Tyler, the Creator, whose real name is Tyler Gregory Okonma, has often been a polarizing figure in the music industry. Yet, on March 15th, 2014, he found himself in the spotlight for reasons other than his music. The American rapper was arrested at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport by the Austin Police Department.
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He was charged with inciting a riot at the SXSW festival a day earlier. Following his arrest, the police department released his mugshot. While many mugshots are quickly forgotten, Tyler’s would prove to have a lasting impact on both hip-hop and meme cultures.
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The Image that Spread Like Wildfire
Tyler, the Creator’s mugshot displayed a somewhat goofy, nonchalant expression, wearing a pink shirt. The image caught the attention of many, becoming an instant sensation online. Its off-kilter vibe led it to be referred to as the “Tyler, the Creator Mugshot” meme.
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Just a day after the release of the mugshot, Redditor BryanBeast13 introduced it to the /r/photoshopbattles subreddit. As the community often does, multiple users began manipulating and editing the photograph into various humorous and ironic scenarios. A particularly memorable edit by Redditor Friesheid even removed Tyler’s nose.
The Longevity of a Meme
Memes often have a short shelf life, but Tyler’s mugshot continued to circulate and gain traction years after its release. The /r/tylerthecreator subreddit played a pivotal role in this, where the rapper’s fans continued to adapt and share the mugshot in new and creative ways. In fact, its popularity surged in mid-2019, with one notable post showing the photograph being humorously included in a school yearbook.
By mid-2019, the format had seeped further into the hip-hop and ironic meme communities. Subreddits like /r/hiphopcirclejerk and /r/okbuddyretard embraced the meme, while platforms like iFunny and Instagram also showcased numerous adaptations.
From Meme to Cultural Phenomenon
Tyler, the Creator’s mugshot represents more than just a meme. It encapsulates a moment in the rapper’s life, a point of contention with authorities, and a digital symbol of resistance and humor. Tyler himself would go on to secure his release shortly after the incident on a $25,000 bond, with the official charge being Riot-Class A Misdemeanor.
This mugshot, like the man in the photograph, challenges conventions. It stands as a testament to Tyler’s unique personality and the power of the internet to reshape and repurpose moments in time.
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FAQs About Tyler the Creator’s Mugshot
1. Why was Tyler, the Creator arrested in 2014?
He was arrested for allegedly inciting a riot at the SXSW festival.
2. Where did the meme originate?
The mugshot meme first gained significant traction on Reddit, particularly in the /r/photoshopbattles subreddit.
3. How did the community respond to the mugshot?
The online community rapidly began manipulating and editing the photograph, turning it into various humorous scenarios.
4. What did Tyler wear in his mugshot?
Tyler, the Creator wore a pink shirt in his mugshot, which added to the image’s distinctiveness.
5. What was Tyler’s official charge?
He was charged with Riot-Class A Misdemeanor.
