when he strayed from that genre in later releases, he always sticks to the alternative side, or the road least taken, rather. When he drifted to an alternative hip-hop sound, he sought out melodic and jazz-infused instrumentals.
Even as a young child, he would design CD covers for his own imaginary albums, before he could even make music. Later on, his debut mixtape was produced by himself. It was a horrorcore release, which got him banned in the United Kingdom for five years.
And that grabbed people’s attention, garnering their interest for when he released his debut record, featuring the same genre. From there, he bloomed. And his music is popular for good reason – in the way that Eminem is popular, Tyler, The Creator’s shock value was effective and grabbed people’s attention.
From there, he developed as an artist and a musician in front of a dedicated, loving platform. It’s an incredibly intelligent evolution on the Creator’s part, adding another layer to the entity that is Tyler, The Creator.
With that in mind, I wanted to go through his discography, as objectively as possible, acknowledging and understanding why his lyrics are the way they are in the beginning, before finding the other sides of Tyler, The Creator as an artist. Consulting lists from Live365, American Songwriter, District Magazine, and OkayPlayer, I’ve compiled 30 of the best Tyler, The Creator songs.
Below are my recommendations for the best Tyler, The Creator songs.
- “A BOY IS A GUN*” (2019)
- “Answer” (2013)
- “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” (2019)
- “Blow My Load” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Wanya Morris, Dam-Funk, Syd & Austin Feinstein)
- “Boredom” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Rex Orange County & Anna of the North)
- “Colossus” (2013)
- “Come On, Let’s Go” (2022) – Tyler, The Creator & Nigo
- “EARFQUAKE” (2019)
- “FIND YOUR WINGS” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Roy Ayers, Syd & Kali Uchis)
- “Garden Shed” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Estelle)
- “GONE, GONE / THANK YOU” (2019)
- “I Think” (2019) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Solange)
- “IFHY” (2013) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Pharrell)
- “NEW MAGIC WAND” (2019)
- “November” (2017)
- “OKAGA, CA” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Alice Smith, Clem Creevy & Leon Ware)
- “PartyIsntOver/Campfire/Bimmer” (2013) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean & Laetitia Sadier)
- “Potato Salad” (2018) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. A$AP Rocky)
- “Sandwitches” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator & Hodgy
- “See You Again” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Kali Uchis)
- “She” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean)
- “SMUCKERS” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Lil Wayne & Kanye West)
- “SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE” (2021)
- “VCR/WHEELS” (2009)
- “WHAT’S GOOD” (2019)
- “Wilshire” (2021)
- “WUSYANAME” (2021) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign
- “Yonkers” (2011)
- “2SEATER” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Aaron Shaw, Austin Feinstein & Samantha Nelson)
- “911/Mr. Lonely” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy)
1. “A BOY IS A GUN*” (2019)
I love the juxtaposition of this song – it sounds like a rather lyrically dark song, but the smooth, backbeat keeps it from getting too dark. The added sound effects are a nice touch, with simple sympathisers and beautiful female backing vocals.
2. “Answer” (2013)
The emotions are this track are so prevalent, and that’s the main reason I think it’s as good as it is. Tyler, The Creator writes about a one-way conversation with himself about his father. The slow, rock instrumentals of this track complement the lyrics perfectly.
3. “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?” (2019)
I love Tyler, The Creator’s ability to create slow, sensual songs, and make them different each and every time. The jazz influence in this track is particularly evident, accompanied by heavy synthesiser use.
4. “Blow My Load” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Wanya Morris, Dam-Funk, Syd & Austin Feinstein)
As the title of the track suggests, it’s a rather sexual song, but again, with Tyler, The Creator’s ability to create, slow sensual songs and make them sound different every time. This song is emphasised by harmonies and multiple different vocal tracks throughout.
5. “Boredom” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Rex Orange County & Anna of the North)
The slow, indie side of this song is really intriguing, and something quite refreshing for Tyler, The Creator. Yet it still feels like Tyler, The Creator song due to its eccentricity and signature use of eclectic synthesisers. I love a slow, yet still somewhat upbeat backbeat, and this song definitely has it.
6. “Colossus” (2013)
I love the dialogue that Tyler, The Creator creates about being idolised and having fans. Often, as fans, we only see one side of everything – whereas Tyler, The Creator describes what it’s like to be on the receiving side. The focus of this song, without a doubt, is the lyrics and “Colossus” stands out as one of the best Tyler, The Creator songs because of them.
7. “Come On, Let’s Go” (2022) – Tyler, The Creator & Nigo
Looking into different rapping aesthetics, Tyler, The Creator collaborates with Nigo on “Come On, Let’s Go.” I would argue this is one of the more ‘radio-friendly Tyler, The Creator songs – sonically, it holds similar attributes to the songs that are currently popular. It shows off Tyler, The Creator’s ability to explore different styles.
8. “EARFQUAKE” (2019)
Up there as one of the most recognisable Tyler, The Creator songs, “EARFQUAKE” is a really fun track. I find the way that the vocals are manipulated to be incredibly interesting. Ultimately, it’s a love song about admitting wrongs, and the impact of one’s love. And a really good one, at that.
9. “FIND YOUR WINGS” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Roy Ayers, Syd & Kali Uchis)
I love the use of the horns in this song, channelling a jazzy aspect to the track. It’s fused incredibly nicely with synthesisers, each instrument diligently placed to flow, without being jarring. There are few lyrics to the song, that only kick in halfway through the song, but the harmonies are beautiful.
10. “Garden Shed” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Estelle)
Indie guitars are used in this track to counterbalance some jazz fluidity. Then, there’s an introduction to classic-rock style notes, before a backbeat is established. The song is incredibly complex and interesting. I couldn’t predict where this track where this track was going, and that is rare.
11. “GONE, GONE / THANK YOU” (2019)
An unsurprisingly eccentric song, the vocals heavily manipulated, an acoustic guitar set over some sort of wooden bongo, and a choir in the background. I think it’s a perfect representation of who Tyler, The Creator is as an artist. Oh, and that’s only the first minute and a half of a six-minute song.
12. “I Think” (2019) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Solange)
The opening beat and instrumentals deserve an entire blog post, if I’m honest. And the way the song is constructed shows a creative and innovative side to Tyler, The Creator a lot of modern musicians don’t have.
13. “IFHY” (2013) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Pharrell)
“IFHY” is a slower song from Tyler, The Creator, but there’s an essence of anger that was prevalent in a lot of his earlier discography. The push and pull of a toxic relationship is portrayed quite eloquently throughout the track, with Tyler, The Creator using a set of words in the bridge to bring shock value to the song. It’s well-thought-out.
14. “NEW MAGIC WAND” (2019)
Arguably one of his most famous songs, “NEW MAGIC WAND” is incredibly all-consuming. I always feel like all of my senses are overtaken by the dark, intensity of the bass and synths when this song starts playing. As if my brain short-circuits and all I can do is sit and listen.
15. “November” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator
“November” is a smoother song, tapping into the female harmonies and backing vocals he likes to use, while still adding dynamic beats throughout the track. Tyler, The Creator likes to build elements into his songs, and he always seems to add pieces that you wouldn’t think fit, but do.
16. “OKAGA, CA” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Alice Smith, Clem Creevy & Leon Ware)
The same comments I made about “November” apply to “OKAGA, CA” as well. I love the softer, more tranquil side of Tyler, The Creator because he still manages to add and develop a track without turning it into something other than a soft song. There’s always new elements, new pieces, new sounds. This track is so far from ‘one note.’
17. “PartyIsntOver/Campfire/Bimmer” (2013) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean & Laetitia Sadier)
Three songs in one could be considered controversial, but not for the reasons you think. You can’t skip to the song you want to listen to without memorising the time stamps and doing it yourself, as well as the sheer length of the track, clocking in at seven minutes. That being said, it shows the diversity, range and creativity of Tyler, The Creator.
18. “Potato Salad” (2018) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. A$AP Rocky)
I find the title of this song quite amusing, as well as the intro, and in certain parts, the lyrics. It’s an easy song to sit back and enjoy, adding a beat that keeps you entertained without needing to be too ‘hyped’ to listen to. It feels like a bit of an outlier on Tyler, The Creator’s discography sonically – but the eccentricity of the lyrics is completely him.
19. “Sandwitches” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator & Hodgy
From early on in Tyler, The Creator’s career, it’s an eerie song. It taps into that horrorcore side of Tyler, The Creator that got people hooked on his music. His lyrics lean incredibly far into shock value, embodying the meaning of horrorcore and the visual horrific descriptions that are used in the genre.
20. “See You Again” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Kali Uchis)
There’s a storyline within the song, which is a songwriting technique that I always enjoy, particularly in Kali Uchis’ verse. It adds a level of complexity to the lyrics that some artists don’t employ. I really like the switch-up in instrumentals in this song that Tyler, The Creator uses occasionally in other tracks – it keeps the track interesting and engaging.
21. “She” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean)
2011 Tyler, The Creator was somewhat similar to Eminem – and before you crucify me for saying that, listen – in the shock value, using nude bodily imagery to stun the listener, and causes them to listen out of curiosity. It’s also interesting to see how Tyler, The Creator softens throughout this track – slowly shedding this tough exterior (using crude language, taking the attention off of him and rather his words) before using sweet language referring to a woman he’s trying to impress. All in all – very interesting song.
22. “SMUCKERS” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Lil Wayne & Kanye West)
I’m reluctant to write about anything involving Kanye, but… early Kanye was good Kanye. So, I’ll make an exception. It’s a good balance between Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne – no one feels left out, and no one overpowers another. It feels like a collaboration, rather than two artists featuring on a Tyler, The Creator track.
23. “SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE” (2021) – Tyler, The Creator
“Sweet” is a very different sound from the “I Thought You Wanted To Dance” part of the song, smooth R&B guiding you through the first half of the song. Next Tyler, The Creator sidesteps into the use of reggae rhythms and percussion in this song. Sometimes, it can feel cheesy, or cliche, but I find the rhythms and percussion well-integrated with Tyler, The Creator’s ‘construction’ of songs.
24. “VCR” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator
This track definitely straddles the line of shock value – and straight up, fucked up. Excuse my language. But I can appreciate the… artistic side of the lyrics and the sense of again, wanting to shock people and grab their attention, and make them pay attention to the music. And the ending – is what turns this song around. I won’t spoil it for you. The song is constructed, unsurprisingly, very well.
25. “WHAT’S GOOD” (2019) – Tyler, The Creator
The old-school essence fused with modern techniques in this song is incredibly enjoyable, and of course, very Tyler, The Creator. The old-school essence comes from the backbeat that keeps you engaged throughout this entire song, and the second half’s synth rhythms that mimic modern music.
26. “Wilshire” (2021) – Tyler, The Creator
“Wilshire” is one of those slow, romantic, sweet songs that Tyler, The Creator occasionally creates. The gentle essence of the song compliments the wavy synths and the spoken word-similar, smooth flow of the song. I really enjoy the newer side of Tyler, The Creator. He reveals more of himself with each and every song, juxtaposing the horrorcore-shock value rap he started on.
27. “WUSYANAME” (2021) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign
The slow, 90s essence of the song is something that makes me nostalgic. And I love the addition of the modern, higher-pitched rapping style on something that is inherently classic, with the smooth, soulful backing vocals and sensual instruments that feel straight out of the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s another collaboration that feels like a collab, rather than just a Tyler, The Creator song, but he shines in his own way.
28. “Yonkers” (2011) – Tyler, The Creator
Sometimes it’s interesting contrast to see the beginning of Tyler, The Creator’s career and his career now. Listening to the differences lyrically, stylistically, melodically… it’s fun to impact. This was one of the songs that made Tyler, The Creator incredibly popular. It’s industrial, horrorcore nature still remains horrifyingly interesting.
29. “2SEATER” (2015) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Aaron Shaw, Austin Feinstein & Samantha Nelson)
A diverse discography is always something that differentiates performers and artists. Obviously, I think Tyler, The Creator is an example of this. I love the use of saxophones in this song, a jazz influence, and pianos, before tapping into classical music, using strings along with the saxophone. It’s unexpected – but it’s incredibly fascinating how Tyler, The Creator constructed this song, with so many different elements and genres, while maintaining cohesiveness in the song itself.
30. “911/Mr. Lonely” (2017) – Tyler, The Creator (feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy)
It’s safe to say Frank Ocean and Tyler, The Creator know how to make a good song together. This smooth, laid-back track uses wavy, distorted synth, Tyler, The Creator’s flow in his verse is undeniable and incredibly enjoyable. Frank Ocean’s smooth vocals throughout the chorus of the track add a bit of ‘push and pull’ between the intensity of the song. You can’t go wrong with this song.
FAQs
What was Tyler, The Creator’s biggest hit?
Tyler, The Creator’s biggest hit was originally thought to be “NEW MAGIC WAND” released in 2019. But, according to Spotify streams, Tyler, The Creator’s biggest hit is “EARFQUAKE” with over 800 million listens. Both are tracks off Tyler, The Creator’s IGOR.
What was Tyler, The Creator’s first famous song?
Off Tyler, The Creator’s first record, Goblin, “Yonkers” was featured as track number __. Due to its horrorcore genre influences, it received high praise and became Tyler, The Creator’s first famous song.
How much did IGOR sell the first week?
IGOR is arguably Tyler, The Creator’s most recognizable album in modern days. The record debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 in 2019. With over 165,000 units sold, IGOR was a highly successful release for Tyler, The Creator.