Tyler, The Creator recently called out white rapper Ian, accusing him of ‘mocking’ Hip Hop. Here’s a breakdown of the drama.
- Tyler voiced his concerns in an interview with Maverick Carter.
- He alluded to Ian without mentioning him directly.
- Fans and industry insiders have been buzzing about the comments.
- Lil Yachty also got dragged into the controversy after working with Ian.
Tyler, The Creator recently took aim at a viral white rapper, Ian, accusing him of blatantly ‘mocking’ Hip Hop. Speaking to Maverick Carter on his SpringHill platform, Tyler expressed his displeasure with an unnamed ‘white kid’ who, he said, is making a joke out of rap music.
Tyler explained that the issue wasn’t satire but a lack of genuine respect for the genre. ‘I hold rap music so close to my heart ’cause this shit changed my life and everyone’s life around me.’ he remarked.
Tyler compared Ian’s approach unfavorably to artists like Mac Miller and Eminem, who, in his view, showed genuine love for rap instead of mocking it. His statement had fans quickly guessing he was referring to Ian.
Bu Thiam, the Executive Vice President at Columbia Records, who also happens to be Akon’s brother, jumped to Ian’s defense. He took to Instagram Stories, calling out Tyler, saying Ian’s style was influenced by but not imitative of artists like Future or Gucci Mane.
Meanwhile, Lil Yachty caught backlash for collaborating with Ian, which fans considered hypocritical. Yachty had previously criticized Hip Hop’s lack of creativity and originality, making this connection particularly controversial. One fan commented, ‘Nvm I don’t rly fw him no more. This n-gga said Hip Hop is in a terrible state and then went to do a song with a fucking colonizer.’
Despite the criticism, Yachty and Ian’s studio session was productive, resulting in the release of their track “Hate Me” in July. The song made headlines when Yachty declared, ‘Know I’m richer than your favorite rapper / If I’m not, then, God, kill my momma.’
The drama surrounding Tyler, The Creator’s comments about Ian continues to stir strong reactions within the Hip Hop community.
