27 Best Tyler the Creator Songs

Since the early 2010s, Tyler Okonma – better known as Tyler the Creator – has been one of the most notable names in music. From nationwide bans to the Grammys, people just can’t keep their eyes off the California rapper.

If you’ve been looking into Tyler’s music, we’re here to help. Read on for a list of some of the best Tyler the Creator songs ever.

1. Yonkers

Song year: 2011

To start, one has to give respect to the song that launched Tyler into the limelight, to begin with. Back in 2011, Yonkers took the world by absolute storm. With a catchy earworm of a song, one of the biggest talking points of the song was undoubtedly the music video.

At the end of the first verse, Tyler infamously eats a cockroach that had been crawling over his hand throughout the video. The act would help catapult the video – and the song – into the mainstream with viral fame.

Of course, the song itself is fantastic and more than just a roach being eaten. The lyrics take shots at former friends, music critics that were panning Odd Future’s earlier music, and more.

2. Tron Cat (2011)

Song year: 2011

Moving onto a few more songs on the same album, we have one of the more controversial tracks lyrically. “Tron Cat” is an exceptionally violent song with every line having intense depictions of violence. It’s one of the many tracks that branded Tyler as a controversial figure in his early days, specifically for the way that women are discussed in the track.

That said, it – and the rest of the tracks like this – are all conceptual. The song is told from the point of view of an “alternate persona” named Tron Cat. Like the therapist in the song, “Doctor TC,” both share the initials of Tyler the Creator.

3. She

Song year: 2011

“She” is a more “romantic” song compared to the rest of Goblin, the album these first four songs come from. Next to Yonkers, this is arguably the most popular track from the album. Featuring Frank Ocean, a fellow member of Odd Future and a well-known singer-songwriter, “She” tells the story of a man stalking down a lonely woman in hopes of “keeping her company.”

It’s an unnerving track that contributes to the concept of the album, mixing an eerie instrumental with Ocean’s pleasant voice. The narrator rambles about how often they think of the woman in the song, threatening violence if she turns him away. While these themes were responsible for much of Tyler’s early controversy, the track remains a favorite among old-school fans.

4. Analog

Song year: 2011

Our final song from Tyler’s first album, “Analog,” is a song that many consider divisive. Tyler himself on a later album states that fans of the song are tired of him wrapping about violence, while the other half of his audience despises songs like “Analog.”

Free of violence, Analog holds romantic and sexual themes instead. Singing about wanting the object of his desire to have a date near the lake with him, the narrator fantasizes about fighting off anyone who comes near her.

Instrumentally, it’s a much brighter and funkier song than the rest of the album. Though it proves divisive for some, having a track that focuses on happier, loving themes on an otherwise dark album is a welcome respite.

5. Jamba

Song year: 2013

Moving to Tyler’s second album, “Jamba” is the first track after the conceptual introduction and titular track, “WOLF.” “Jamba” features Hodgy Beats, a long-time Odd Future member that one can find across much of the discography. Though the two would eventually come to be at odds with each other, many consider Hodgy to be one of the best musicians to come from the group.

“Jamba” helps set a much more aggressive, loud tone than Goblin, holding the energy of excitement that much of Wolf will have. It’s a fantastic song that helps get listeners into a more energetic mood while also helping to introduce several of the concepts that follow-through from Goblin over to Tyler’s third album.

6. Domo23

Song year: 2013

“Domo23” is another song off of Wolf and a fan favorite for its comical, ridiculous presentation. The music video especially has a bizarre energy to it, showing Tyler as a luchador fighting off fellow Odd Future member Domo Genesis while Earl Sweatshirt serves as their referee. It’s an exceptionally silly song, but also one of the hardest tracks on the album without question.

Tyler addresses the many controversies accusing him of being a homophobe, mostly about his use of homophobic slurs. He reminds everyone that his response to the allegations was to film himself kissing a close male friend shortly before declaring “no homo.” While one of the sillier songs, “Domo23” is also among the most popular on the album.

7. Answer

Song year: 2013

Switching from a silly song to one of the more serious, somber tracks in Tyler’s discography, “Answer” brings a sad acoustic guitar and drums to what practically becomes a ballad. “Answer” sees the return of the theme of Tyler’s relationship – or lack of relationship – with an absentee father that abandoned him and his mother.

The song twists a few bittersweet feelings, talking about how Tyler wants to have just a single conversation with his father. His reasoning shifts between hating him and wanting to tell him how much better he did without him. Stating he’s changing his last name away from his father’s, he applauds his close family friend Clancy for being a true father to him.

In the end, Tyler acknowledges that regardless of the hatred, he still hopes his father picks up if he were to call. Switching in the last verse, the song changes to the narrator hoping that the girl he has feelings for answers him as well. It’s a quiet, heartfelt track that stands as one of the brightest moments in Tyler’s discography.

8. 48

Song year: 2013

“48” is another track that brings an air of seriousness to Tyler’s music without much humor. Opening with an audio clip of an interview with Nas, the song focuses on a crack dealer ruminating on how his career has ruined the lives of innocent people.

Conceptually, the song focuses on the album’s character Sam and how being a drug dealer has added unexpected stress to his life. Past this, the song serves as a strong condemnation of drug use and the need to help people that are addicted.

Emphasizing how drug use encourages further crime and violence, Nas’s voice clips discuss how drug dealers can become addicted to their job. He states that even past the money and other “perks,” dealers sometimes feel as if they’d be letting people down if they stopped. It’s a strong, somber track that serves as a heartfelt warning.

9. Colossus

Song year: 2013

Many consider “Colossus” to be Tyler’s version of Eminem’s famous track “Stan.” The song is told from Tyler’s point of view as he visits the Six Flags theme park, soon being greeted by six fans. The fans ask for a picture, to which the narrator declines so that he can go on and enjoy his evening instead of having to hassle with fame’s side effects.

One of the fans begins to go on and on about how great of a fan he is and everything Tyler helped him through. The fan talks about how his upbringing was similar to Tyler’s, being conceived accidentally by a mother and a father that left before he was born. As the fan listened to Tyler’s music, he thought the rapper was speaking to him, quickly becoming obsessed.

As the song goes on, the narrator goes so far as to say that he would change his sexuality if it meant being with Tyler. Unnerved and somewhat disgusted, Tyler takes a picture with the fan so that he can get out of the obsessive situation as soon as possible.

10. Tamale

Song year: 2013

Ending the section of songs from Wolf with another silly fan favorite, Tamale is an energetic, somewhat ridiculous song. It serves as an excellent mental reset after several heavy, emotional tracks. The music video that pairs with “Tamale” is especially obscene, showcasing the bizarre attitude that Tyler brings to even his darkest albums.

Condemning anyone who says that Tyler’s music has gone downhill, the lyrics range between obscene extremes. Going from criticizing critics to declaring he’s going to suplex someone’s sister off of a building, it’s a ridiculous track with an addictive hook and a catchy instrumental.

11. DEATHCAMP

Song year: 2015

Cherry Bomb is an album that turned many away from Tyler the Creator, but this is far from true for all fans. While it’s a bit divisive, the album as a whole has some of the loudest, most energetic songs that Tyler has ever released. “DEATHCAMP” is one of the many boisterous, intense songs.

Focusing on the effects of fame, Tyler talks about trying to pair having to play by fame’s rules with his typically rebellious personality. Annoyed that he can’t wear a hat wherever he wants, he begins asking for cameras and lights to be turned away. In closing, he welcomes fans to his “death camp” of fame, high-pitched voices shouting for “Lights, camera, action” behind him.

12. CHERRY BOMB

Song year: 2015

The titular track for the album, it – like the rest of Cherry Bomb – was recorded in Tyler’s home and produced entirely by him. Bringing loud, boisterous instrumentals, “Cherry Bomb” is an explosive track with an energy that’s impossible to deny.

As a drum beat and distorted guitar slowly introduces the song, Tyler mumbles in the background that he only made the song for live performance. Confirmed later on Twitter, the song is mostly devoid of meaning and serves as a strong stage show with its incredible energy and booming instrumentation.

With lyrics that are downright unintelligible beneath the loud beat, the song holds confrontational energy to it. For the hook, Tyler gives a brief, vague instruction hinting toward suicide by hanging, followed by a distorted scream.

13. SMUCKERS

Song year: 2015

The third track off of Cherry Bomb is star-studded, helping show how popular Tyler had become to bring names like Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne onto a track with him. When the album’s tracklist was first released, “SMUCKERS” was one of the most hyped songs just for the roster of rappers.

In an interview, Tyler discusses making the song in 2011 for Jay Z and Ye before taking it back out of a fondness for the horns and jazz influences. Eventually sending it to Lil’ Wayne and getting a verse back from the musician, Tyler discusses being moved to tears at having Wayne send a verse back, the song quickly becoming one of the most popular on the album.

14. Where This Flower Blooms

Song year: 2017

Flower Boy – Tyler’s fourth studio album and fifth if one counts Bastard – signaled a strong shift in sound for the artist. Though Tyler was undoubtedly popular before now, the album brought a massive surge of fans for a more approachable sound. Most of the album is devoid of the violence that Tyler used to use lyrically as well, helping make it less controversial.

With a quieter, more subdued sound (especially in comparison to Cherry Bomb), Tyler has described the album as a conceptual car ride, complete with voice lines from a fictional radio show.

“Where This Flower Blooms” features long-time collaborator Frank Ocean, bringing his illustrious voice to a relaxing but catchy instrumental and simple hook. One of the many songs on Flower Boy that would become a massive hit, it brings listeners into the concept early on as the second song.

15. Who Dat Boy (2017)

Song year: 2017

In contrast to many of the other songs on Flower Boy, “Who Dat Boy” is a much more intense track. The song would even be at home in some of Tyler’s earlier works, bringing back a bit of the violent lyrics.

Bringing confrontational energy full of flexing, “Who Dat Boy” was one of the first tracks leaked for the album. Referencing Cherry Bomb and the Bostom Marathon Bombing, it’s an intense track with a fantastic feature.

16. See You Again

Song year: 2017

“See You Again” brings the voice of Kali Uchis, an angelic tone to a relaxing and comforting track. Far removed from the more intense themes of “Who Dat Boy,” “See You Again” is more of a love ballad than anything.

Undoubtedly one of the most popular songs Tyler has ever released, many consider it to be his most popular song. Though an incredibly different sound to his earlier tracks, “See You Again” is a track that would introduce thousands of new fans to his music.

17. 911 / Mr. Lonely

Song year: 2017

Another heartfelt track comes from the duo of songs, “911” and “Mr. Lonely.” Recorded as one, the two songs go into each other well. While “911” serves as a danceable beat with sad lyrics, “Mr. Lonely” comes in with a more aggressive beat and angrier lyrics.

The two show the sides to loneliness and boredom as the narrator speaks about his solitude. Wanting for someone to call and ask to spend time with him, both tracks show the same issue with a different vibe.

18. November

Song year: 2017

“November” brings several names to the track, though Tyler remains the main voice. Bringing a voice of nostalgia, the song seemingly recognizes Tyler’s November festival, Camp Flognaw. Discussing stresses and anxieties like fearing his accountant might steal his money, his fame drying up, and forcing him back home.

The song searches for the comfortable feelings of happy memories, asking listeners what their “November” is. Saying his was the summer of 2006, his anxieties return to him pulling his car over out of fear he might crash, trying to calm down. The song ends with a voicemail beginning that hints the next track, Glitter, is entirely a voicemail.

19. Glitter

Song year: 2017

Immediately after “November” on the tracklist comes a song without the fears and anxieties, finishing the primary concept through the album. As the voicemail concept continues, the song serves as a love note to the call’s recipient.

Singing about his love for the other person, the narrator discusses how he feels like glitter whenever they speak. As the song ends, the voicemail ends up not being picked up properly, stopping the song from being delivered.

20. EARFQUAKE

Song year: 2019

Moving to Tyler’s 2019 release, Igor, we have another strong shift in Tyler’s musical style. “EARFQUAKE” serves as one of the most popular tracks from the extremely popular album, setting it apart from some star-studded releases.

With altered vocals and a heartbreaking hook, the song tries frantically to hold onto a failing love. Throughout the album, this concept is repeatedly revisited.

21. NEW MAGIC WAND

Song year: 2019

Another smash hit from Igor, “NEW MAGIC WAND” has a darker energy to it than many of the other songs. With a title that seems to refer to a gun, the song mentions needing to make their former lover’s new partner disappear. Begging them not to leave, the song becomes more and more aggressive with every line.

22. I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE

Song year: 2019

With a song title that says almost everything there is to say, the song helps close out the concept of the album. Though the lyrics seem to insist that the narrator isn’t in love with the object of their desire anymore, it’s doubtful this is the case. With altered vocals and an insistent narration, Tyler insists that things are better this way.

23. WUSYANAME

Song year: 2021

Moving to Tyler’s most recent release (as of writing this,) CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST brings a star-studded tracklist. “WUSYANAME,” one of the most popular from the tracklist, brings the story of a narrator falling in love at first sight only to find out the person was taken.

As a note, the song also features arguably the worst pick-up line of all time, “You look malnourished.” Tyler himself has stated that he wanted to put the worst pick-up line he could and then try to justify it.

24. LEMONHEAD

Song year: 2021

In a second song from CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, Lemonhead brings a focus on flexing wealth. Rapping with DJ Drama and 42 Dugg, Tyler jokingly invokes the COVID-19 pandemic as the trio flex their success and wealth, heavily flaunting their opulence.

25. Garbage

Song year: 2013

Leaving the albums behind, there are plenty of other tracks that deserve a shout. “Garbage” is a song that even some Tyler fans are unaware of, the track finding its way into Grand Theft Auto V.

In keeping with the criminal themes of the game, it’s a sinister and somewhat eerie track that reflects Tyler’s style back in 2013. Discussing kidnapping and serial murder, the track is a quiet and subdued song with a deeply disturbing energy.

26. I Am the Grinch

Song year: 2018

And on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we have Tyler the Creator’s song for Universal Pictures’s The Grinch. Singing most of the songs on the musical score, Tyler brings a modern flair to Suess’s childhood classic, adding another feather to his cap on how wide his musical range truly is.

27. Bastard

Song year: 2011

Closing the list by returning back to the start, we have the titular track from Tyler’s first official release, “Bastard.” Self-recorded, mastered, and released, this album is arguably to thank for launching the success of Odd Future and Tyler.

Introducing the therapist concepts that would continue over Goblin and Wolf, it’s a somber piano track that begins with Tyler heavily criticizing Odd Future’s many detractors. Quiet and reserved, Bastard serves as a remarkable introduction to an artist that would eventually become one of the most popular musicians of the last decade.

Top Tyler the Creator Songs, Final Thoughts

Though these Tyler the Creator songs are phenomenal tracks, it’s by no means a list of all of Tyler the Creator’s good songs. Jump into his discography to find a huge number of incredible, moving, hyped, and emotional songs.

Feel free to browse our extensive blog for more lists and informational guides.