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5 Deepest Secrets Hidden In Tyler, The Creator's "Like Him" That Define His 2025 Success

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The song "Like Him" is not just a deep cut; it is the emotional epicenter of Tyler, The Creator’s recent artistic evolution. Released on his critically acclaimed 2024 album, *Chromakopia*, the track serves as a raw, unfiltered confessional that directly addresses the complex, lifelong struggle with his absent father. This pivotal moment of vulnerability is now seen, in late December 2025, as the crucial bridge that connected the intricate, character-driven narratives of his past to the bold, expansive sound of his latest work, *Don't Tap The Glass*. The track's intense personal focus and introspective lyrics provided a thematic foundation for Tyler Gregory Okonma’s monumental year, which culminated in him being named Apple Music's Artist of the Year for 2025. Understanding the layers of "Like Him" is essential to grasping the full scope of the multi-hyphenate artist's current cultural dominance and his continued journey of self-discovery through music.

Tyler Gregory Okonma: Full Biography and Profile (Updated 2025)

Full Name: Tyler Gregory Okonma

Pseudonyms: Wolf Haley, Ace, The Creator, Bunnyhop, Poly/Mono

Born: March 6, 1991 (Age 34 as of late 2025)

Birthplace: Hawthorne, California, U.S.

Occupations: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Music Video Director, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer

Key Affiliations: Odd Future (Founder), Golf Wang (Founder), GOLF le FLEUR*

Studio Albums (Selected): *Goblin* (2011), *Wolf* (2013), *Flower Boy* (2017), *IGOR* (2019), *CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST* (2021), *Chromakopia* (2024), *Don't Tap The Glass* (2025).

Major Awards: Grammy Award for Best Rap Album (*IGOR*, *CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST*), Apple Music Artist of the Year (2025).

The Identity Conflict: Unpacking the "Like Him" Theme

"Like Him," the thirteenth track on the 2024 album *Chromakopia*, stands out for its jarring emotional honesty. The entire song is built around the recurring, almost agonizing lyrical motif: "Like Him." This phrase is not a simple comparison; it is a profound expression of an internal conflict over inherited traits and the fear of mirroring the man who abandoned him.

The Shadow of the Absent Father

The central theme is Tyler’s relationship with his father, who left early in his life. The lyrics explore the deep, lasting emotional impact of this absence. Critics and fans alike have praised the song for its raw portrayal of a sense of longing for a connection that was never truly built.

The song’s power comes from the way Tyler (under his producer pseudonym Wolf Haley) uses the production to mirror this psychological struggle. The beat is often sparse, giving his voice a vulnerable, exposed quality, a stark contrast to the maximalist production of earlier tracks like "St. Chroma" or the recent "Big Poe" on *Don't Tap The Glass*.

Lyrical Repetition as Internal Monologue

The constant repetition of "Like Him" acts as a form of self-interrogation. Is he becoming his father? Does he possess the same flaws? The song turns the question of identity into a cyclical, nearly obsessive thought process, which is a key component of the song's brilliance. This vulnerability is a hallmark of his post-*Flower Boy* era, where the aggressive persona of his Odd Future days was replaced by a more introspective and mature artist.

The track’s emotional depth is amplified by its placement on *Chromakopia*, an album that generally explores the complex relationship between color, mood, and memory. "Like Him" serves as the dark, necessary undercurrent—the essential truth—that gives the album its emotional weight.

How "Like Him" Paved the Way for the 2025 Era

The release of "Like Him" in 2024 was a crucial step in Tyler’s career, setting the stage for his groundbreaking 2025. It marked a new peak in his lyrical honesty, which directly influenced the artistic freedom and critical success of his ninth studio album, *Don't Tap The Glass*.

The Shift from Character to Confession

Previous albums like *IGOR* and *CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST* relied heavily on distinct alter-egos—Igor, the heartbroken lover, and Tyler Baudelaire, the seasoned traveler. "Like Him" is less about a character and more about Tyler Gregory Okonma himself. This direct, personal approach resonated deeply with fans, proving that his most compelling narratives are often his own.

The Production and Influence on 'Don't Tap The Glass'

While "Like Him" is musically distinct, its raw, sample-heavy production style, which showcases Tyler's skills as a producer, is a clear precursor to the sound of *Don't Tap The Glass*. The new album, which features collaborations with artists like Pharrell Williams and Sk8brd, maintains that signature blend of jazz, soul, and hard-hitting rap, but with a new layer of polish that reflects his growing confidence.

The track's use of subtle, almost melancholic chord progressions and unexpected shifts in rhythm demonstrated a mastery of composition that critics noted as his most sophisticated to date. This musical complexity is why he is frequently compared to boundary-pushing artists who blend genres seamlessly.

3 Key Entities and LSI Keywords That Define the Song's Impact

To truly understand the legacy of "Like Him" and its place in Tyler's discography, one must consider the specific entities and concepts that surround it. These are the touchstones for any deep fan or critic exploring his work.

  • Wolf Haley: This is Tyler's long-standing producer pseudonym, a name he uses to credit his production work. On "Like Him," the Wolf Haley production is notably stripped-back, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to carry the track. It showcases his evolution from the abrasive sounds of *Goblin* to the nuanced arrangements of *Chromakopia*.
  • Vulnerability and Identity: These are the core topical authorities of the song. The track is frequently cited in discussions about male vulnerability in hip-hop, especially concerning family dynamics and the search for self-identity. It’s a thematic pillar that connects to other introspective tracks in his catalog.
  • Golf Wang and GOLF le FLEUR*: While not directly in the song, Tyler's fashion brands are intrinsically linked to his artistic identity. The colorful, bold aesthetic of his clothing line, Golf Wang, and the refined, pastel palette of his luxury brand, GOLF le FLEUR*, are visual manifestations of the same journey of self-discovery and refinement found in the music of "Like Him." The song is the dark emotional truth behind the colorful exterior.

In conclusion, "Like Him" is far more than a filler track. It is a moment of profound artistic self-reckoning that allowed Tyler, The Creator to shed the last layers of his past personas and step fully into his role as a mature, multi-faceted creative force. It is the emotional groundwork that made the ambitious success of his 2025 album, *Don't Tap The Glass*, and his subsequent awards, possible.

tyler the creator like him
tyler the creator like him

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