Tyler, the Creator Still Thinks His Name Is ‘so Dumb’

As Tyler, the Creator, Tyler Okonma has anchored one of the most influential rap groups of the last 15 years, released nine solo albums, designed coveted clothing and footwear, and begun an acting career, all while developing new personas and worlds for himself to inhabit.

But he’s still not feeling his rap name, even if he’s resigned himself to it. Tyler chose the moniker as a 13-year-old with a Myspace page and some drawings, T-shirt designs, and songs, he says in a profile from the New York Times' T Magazine.

“I didn’t know what else to put, so I just put ‘Tyler, the Creator’ because of all the little things I was creating,” he said.

The comma in the middle of it is ridiculous, he says.

“As a statement, ‘Tyler, the Creator’ is so dumb, but the weight of it is within its honesty.”

Tyler released his ninth solo album, Don’t Tap the Glass, in July, and will make his feature film debut in Marty Supreme, releasing on Christmas Day. He was also announced as the headliner for next summer’s All Points East festival in London.