Tyler the Creator Calls Out Current Artists Over “meme records” in a Hilarious Rant

Published 08/14/2024, 12:29 AM EDT

No matter the ups and downs of the music industry, one constant is change. While established artists may maintain their status year after year, new talents continuously emerge with their sights set on the same goals as their predecessors. The music industry's evolution is evident across its various sectors, witnessing the rise and fall of many artists throughout its long history. However, Tyler the Creator, a veteran in the rap world, has recently critiqued the trendy records that supplement pop culture to highlight the influx of contemporary new artists.

The West Coast rapper, who has seen his fair share of rollercoaster rides in the industry, launched a comical tirade against these modern counterparts.

Tyler the Creator is not impressed with trend-driven records of current artists

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tyler the Creator recently appeared on the Spring Hill podcast to discuss internet culture and its influence on trend-driven music, dominated by current artists who exploit social media trends as a shortcut to success. Reflecting on his passion for rap as an art form, he described some contemporary rappers as not truly musicians but as those who blend in with genuine artists through an endless stream of what he refers to as "meme records."

Tyler the Creator criticized artists for turning music into a commercial endeavor where releases focus more on making money than creativity. He likened these artists to the iconic Spider-Man meme, where three Spider-Men point at each other, suggesting they all share the same traits of commercialism rather than genuine talent. While Tyler maintained a humorous tone, he was serious in his criticism of publications that promote these artists, condemning how this coverage sidelines and pushes the envelope for deserving artists like himself.

Fans React to a Resurfaced Video of Tyler, the Creator Vibing Hard to Kanye West’s Performance of Runaway

Although Tyler the Creator has been outspoken in his criticism of current artists, he has consistently supported those who champion him, particularly Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Jay-Z.

When Tyler the Creator spoke highly of Ye and Jay-Z

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Tyler the Creator is no newcomer to the record industry, and his experiences do not align with the current trend of "meme records." Instead, his extensive career in hip-hop has seen him collaborate with major figures in rap, like Ye and Jay-Z, who are influential in the world of rap. Despite his visible critique of today's rappers and their approach to music, his connections with these legends reflect the old-school camaraderie in music, a theme also highlighted in Pharrell Williams' book, Carbon: Pressure and Time.

Tyler the Creator expressed his deep gratitude, calling Ye and Jay-Z his "cheerleaders" who played a significant role in shaping his career. Ye, in particular, mentored the West Coast rapper extensively, just as he has with other artists like Travis Scott. While his acknowledgment of their support highlights how their guidance helped him reach his full potential, his latest criticism of current rappers signals a troubling future for the music industry.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Kanye West Graces Charlie Wilson’s Hollywood Walk of Fame With Tyler The Creator in Typical Ye Attire

What do you think of Tyler the Creator's hilarious rant about contemporary rappers? Let us know in the comments below!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Anushka Bhattacharya

1105 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK