For a “throwaway” track, Tyler The Creator’s recently released “Okra” is already making waves. Tyler’s been known to set his online fan community abuzz with offhand lines and references in his songs, such as when he used Flower Boy single “Who Dat Boy?” to perhaps “come out” as bisexual, but his latest bombshell has no doubt launched a thousand Tumblr ‘ships.
“Tell Timothée Chalamet to come get at me / Skin glowin’, clear of acne…” Tyler raps to start the third verse on “Okra.” He’s referring to the star of Call Me By Your Name, the critical darling movie that has turned the 22-year-old actor into a bonafide celebrity. Chalamet has already acquired quite a following of his own, and they’ve been known to swoon at his social media exchanges with hip-hop figures like Kid Cudi and Frank Ocean in the past.
But this line has sparked an enthusiastic reaction on Twitter, highlighting not just the overlap in their respective fanbases, but also how important representation can feel for marginalized kids. In this case, although Chalamet does not identify as queer, his role in Call Me By Your Name has made him something of a totem for the young, queer community, and Tyler has already kicked down the perceived barrier that said that mainstream rap would never accept a gay rapper.
In all honesty, it’s fun to see these fans stanning their faves as they show mutual appreciation and help these marginalized communities feel seen and validated. Also, thee fans are completely hilarious, always finding more inventive ways to relay their jubilation through .gifs, jokes, and all-caps exclamations of utter joy. Check out some of the best reactions below.
https://twitter.com/timotheeIio/status/979408026611351552
tyler the creator rapped about timothée chalamet and his glowing skin, i love life and the world i'm living, i'm never going to complain again, thank you g o d
— 𝒵 (@yayodolls) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/Muvadeath/status/979397723945226241
the fact that kid cudi, frank ocean and tyler the creator have noticed timothée makes my heart soar he loves them all so much and they all love him just as much
— lo (@timchals) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/caIImbyourname/status/979417498830372864
https://twitter.com/timochalamet/status/979414555729235968
https://twitter.com/armeihammer/status/979409971619262464
TYLER THE CREATOR SINGING ABOUT TIMOTHÉE! MY TWO BOYS! IM SO IN LOVE https://t.co/ZSo36pAcvG
— b (@IukeskywaIker) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/tchalamvt/status/979409052039090176
https://twitter.com/futildevices/status/979399971937058818
throwback to when tyler posted pics of timothée from cmbyn and lady bird pic.twitter.com/ore2ryJrhj
— symone (@chalametculture) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/shadesoftimmyt/status/979409078530248704
https://twitter.com/timcthee/status/979421480495837184