Image via Complex Original
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Tyler, The Creator hates interviews. And who can blame him? No one likes exposing the personal details of their lives to the unforgiving public, and journalists are known to ask some pretty probing questions. So how does the Odd Future frontman connect with his fans? Thank God for the Internet.
Back in spring 2010, Tyler set up an account on Formspring, the question-and-answer based blog site where fans get the chance to ask Tyler anything they want. You might be surprised by some of the intimate details Tyler has revealed about his life on his Formspring page, from the time he lost his virginity to his true religious beliefs. With his album Goblin hitting stores today, we combed 12+ months of responses and compiled a list of 10 interesting facts we learned about Tyler, The Creator from Formspring. And if he happens to contradict himself, just remember: he's a fuckin' walking paradox.
Virginity
FACT: He Lost His Virginity Three Years Ago
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: Lil Wayne might have lost his virginity in a room filled with grown men at the age of 11, but Tyler is unashamed to admit that he was a high school senior when he lost his v-card. He doesn't reveal much else about the situation, except that the lucky lady was "some mixed girl." It probably wasn't a big deal, since he had been fingering girls with his toe since the seventh grade. Foot fetish!
Grammy
FACT: He's Obsessed With Winning A Grammy
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: He loves to talk about how he hates critics, but there is one critic whose approval Tyler desperately wants: The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. He calls winning a Grammy his "biggest goal in life," next to being happy. Always the realist, Tyler knows that Goblin won't win him one, but he predicts he'll have that trophy in "2 years tops." Good luck with that!
Coke
FACT: He's Straight Edge...But He Tried Cocaine Once!
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: Tyler is very open about the fact that he lives a straight-edge lifestyle, abstaining from drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. Like a motivational speaker, Tyler just stays focused on his "goals" to get him through the day. But when asked specifically about white lines, he seemed surprisingly open. Don't do it!
Dogs
FACT: He's Allergic To Dogs
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: There are many issues that divide this great nation, but none more important than the age old "cat vs. dog" debate. Pussy lovers will be happy to know that Tyler's allergies put him firmly on your team. He even explicitly states that he would never rape or kill a cat, because he loves them. :)
Talent Show
FACT: He Won A Talent Show In Middle School (And The Video Exists!)
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: A former classmate from Dana Middle School in Hawthorne, CA, hit up Tyler to tell him about an old school DVD he has. We would love to see a video of a 13-year-old Tyler rocking the mic. To the gentleman who asked this question: we promise to pay you $1 more than Tyler if you do upload his performance to YouTube.
Cutter
FACT: He's A Cutter
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: Watch your back Demi Lovato, ’cause Tyler is coming for the title of most well-known celebrity cutter. Self-mutilation is a serious problem for some teens, so we're hoping he's not joking when he repeatedly confesses to carving "OFWGKTA" into his arm (there's a photo?). Luckily, he says he doesn't do it anymore, although just five months ago he said "that shit's fucking tight, I'm gonna do it tonight."
Asthma
FACT: He Wants To Be A Spokesman For Asthma Awareness
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: Tyler is very open about the fact that he suffers from "really bad asthma," and even reveals that he takes Prednisone, a common asthma medication. Longtime fans will also be interested to know that the smoke he exhales in the "French" video was not actually a Black & Mild, but three cleverly-edited puffs off of his inhaler. Most surprising, however, is Tyler's seeming willingness to be a celebrity spokesman for the disease. Could an Odd Future asthma P.S.A. be far away?
Game
FACT: He's Got Game!
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: Are you a skinny skateboarding teenager who can't get laid? Tyler took to his Formspring account to break down the secret to his success with the ladies: jokes! Also, apparently women like it when you rap about rape. Who knew? Granted, Tyler has never had a girlfriend, but his newfound fame has afforded him the opportunity to fuck with two girls who didn't like him in high school, so that counts for something.
Atheist
FACT: He's An Atheist
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: With all the wild shit he says about religion in his music, it's hard to know what Tyler's true beliefs are. On Formspring he unabashedly states that he "hates religion" and he doesn't love Jesus because "THAT N*GGA IS NOT REAL." But before you call him a devil worshipper, it's worth noting that he does make some pretty salient points about the negative impact that religion can have. But could his faith be changing? Just five weeks ago he seemed open to the idea of calling himself an agnostic instead of an atheist.
Loves Music
FACT: He's Less Of A Hater Than You'd Think
[Original Formspring Link]
Complex Says: His well-known disses of artists like B.o.B. and Dom Kennedy get all the attention, but it's worth noting that Tyler spends a lot more time talking about music he does like than music he hates. Sure, he's not feeling some rappers like J. Cole and Wale, but he goes out of his way to show love to a surprising number of artists, including Toro Y Moi (above), Pusha T, Amy Winehouse, Vado, Salem, Nicki Minaj, Marilyn Manson, Lil Wayne, Animal Collective, Soulja Boy, Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Grizzly Bear, Stevie Wonder, Nirvana, Lil B, The Liars, Wiz Khalifa, The Roots, Joy Division, The Game, Yelawolf, Dipset, Roy Ayers, Lauryn Hill, The Horrors, Madlib, Waka Flocka, Justin Timberlake, Sex Pistols, Yo Gotti, Pac Div, OutKast, Asher Roth, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Eminem, and (of course) BIEBER. But if it's hate you want, his take on the Black Eyed Peas is pretty funny.
