Tyler, The Creator didn’t hold back in his latest sit-down with Maverick Carter, where he tore into the state of modern hip-hop.
In an interview for Maverick Carter’s series Mavericks, Tyler, The Creator shared some strong opinions about the current hip-hop scene. He criticized “meme” rappers and those who seem to be in it just for the money. “I don’t wanna seem like a hater. Sometimes I have hater energy ’cause I just think I’m that good,” Tyler admitted. “I love this art form so much, and there’s so many n****s out right now that aren’t musicians that are getting treated like musicians ’cause they make meme records.”
Tyler’s biggest gripe? He believes these so-called rappers are taking up space that should belong to genuine artists like himself. One artist who caught his ire is St. Louis-based Ian, often criticized for being a Gucci Mane clone or someone just pretending to be a rapper.
Tyler didn’t mention Ian by name but made his feelings clear. “This white kid, regular Caucasian man, and he’s like mocking Future and Gucci Mane, like… rap music,” he said. “Something about it doesn’t even sit well with me. It’s different from Mac Miller or Eminem, who had a genuine love for it and were still big.”
Tyler’s criticism comes amid broader discussions about the lack of creativity in mainstream hip-hop. Fans, critics, and other rappers have voiced similar concerns. Ian is merely the latest example, despite receiving co-signs from artists like Lil Yachty, which have helped his early career.
Tyler also used the platform to voice his frustration with the rush to judge new music. He noted how fans are quick to label an album “mid” after just one listen. “When artists put something out, the last thing they talk about is music,” he lamented. He even reflected on a past spat with Eminem, admitting he owes Em an apology.
Clearly, Tyler, The Creator is passionate about hip-hop and isn’t afraid to call out what he sees as issues within the industry. The full interview is available to watch on the SpringHill YouTube channel.
Tyler, The Creator’s unfiltered opinions highlight his deep love for hip-hop and his frustration with its current state. His words serve as a call for more authenticity and respect in the genre.
