On May 11, with the likes of Kim K in attendance, the Lakers took down the Warriors 122-101 to win their Western Conference Semifinals series and advance in the NBA playoffs. Furthermore, the Lakers became the first team since 2014 to eliminate the Warriors before the Finals. They will now face the Denver Nuggets for a place in the NBA Finals. It’s the fourth time the Lakers and Nuggets have faced off at this stage of the playoffs, with the Lakers holding a 3-0 record in the previous meetings.
LeBron was a powerhouse against the Warriors in Game 6. The veteran legend put up 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Meanwhile, AD ruled in the paint with 20 rebounds as well as 17 points of his own. “It was great to be able to play one of our most efficient games, one of our best games of the series, and it started because of the defensive matchup we had,” LeBron told reporters. “We defended at a high level, and when we do that, we can be extremely good. I thought we were locked in for as close to 48 minutes as possible tonight.”
When LeBron and AD to the media room after the game, there was a surprise guest nestled amongst the reporters. Three-time platinum rapper Tyler, The Creator quietly took a set to watch the press conference for himself. Tyler grew up in the southeast LA neighborhood of Hawthorne, about 13 miles from Crypto.com Arena. However, he has never been regarded as a Lakers diehard.
Tyler appeared to do nothing more than sit and watch, unless something happened that literally no-one is talking about. However, his appearance has generated some hilarious reactions. “When the bad kid has to sit next to the teacher for the rest of the trip,” one commentator said on Instagram. “Bro is in the most random places,” said another while someone quipped in a similar vein, “Bro has spawn points everywhere.” What do you think Tyler, The Creator was up to? Let us know your theories in the comments.
Jamie Foxx has received an outpouring of love and support from friends and fans over the last few days. This includes people like Tyler, The Creator and Kid Cudi, who expressed sympathy as he remains hospitalized for an undisclosed medical emergency. The multi-talented entertainer has reportedly been in the hospital for a month. Yesterday, it was reported that, while his family hopes for the best, they are preparing for the worst. He was in Atlanta filming for Netflix’s Back in Action movie at the time of his hospitalization.
According to a source close to Foxx, he needs all the prayers and well-wishes his fans can muster at this difficult time. Kid Cudi took to Twitter to express his support for Foxx. Tyler, The Creator shared a clip of Foxx performing on his Instagram Story along with a message of love and some heart emojis. The entertainment industry has been vocal about their support for Foxx as he navigates this challenging time. Amid worrying and confusing reports, love for the actor has been at an all-time high.
The subject of Jamie Foxx’s current health is a confusing one. Last month, the actor was hospitalized for a still-undisclosed “medical complication.” Though Foxx’s representatives and family members assured the public that he was in stable, recovering condition, fans remained concerned. Close friends of the actor also urged fans to pray for his recovery. However, Foxx recently posted on Instagram for the first time since his hospitalization. While this brought some relief, sources close to Foxx revealed that he was still in the same condition as before.
Earlier this week, it was reported to People Magazine that the actor’s condition had stabilized and that he is no longer in a life-threatening situation. Still, he remains in the hospital. The reports also said that doctors were conducting more tests to ensure that he was okay before discharging him. Apparently, once Foxx is discharged, he has been advised to keep his stress levels down. This indicated that he may need additional time to recover at home. Then, yesterday’s reports indicated that his family expects that the worst may happen. It is unclear which reports are to be believed. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates on Foxx’s condition.
Tyler, the Creator has always been enamored with the messy corners of the world. Whether he’s picking up supposedly repulsive insects or dressing up as the outcasted character Igor, the LA-born artist has always resonated with the shunned away aspects of society. Take Igor, a concept rooted in an oddball character who acted as an assistant to Gothic villains in The Ghost of Frankenstein. He’s also taken a liking to The Grinch, an iconic villain whose menacing outer personality masks an innate desire to be accepted by those around him. These characters are a purposeful reflection of how Tyler, the Creator views himself.
These anti-hero concepts originated with Tyler, the Creator’s Goblin. Released 12 years ago on May 11, his journey from the grumbling flows of the project to the pop or soul-infused soundscapes of Flower Boy or Call Me If You Get Lost has been wild. The outcasted themes of Goblin coincided with the narrative surrounding Odd Future. The boisterous group of teenagers was nearing its peak by the summer of 2011. Tyler, the Creator approached the record with a nihilistic viewpoint. He’s pointing fingers at traditional society through derogatory lyricism, which would notably get him banned from the United Kingdom.
The hallmark song off of Goblin is, of course, “Yonkers.” The track that would finally eclipse Tyler into the mainstream spotlight, its New York-influenced beat overtook the hip-hop world. The music video mirrors the thematic structure of the overall album, as Tyler can be seen eating a cockroach (and then proceeding to throw up). The music video is utterly repulsive yet somehow wholly magnetic. It parallels the world Tyler, the Creator built in his early years. His outlandish personality garnered a worldwide fanbase enamored with Odd Future’s calculated chaos.
Of course, “Yonkers” isn’t the sole notable track of Tyler, the Creator’s debut album. “She” features future star vocalist Frank Ocean, a symbolic prelude of Tyler’s future ventures away from the world of grimy hip-hop. Tyler and Hodgy went live on The Jimmy Fallon Show to perform “Sandwitches,” shocking the audience with their uncompromising bravado in what is an Odd Future anthem. There are also more experimental cuts, such as “Analog,” a 3-minute house-induced experience. While Goblin is a struggle to listen through in one sitting, it chronicles Tyler’s wide array of emotions as a confused 20-year-old.
Tyler Experienced Growing Pains on Goblin
Since Goblin‘s release, fans have had plenty of discourse on where the album lands in the context of his body of work. The bleakness and endless quality of the record have many arguing that its lack of cohesiveness makes it Tyler, the Creator’s worst album to date. Others argue that Goblin’s messiness is a brilliant reflection of his mental headspace. Tyler darts from being deeply depressed to a sudden state of manic happiness. Goblin is a personal therapy session that Tyler, the Creator doesn’t prefer to reflect on as a fully grown man in his 30s. However, it’s a valuable insight into the rappers’ growth on a personal and creative level.
Essentially, Goblin is 82 minutes of growing pains. There isn’t a happy ending or even a satisfying conclusion. In fact, he seems just as lost on “Golden” as he did on title track. The album was the crux between a wild skateboarder and a tantalizing artist. Tyler himself hasn’t always been fond of the record. In an interview with GQ Style in 2018, he conceded, “I think Goblin is horrible. The only songs I would keep from Goblin are ‘Yonkers,’ ‘She,’ ‘Nightmare,’ ‘Tron Cat,’ ‘Fish,’ ‘Analog,’ and ‘Au79.’” While he’s since expressed a greater appreciation for the album on social media, his relative disdain for the record speaks volumes about his maturation as an artist.
Goblin Arrived At The Perfect Time
US rapper Tyler, the Creator poses in the press room with the award for Best Rap Album for “Igor” during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
His next album, Wolf, presented a much more composed and introspective Tyler. Rather than solely lashing out at the world, he’s painfully blatant about his need to address his personal trauma. “Answer” is an in-depth analysis of his relationship with his father (or lack thereof). “IFHY” sees Tyler utterly lovesick, as he’s fully infatuated with a lost lover. These emotionally complex songs are rooted in Goblin. He was able to build on those narratives more accurately on future records.
Goblin contributed to the normalization of individuality that Odd Future promoted. With many of its members on the album, Tyler, the Creator’s debut studio album was a fitting counterpart to the group’s overarching message. Even more fittingly, Tyler was detained by Los Angeles police for public disturbance while promoting the album. Essentially, the record released right Odd Future was all over the Internet. Frank Ocean would release his debut album, Nostalgia, Ultra, a week later. Goblin was yet another anchor that riled up their teenage fanbase. The wild collection of fans wearing Thrasher and Vans would also mature with Tyler into his late 20s.
Tyler The Creator has been gaining a lot of love from his fans lately, and they have been supporting him in reaching new milestones. His latest album, Call Me If You Get Lost, has made history as the first album to reach number one on the Top R&B and Hip-Hop Albums chart for three consecutive years. The recent expansion, The Estate Sale, has further contributed to Tyler’s success. It was the best-selling hip-hop vinyl album worldwide in 2022. It’s impressive to see Tyler’s success as an artist who challenges conventional music standards and sets his own bar for success.
In a recent appearance on the Hulu seriesRapCaviar Presents, Tyler talked about his love for being a rapper. He praised the skills required to be a good rapper, including mastery of words, rhythm, and pockets. Tyler also believes that rap is a way to connect with people and share meaningful experiences. He encourages younger rappers to be true to themselves and to flex about what they truly hold dear, rather than following conventional tropes. Tyler’s talents have been widely praised in the industry, and his success is a testament to his dedication and unique vision.
In the hilarious video above, Tyler and DJ Drama seem to have just finished playing chess. Drama, who is filming the video, starts off the video by saying, “A win for Dram.” Tyler, of course, immediately takes issue with him saying that he won. He argues that he beat him six times before he started filming. “Lie all you want,” DJ Drama says. Tyler leans in with his typical mischievous look, ready to say something sus as always. “Actually, tell ’em how I ate your a*s,” he exclaims. “Tell ’em about the little mess you made. Tell ’em about the real mess you made.” The video is a hilarious reminder that Tyler hasn’t changed a bit since the early days in all the ways that matter.
Tyler also pulled up to Lil Yachty’s place recently to wreak havoc. He posted a video of that, as well, and it was about as chaotic as you think it would be. He makes fun of Batman, suggestively pulls down the pants on a doll modeled after Yachty, and at one point, sits down to play piano. If there is one thing you can always count on Tyler, The Creator for, it’s bringing fun but extremely chaotic energy to every situation possible. What do you think of the video DJ Drama and Tyler posted? Sound off in the comments!
Rapper’s jobs before the fame can be surprising, fitting, or even random. Many artists had humble beginnings in the workforce. They needed money to pay for studio time, equipment, and other resources to start their music careers. Or, if music was not their end goal at the time, they just needed money to survive in the world.
Many rappers had retail jobs and had to interact with multiple people daily. For more eccentric artists, one wonders if their personalities brought in more customers. Either way, successful rappers are often walking testimonies for sticking to your goals in life. They overlap when advising this, but the results are right before our eyes. We’ve gathered seven rappers who had humble beginnings in the workforce and are now household names.
This rapper’s job before fame is interestingly fitting because their home state is well known. Method Man is a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and, therefore, a part of rap royalty. Fellow New York rapper Dave East portrays him in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga,and Method Man has several acting roles of his own under his belt. But, before all of this, he had truly humble and fitting beginnings.
Method Man once had a job working at the Statue of Liberty. However, he never went to the top because he did not have enough time to while on break. This reasoning is practical but still ironic. When people work at landmarks, they are there to work – not enjoy it as a tourist. Meth spoke on it and more while on The Late Late Show with James Corden as Gabrielle Union reacted to all of his stories.
This is a rapper’s job before fame that is surprising just as it is fitting. It’s always interesting to see artists that had jobs in the music world become a part of it differently. Ab-Soul used to work at his grandfather’s record shop, Magic Disc Music. He briefly discussed this job in an interview in 2012 with Billboard and mentioned it in his song “Tree of Life” from his 2014 album, These Days.
However, he truly went in depth with expanding his experience there in an interview with NOISEY in 2013. Soul has always been an artist that was willing to share his origins. He often shares stories of the past through his music, too, which many listeners enjoy because it humanizes him and makes him more than just another rapper.
Kid Cudi – BAPE
Kid Cudi has always been a go-to artist for streetwear and its surrounding culture. His once having a job at the Bape NYC Store is not surprising, and it is very fitting. In an interview on Hot Ones, Cudi spoke about how at the time, getting that job meant more to him than getting a record deal.
This job came full circle for Cudi in three different ways. For one, he performed there as an artist in 2010. Then he did a joint cover story with NIGO, Bape’s founder, for Complex in 2019. Lastly, he did an official collaboration with the brand in 2021. This journey shows you truly never know how much of an impact your first job can have.
This is one of the most surprising jobs a rapper had before fame. Tyler, The Creator has always been a unique artist. His personality naturally commands attention, and his on-stage energy is unmatched – and unbridled. The over-the-top days of Odd Future are over, but they are a vital part of his past. His job at Starbucks is also a key part of his past. Listeners can imagine how distracting it must have been to have Tyler on their shift. He prides himself on making music the way he wants when he wants. It’s quite interesting to think of him in a setting where there is a chain of command. He even told a story about getting fired while on Jimmy Kimmel Live! – and (jokingly) declared he still hated his manager for firing him.
Nicki Minaj has not tried to keep her origins a secret. Many people know she used to work at Red Lobster. She spoke of specifically working at one in New York. Nicki Minaj’s personality and speaking voice are well known at this point. It’s interesting to think about her in a setting where she had to speak with people daily as a waitress. Nicki said she was not the best at that job specifically and being there unhappy helped steer her into her rap career. In a literal trip down memory lane, Nicki and Jimmy Fallon went to a Red Lobster as customers, and then they served real customers as waiters.
People across social media have called Rick Ross “Officer Ricky” for his entire career. This is done jokingly with a splash of insult too. Rick Ross’ exuberant lifestyle can be seen across various videos these days, but he, like most people, started with a regular job. Rick Ross used to be a Correctional Officer. Given the subject matter of Rozay’s raps about his past, this revelation had people simultaneously laughing and questioning.
When a picture of Ross in uniform began circulating in 20xx, he denied it was him. Of course, he later admitted it was after documentation records proved it. He discussed his time at this job in detail on the Full Send Podcast. He denied it initially shows he was trying to hide his past, unlike our other entries.
Diddy – Intern
This rapper’s job before fame may be the down-to-earth journey – at its core – on this list. Diddy went from being an intern for Andre Harrell to becoming the mogul we know today. For many, this is an inspiring story. Despite his literal name changes, Diddy has made himself a household name across the decades. For some, he’ll always be Biggie’s manager; to others, he’ll always be the founder of Bad Boy Records.
His managerial skills have been criticized, but he has been making business moves (which have also been attacked) for years. He’s reached the point where he can advise a new generation of artists because he has seen the music industry change in real-time. Many people have praised Diddy’s work ethic over the years and the results speak for themselves.
What are some rapper jobs that surprised you? Let us know in the comments section.
Odd Future and its eclectic members arrived at the perfect time. The iconic LA-based group’s rise coincided with a tidal wave of internet counterculture that begin to seep through the younger generations. The hip-hop collective formed in 2007 around its leader, Tyler, The Creator. Deciding to forego his jobs at Starbucks and FedEx, his rebellious attitude quickly propelled the collective to stardom. Sporting ski masks while strolling down the left side of sidewalks, the group’s image was primarily associated with a steadfast desire to go against the status quo.
Behind the chaos is a quiet architect who managed to keep it all together. That man was Christian Clancy, Odd Future’s manager. At the time, Clancy had recently departed Interscope Records, where he was working with rappers such as Eminem and The Game. Becoming tired of rinse and repeat nature of major labels, Clancy had planned “to hike the Himalayas, do yoga, chill the f**k out.” However, his inspiration was re-vitalized when he watched the music video of Tyler, the Creator’s “French.” Essentially, the video sees Tyler unleashing mayhem amidst a menacing verse. While the talent was utterly unhinged, Clancy was eventually able to hone in on the potential of Tyler and the collective as a whole.
Odd Future’s Impact Went Beyond Music
(Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
Music was solely one aspect of the entertainment value of Odd Future’s members. Their empire included Loiter Squad, an online radio station, and an iconic line of street fashion. The collective has grown immensely since their respective teenage days. Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator would blossom into worldwide superstars, each creating genre-defining records such as Blonde and Igor, respectively. Lyrical virtuoso Earl Sweatshirt forged strong ties with budding underground acts from New York, helping spearhead a new wave of East Coast hip-hop. The comedic minds of Yung Taco, Jasper, and Lionel Boyce have had successful careers on the film screen.
Still, the group’s founder, Tyler the Creator, questions the influence of Odd Future. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, he stated, “I still don’t even know the impact we had on a generation. I just lived in it. We were just doing our thing and being us. I don’t think I know how much deeper it goes aside from some people wearing certain shirts.” It’s a fair point to raise, as a glance back into their influence can sometimes feel more like a fever dream rather than a trend-setting revolution, especially when considering the “riots” they supposedly incited.
The Group Spearheaded a Digital Era Of Sound
(Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
The impact of Odd Future’s members went beyond influencing fashion or influencing chaos. The group’s refusal to fall within certain creative boundaries inspired a generation to be fearless, or express themselves in as authentic a manner as possible. The DIY nature of their work inspired a slew of artists that succeeded them. Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty were no longer waiting to sign a deal as they were blowing up on Soundcloud. Clairo and Kali Uchis were recording their songs on cheap mics at home. Odd Future, in essence, made un-polished creative work cool again.
Their influence was heightened by their innate connection with the digital era of sound. This isn’t NWA selling tapes out of the trunk. Rather, this was a technologically sound group of teenagers who had an innate knowledge of how to get their message out to millions. The group was constantly uploading to Tumblr and YouTube, whether producing beats or skateboard videos around Los Angeles. In many ways, Odd Future’s marketing inspired many other creatives to outsource their product in a unique manner. Now, musicians weren’t just releasing a new single. They were armoring their enterprise with a clothing line or an impromptu chain of YouTube videos.
Odd Future Celebrated Self-Expression
Odd Future’s impact challenged surface-level societal interpretations of what Blackness should look like. Each member brought a distinct vibe to the table that managed to be both polarizing and unifying. By being unapologetically themselves, they inspired teenagers and young adults to step out of the societal box they were put in. The group was a prime example of how anyone can still win when they go against the grain.
Similar to many creative ventures, legacy is often the biggest tell of how influential a piece of art really was. In Odd Future’s case, their influence clearly goes beyond what Tyler, the Creator may believe. While the group’s individual members now distance themselves from their teenage personas, they’ve influenced a new generation of creatives who still bump tracks such as “Oldie” and “White” to this day. While the likes of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West inspired them, they laid the creative foundation for a more experimental era of hip hop expression.
Tyler The Creator’s fans have been eating well the last few years, and they’re showing their love by helping him reach new heights. Tyler’s latest album, Call Me If You Get Lost, recently achieved a historic milestone. The rapper has made history as the first artist ever to have a number 1 album on the Top R&B and Hip-Hop Albums chart for three consecutive years. The album reached No.1 on the Billboard chart in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with the recent expansion, The Estate Sale, further propelling Tyler’s success. In addition, Call Me If You Get Lost was the best-selling hip-hop vinyl album worldwide in 2022. As an artist who consistently challenges conventional music standards and redefines success on his own terms, it’s great to see Tyler succeed.
Last month, Tyler made an appearance on RapCaviar Presents, a Hulu series. On it, he talked about why he loved being a rapper. “I’m a rapper. I love that shit. It’s a beautiful thing,” he said. “We’re good with words. We’re good with rhythm. We know pockets. We hear a collection of sounds and one thing and say, ‘Ahh, I know what could go over this.’ That takes skill.” Tyler has been praised by many in the industry for his talents, so it’s clear he knows what he’s talking about. He went on to talk about how rap is a way to connect with people. “I know how to put those [feelings] in words where you can understand yourself better. You got some young kid, like 13, thinking, ‘Oh, I gotta make bravado rap…’ No, you don’t. You could flex about the shit that you truly hold dear and make it seem like the most important sh*t. When I’m flexing on these songs, [it’s] just about the sh*t that I really like.”
Tyler Gives Back To Fans
“I’m gonna do this random song that no one in here has heard.”
Tyler, The Creator with a special performance of the rare leak “Penny” during an intimate show at The El Rey in LA. pic.twitter.com/FHJWxLi7s5
Tyler is being very generous with his fans. He usually is, but this time it comes in the form of playing unreleased music. During a performance at El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on April 26, he performed a special rendition of “Penny.” The track was recorded during the sessions for his album Call Me If You Get Lost. The song originally surfaced online in February and quickly gained popularity among fans. Tyler revealed before the performance that he wrote the song around Christmas of 2019, making it one of the first tracks he created for the album. Although “Penny” was never officially released, a clip of the song leaked and went viral on TikTok. Despite the unauthorized leak, Tyler seems to have a good attitude toward the situation.
Before Tyler launched into a performance of the song, he joked about it. “I’m gonna do this random song that no one in here has heard,” he said, pretending not to know about the leak. He also revealed during the performance that the song is his bodyguard’s favorite. As such, he included it on the setlist as a gift to him. What do you think about “Penny”? Let us know in the comments!
Tyler The Creator is clearing out the vault, it appears. Last night (April 26) during a performance at LA’s El Rey Theatre, he delivered a special performance of “Penny,” an unreleased cut recorded during the Call Me If You Get Lost sessions.
The song first surfaced on the web back in February and became an instant fan favorite.
Ahead of the performance, Tyler revealed that he had written the song circa Christmas of 2019, and it was one of the first songs he made for Call Me If You Get Lost. The song was never officially released, however, a clip of the song leaked and went viral on TikTok. However, Tyler remains a good sport over the matter.
He joked with the audience, saying, “I’m gonna do this random song that no one in here has heard.”
Tyler continued, saying that “Penny” is his bodyguard’s favorite song, and chose to include it in the setlist as a gift to him.
“I’m gonna do this random song that no one in here has heard.”
Tyler, The Creator with a special performance of the rare leak “Penny” during an intimate show at The El Rey in LA. pic.twitter.com/FHJWxLi7s5
While you won’t be able to find a studio version of “Penny” on streaming platforms, you can still find other leftovers from Call Me If You Get Lost. Last month, Tyler released Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale, which featured outtakes from the critically-acclaimed 2021 album.
You can check out a clip of the “Penny” performance above.
Tyler The Creator is a man with many personas (as seen in his video for the single “Sorry Not Sorry”) to match each of his eras in the game. However, the musician is letting it be known that fans should hold tight to the releases they receive while he’s breathing because that will all come to an end once he transitions to the other side.
While gushing onstage to fans about his latest songs, including those featured on his newest album, Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale, he shared that he legally took precautions to ensure that his estate could not release a posthumous album when he dies.
“I’m just so excited,” the recording artist gleefully declared. He then went on to say, “Some of these [songs] are so good that I can’t just let it sit on my hard drive because I have in my will that if I die, they can’t put no f*cking posthumous album out.”
The news was met with a roaring cheer from the crowd. “That’s gross. Then they’ll get some random feature from a n***** that I didn’t really f*ck with like that. No,” said Tyler.
Tyler, the Creator says that if something ever happened to him, nothing posthumous would ever be released.
“I have it in my will that if i die they can’t put no f**kin’ post(humous) album out.” pic.twitter.com/D9TmUxpN87
This isn’t the first time the entertainer has spoken publicly about his wishes regarding the creative affairs following his death. In a conversation with XXL, Tyler said, “Do not continue anything in my name if I die. You got this on record. If I ever die, I don’t want people to put my music out. The companies are over with. Everything’s done.”
Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale is out now via Columbia Records. Find more information here.
