The Lesser Known Catalog of Tyler Okonma
From fashion to Christmas albums, and always striking gold
NOTE: This is an archive article, originally written for Instagram (@mercersmusic) on February 29th, 2024. It has been left largely unedited for further exploration.
Tyler Okonma, aka Tyler, The Creator hails from Hawthorne, California and is one of my personal favorite artists. Whether it’s within rapping, fashion, comedy sketches, producing, singing, etc he has continued to push the boundaries and became one of the biggest creatives in the world. I was, admittedly, late to the game and did not follow Tyler until late Cherry Bomb era, not falling in love with his work until Flower Boy. I had many friends who were obsessed with Odd Future - you know the ones with the donut lettering on the skate boards - but I’ve only tried skating twice and both times I ended up horizontal so I naively left OF for them. Even though it was late, joining him on his journey, witnessing his evolution as both an individual and an innovator, has been a special experience, and I’m eager to share some of his work today. While Tyler will surely get more in-depth conversations across mercersmusic in the future, today I want to share some of his less renown work from the past couple of years. These typically aren’t on Spotify and require a little work to enjoy, like most good things in life.
The Holy Grail of Snippets
Mid quarantine, Tyler dropped this video from Powder Mountain Utah and I can’t tell you the amount of times I replayed it that first day/week/month/year after hearing it. Even as I return to it, I wish to be snowed into that studio, take in his process, and then visit the ski lodge that evening for a fireside chat.
The Beauty of an Album Rollout
For me, the album rollout is a lost art. It can elevate an appreciable auditory experience and help turn it into a cultural standout. During the rollout of “Call Me If You Get Lost”, Tyler launched into his new era as Tyler Bauledelaire with the assistance of a telephone hotline, +1 855-444-8888. In the three weeks leading up to the album release, 5 different audio tracks played when the number was called; three of these eventually accompanied the album, one of these was never released, and one was purely a speaking track. The one that was never released has been dubbed by fans as “Number Number” and is one of those snippets that I love to go back to and reminisce on calling that hotline each day waiting for the next track to drop.
Getting Creative At Christmas
I will never turn down when an artist tries their hand at Christmas music. It only adds to what is my most treasured season of the year, and typically serves as a diversion from the musician’s traditional style. Tyler did some work on the 2018 adaptation of The Grinch and I think it is just a fun rendition. It’s not gonna knock your socks off musically, but something that brings me joy. Tyler also released an EP with some music inspired by The Grinch. Give it a listen around the Holidays.
Further Cementing Tyler’s Spot in High Fashion Anthem
Tyler’s work for the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall-Winter 2022 Collection showed not only his ability to transcend industries, but to do it at the highest level. This was the last of Virgil Abloh’s creative work and I think Tyler’s score “The Sunseekers” (arranged by Arthur Verocai, played by Chineke! Orchestra, and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel) honored Virgil with it’s explorative nature, while also emitting elegance. Big congratulations in order, as he also just announced his first collaboration with LV due in late March.
Some of my best friends and I in Vondelpark relaxing and listening to music - I was listening to The Sunseekers. This second photo is one of my views that day when I took a walk while listening to it - I implore you to take a walk in nature while listening to this. Let me know when you do.
Spread Love!
- Mercer