Long before Tyler, The Creator became one of hip-hop’s most influential artists, he was already thinking differently from the rest of the industry.
During the early rise of Odd Future, Tyler’s name started moving fast. The breakout success of “Yonkers” made him impossible to ignore, while the group’s chaotic energy and DIY approach turned them into one of the most talked-about movements in rap. But even as major labels, executives, and industry figures began paying attention, Tyler says he was more focused on protecting his creative freedom than chasing the traditional image of music success.
In a recent conversation with DJ Drama, Tyler looked back on a key moment from that period. He explained that his remix of N.E.R.D’s “Inside Of Clouds” helped put him on Pharrell Williams’ radar, opening the door to a wider industry audience.
Not long after, Tyler recalled being invited with members of Odd Future to Jay-Z’s Los Angeles home. For many young artists, that kind of meeting could have felt like the beginning of a major label dream. For Tyler, it became a moment to decide what kind of career he actually wanted.
“I just want creative control and do everything,” Tyler remembered telling Jay-Z. “I love your work. Everyone’s cool. But I don’t think you guys have what I have and could help me get to what I truly want.”
He continued by explaining that he was not interested in the polished version of success often sold to artists.
“Not what we think we’re supposed to have as musicians, the shiny plane. I don’t want that. Right now, I just want to sit on Photoshop and make these weird beats, and then I’ll get there.”
The comments offer a clear reminder of what has defined Tyler’s career from the beginning. From his visuals and album rollouts to his production and fashion direction, Tyler has always treated control as part of the art itself.
Elsewhere in the conversation, Tyler also spoke about how online rap debates have changed. He criticized the way fans argue over rankings, “Mount Rushmore” lists, and forced consensus instead of simply enjoying the music they connect with.
“I rather hear people talk about the s*** they like,” he said. “Who gives a f***? People really be arguing like, ‘How dare you not put so-and-so on your Mount Rushmore?’ Go get a f***ing hobby.”
Tyler then took aim at the culture of hip-hop Twitter, saying, “It truly blows my mind. It’s like, cool, hip-hop Twitter ran by 16-year-old white kid who didn’t even grow up on rap, do your thing.”
For Tyler, The Creator, the message seems consistent. He never built his career by following the industry’s expected route, and he still does not seem interested in letting public opinion define his place in rap.