Tyler, The Creator Criticizes Artists Who Prioritize Profit Over Passion

Tyler, the Creator has voiced his critique regarding modern music artists’ seeming lack of passion for their craft, as well as the outlets that promote and support them.

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During an appearance on Maverick Carter’s show Mavericks , Tyler spoke on the rising trend of “meme records,” which has been spurred by relatively unknown artists finding success on social media platforms such as TikTok.

“I don’t want to seem like a hater,” the Grammy Award winner prefaced his assertion, adding, “Sometimes I have hater energy because I think I’m that good.” He then accused artists who are prioritizing fame and fortune over the quality of their art, a sentiment a number of performers have openly admitted to having themselves.

“It’s so many ni**as out right now that aren’t musicians that are getting treated like musicians because they make meme records,” he said. “They’ll publicly be like, ‘I don’t give a f**k about music I just do this sh*t for money.’”

Tyler also charged media outlets for contributing to artists’ seemingly lackadaisical approach by rewarding them with coverage in spite of those subpar efforts. According to the rapper, those factors have led to a crowded climate, limiting opportunities for exposure for artists such as himself.

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“When every publication is like, ‘Hell yeah, let’s put that out,’ now you’re taking up space for ni**as like me,” he lamented to Carter.

Widely respected as a creative and visionary, Tyler, the Creator has been unabashed about being a student of the game, regularly paying homage to the predecessors who laid the groundowrk for himself and others. In 2022, the 33-year-old expressed his fandom of legend Missy Elliott’s music, urging his fans and peers to study the hit-making rapper, singer, and songwriter’s music.

“’Pass That Dutch’ beat still blows my mind,” Tyler wrote on X at the time. “Go watch the ‘Hot Boyz’ video. See how she approached ‘Lick Shots’ and ‘Gossip Folks’ with her voice. Capitol M!”

The full episode of Tyler, the Creator’s Mavericks interview releases on Wednesday (Aug. 14) and can be viewed here. See a preview clip of his appearance on Mavericks below.

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