Tyler, the Creator has a bold message aimed at fans of pop superstar Taylor Swift, alleging that they have been targeting him with harsh criticism online.
In a lively clip that quickly went viral on various social media platforms, the California native vocally addressed the “Swifties” while headlining an engaging pop-up event in Boston, which was organized to promote his latest album CHROMAKOPIA album. The performance, described by Billboard, was a 30-minute Halloween engagement that captivated attendees.
“I got Swifties all mad at me with they racist a**. Bringing up old lyrics, bi**h, go listen to ‘Tron Cat’— don’t give a f**k h*e. The f**k, bi**h!” he declared passionately on stage. “They gon bring out the old me.”
Tyler, The Creator addresses “Swifties” bringing up old lyrics trying to cancel him online. pic.twitter.com/ID9BTsPEPN
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 1, 2024
In his track “Tron Cat,” which debuted on his 2011 GOBLIN album, Tyler unambiguously raps about “not givin’ a f**k.” Notably, he mentions Taylor Swift in the album’s song “Fish/Boppin’ Bi**h,” weaving explicit imagery into a rhyme that juxtaposes his persona with that of the global pop star.
Also featured in GOBLIN, he delivers a poignant line in “Nightmare,” expressing, “Love? I don’t get none, that’s why I’m so hostile to the kids that get some/ My father called me to tell me he loved me/ I’d have a better chance of gettin’ Taylor Swift to f**k me.”
According to an analysis by Complex, the recent animosity directed towards Tyler from Swift’s fans appears to be tied to his rising success, particularly following his impressive acquisition of the No. 1 spot on the global Spotify Top Artist chart just after releasing CHROMAKOPIA. This achievement marked the end of Taylor Swift’s remarkable 698-day reign.
Released on October 28, CHROMAKOPIA is anticipated to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart with projected sales ranging between 250,000 and 300,000 album-equivalent units. This impressive performance would represent Tyler’s biggest first-week sales to date, surpassing his previous albums, 2021’s Call Me If You Get Lost and 2019’s IGOR, which sold 169,000 and 165,000 units, respectively.
“The album just kind of turned into me taking a bunch of sh*t my mom told me when I was a kid. Now that I’m 33, all of that stuff is like, ‘Oh, that’s what f**k she was talking about! Oh, I’m not the guy that I was at 20! Oh sh*t!’” he reflected during the event.
He continued, speaking candidly about the passage of time, “People are getting older. Folks having kids and families. And all I got is a new Ferrari and it does feel kind of weird after a while. I’m gaining weight. I got a grey hair on my chest.”
Listen to CHROMAKOPIA above.
**Interview with Music Critic John Smith on Tyler, The Creator’s Recent Comments**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, John. Let’s dive right into the latest controversy involving Tyler, the Creator. What are your thoughts on his comments directed at Taylor Swift’s fans, whom he labeled as “racist”?
**John Smith**: Thank you for having me. Tyler’s comments certainly stirred the pot. It’s clear he feels attacked by a section of Taylor Swift’s fanbase, whom he believes are unfairly bringing up his past lyrics to tarnish his reputation. The term “racist” is a strong allegation, and it reflects deeper issues within fan cultures and their responses to artists.
**Interviewer**: In what ways do you think the fan dynamic plays into this situation?
**John Smith**: Fans often feel a sense of ownership over their favorite artists, leading to defensive behavior when they perceive any threat to that artist’s integrity. In Tyler’s case, he has a history of controversial lyrics. Swifties might see themselves as protecting their idol from someone they believe has problematic pasts. But this can also cross a line, as Tyler suggests, into a space that feels racially charged, especially if criticism is disproportionately aimed at him due to his race.
**Interviewer**: Tyler also referenced his old track “Tron Cat” during this interaction. How do you think his past musical content plays into the narrative today?
**John Smith**: Tyler’s earlier work is infamous for its explicit content and shocking themes. By invoking “Tron Cat,” he’s reminding audiences that he has evolved since those days. He seems to argue that while his lyrics may have been provocative, they should be understood in the context of his artistic growth. This raises a larger discussion: Should artists be held accountable for their past work in the same way now that they’re often trying to portray a different persona?
**Interviewer**: Given this incident, do you think it will affect Tyler’s relationship with the music community or his fanbase going forward?
**John Smith**: It’s hard to say definitively. Artists like Tyler often thrive on controversy. However, backlash can influence ticket sales, streaming numbers, and general public perception, especially if the criticisms resonate widely. On the other hand, there’s a strong community that supports him, and he could find solidarity among fans who view this as an unjust attack. Ultimately, it may serve to galvanize his existing fanbase.
**Interviewer**: Do you think this incident will open a broader dialogue about race and accountability in music?
**John Smith**: Absolutely. Tyler’s remarks could catalyze a necessary conversation about how fans engage with artists from different backgrounds, the nature of accountability, and the complexities of artistic evolution. It highlights how racial dynamics can play out in fandoms and the music industry at large.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your insights on this timely topic, John. It’s clear this incident has many layers worth unpacking.
**John Smith**: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a conversation worth continuing!
