Discovering the Roots of Tyler The Creator: Exploring the Fascinating Story of His Parents

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Tyler The Creator has become one of the most influential and controversial figures in the world of music, thanks to his unapologetic approach to creativity and unique style. But while fans know plenty about Tyler's music and personal life, few are aware of the fascinating story behind his parents.In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history of Tyler's family, exploring the roots of his creative genius and the impact that his upbringing had on his art. From the struggles of his mother to the influence of his father, we'll uncover a side of Tyler's story that you've never seen before.Whether you're a diehard fan or simply interested in learning more about the forces that shaped Tyler's life, this article is a must-read. So make yourself comfortable, pour a cup of coffee, and get ready for an exciting journey through the past and present of one of modern music's most intriguing artists.

Discovering the Roots of Tyler The Creator: Exploring the Fascinating Story of His Parents

Tyler, The Creator's Childhood

Tyler, The Creator was born on March 6, 1991, in Ladera Heights, California. He had a pretty difficult childhood as he grew up without his father. His mother, who was a teacher, raised him and his sister by herself. Tyler wasn't the most well-behaved youngster back then as he was known for his erratic behavior and anger issues. However, he was always passionate about music from a young age, and this passion would become the driving force behind his success today.

A Look into Tyler's Mother

The most significant influence in Tyler, The Creator's life was his mother, Cheryl Harris. She was raised by her grandparents in Compton, California, where she developed a love for music. Her early years were spent singing and playing the piano at her church. Her passion for teaching would lead her to obtain a Master of Science in Education degree from Pepperdine University. As a single mother, Cheryl worked hard to provide for her family, and her determination would inspire Tyler to pursue his dreams relentlessly.

The Man Behind Tyler's Absent Father

Tyler’s father, a Nigerian named Kgositsile Okonma, was absent throughout his life. He was a celebrated poet who went by the name of G.O. G.O. passed away in 2018 due to complications from surgery. Tyler never had a relationship with his father, but he knew about his father's work and was influenced by it.

The Impact of Tyler's Father's Poetry

G.O.'s poetry was a significant influence on Tyler’s artistic style. He took many aspects of his father's work, such as themes of social injustice, and incorporated them into his music. Tyler often references his father’s work in his songs, and his fans appreciate the connection he has with his father despite their distance.

Tyler's Nigerian Heritage

Despite never meeting his father, Tyler still feels a strong connection to his Nigerian heritage. He even took a DNA test that confirmed his ancestry, and he has visited Nigeria numerous times. Tyler incorporates African themes and sounds into his music, which is another way he honors his heritage.

The Formation of Odd Future

In 2007, Tyler formed the music group Odd Future with his friends. They quickly gained popularity on the internet, and their DIY approach to music production using social media was groundbreaking at the time. Tyler's mother, Cheryl, supported the group's ambitions and allowed them to use their home as a recording studio. She even helped manage the group's business affairs, which earned her the nickname G-ma.

The Success of Tyler, The Creator

Tyler's music career began to take off in 2011 when he released his debut album Goblin. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, with its lead single Yonkers becoming a viral hit. Since then, Tyler has released several more albums, won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and gained a massive following of fans who love his unique sound and creative vision.

The Legacy of Cheryl Harris

Cheryl Harris passed away in 2019 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. She left behind a legacy of education, hard work, and unconditional love for her family. Tyler credits his mother for his success, saying that she always believed in him and encouraged him to chase his dreams.

Comparison Table: Tyler's Parents

Cheryl Harris G.O.
Master of Science in Education degree from Pepperdine University Celebrated poet
Single mother who raised Tyler and his sister Absent father who passed away in 2018
Inspired Tyler's passion for music and supported the creation of Odd Future Influenced Tyler's artistic style through his poetry

Opinion on Tyler, The Creator's Family Story

The story of Tyler, The Creator's family is a fascinating one. It's a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the importance of supporting our loved ones' passions. Tyler's success is undoubtedly a reflection of the sacrifices that his mother made to provide for her family and encourage her son's talent. It's also a tribute to the influence that absent parents can still have on their children's lives, even if they never met face-to-face. Overall, Tyler's story is a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.


Thank you for taking the time to read this article about Tyler The Creator's parents and their fascinating story. It is incredible to see how their experiences have shaped the artist's life and career. We hope that by learning about their backgrounds, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Tyler's artistry.

Through exploring the roots of Tyler's creativity, we were able to get a glimpse into how his upbringing and family history have influenced his unique style and perspective. His mother's exposure to different cultures and his father's musical background are just a few examples of how their own experiences have helped shape Tyler's artistry.

In conclusion, we hope that you have enjoyed reading about the fascinating stories of Tyler The Creator's parents. We hope that you walk away with a new appreciation for the artistry that Tyler has brought into the world and how much it was influenced by the people closest to him. Thank you for taking the time to read and explore with us!


Here are some common questions that people ask about discovering the roots of Tyler The Creator and exploring the fascinating story of his parents:

  1. Who are Tyler The Creator's parents?

    Tyler The Creator's mother is a Native American of mixed African-American and European descent. His father is African-American.

  2. What was Tyler The Creator's upbringing like?

    Tyler The Creator had a difficult childhood, with his parents divorcing when he was young and his mother struggling to make ends meet. He has spoken openly about his experiences with bullying and feeling like an outcast in school.

  3. How did Tyler The Creator's family influence his music?

    Tyler The Creator has cited his mother's love of jazz and his father's love of funk and soul as major influences on his music. He has also spoken about how his experiences growing up shaped the themes and lyrics of his songs.

  4. What is Tyler The Creator's relationship with his parents like now?

    Tyler The Creator has said that he has a good relationship with both of his parents, and that they are supportive of his music career. He has also spoken about how he has come to appreciate his mother's strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

  5. Are Tyler The Creator's parents involved in his music career?

    While Tyler The Creator's parents are not directly involved in his music career, they have been supportive of his creative pursuits from a young age. Tyler The Creator has credited his mother with encouraging him to pursue music and art, and has said that his father's love of music played a major role in inspiring his own musical interests.