Tyler, The Creator's Hip Hop Revolution: Beyond Gangsta

This lecture presents key insights on the musical work and cultural impact of Tyler, The Creator, one of the most innovative artists to emerge from American hip hop in the 21st century. Far beyond his early shock tactics and provocative lyrics, Tyler’s evolution as a rapper, producer, and visual artist has consistently challenged dominant narratives around race, gender, and sexuality within hip hop and popular culture at large. In this talk, I explore how Tyler’s artistry defies stereotypical expectations placed on Black masculinity, queerness, and creative expression, tracing his trajectory from the rebellious aesthetics of Odd Future to the introspective and genre-defying albums like Flower Boy, IGOR, and Call Me If You Get Lost.

The lecture also examines how Tyler's work resonates beyond U.S. borders, particularly in Brazil, where youth movements and music scenes have engaged with his themes in complex ways. Drawing on interviews, fan discourse, and local musical…