“Manifesto” by Tyler, The Creator (ft. Domo Genesis)

Tyler, the Creator uses the opportunity of “Manifesto” to address the overall Black Lives Matter that has been at the forefront of the public consciousness for the last year or so. Such is also apparently why he enlisted Domo Genesis to participate. And as far as Tyler personally goes, he takes a unique approach to the matter, to stay the least.

He’s not coming off as someone who has “the answer” to the issue at hand. And at the same time, he’s not going along with the flow just in the name of appearing politically correct. Rather his disposition is like the problems which plague the African-American community are so deep-rooted that Black Lives Matter, i.e. whatever social movement is trending in the moment, cannot even properly address them.

Domo Genesis

Meanwhile Domo’s approach is more in line with what you would expect from a rapper speaking on such a subject. He acknowledges that the system is against Black people and expresses frustration, himself being Black, accordingly. 

However, unconventionally for this particular genre, he also espouses peace. And he concludes the passage with optimism in the power of the people.

Tyler Takes Over

So then Tyler comes in with a second time, he begins by once again acknowledging the struggle, though in a roundabout way. For instance, he alludes to the notion that the plight of his people has influenced his artistry from day one. He also recognizes this pressure he feels as a Black artist in terms of whether or not he’s doing enough for the cause, i.e. if reveling in his success is somehow selling his people out.

But at the end of the day, Tyler doesn’t feel qualified in addressing such grandiose matters. So he’s more like better not to say anything at all than to risk putting his foot in his mouth. And such may be why, at least to some degree, he actually references days past when he made obscene sexual and public comments aimed towards Selena Gomez. 

Or perhaps what he is saying is that in contending with the backlash from such he has already dealt with cancel culture, i.e. paid his dues. So if someone now thinks he’s soft because he’s not talking about Black Lives Matter, then it’s like they don’t know the actual history of his tongue.

What “Manifesto” is all about

That said, at the end of the day, Tyler is putting forth a strong statement. According to him, even though he may be different, i.e. richer and more eccentric, than the average Blackman, they are still one in the same nonetheless. Thus they should all make plans together as opposed to, say being divisive.

And also taking the outro into consideration, it would appear that Tyler’s main goal in all of this is to address two sets of people. One would be those who think he’s a sellout or has become too disjointed from his ancestry. And relatedly would be those who are zealously caught up in social issues like Black Lives Matter but simultaneously do not possess any concrete understanding of what’s actually going on.

Credits for “Manifesto”

The primary writers of this song are Tyler and Domo Genesis. Genesis is actually one of Tyler’s homeys from his earlier days, as they were both down with Odd Future.

Nas, Salaam Remi and the late Barry White (1944-2003) are also formally recognized as writers of “Manifesto”. That is because it samples a song the three of them wrote entitled “Nazareth Savage” (2004) by Nas. 

Well actually take particular track samples another which Barry wrote called “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More Baby” (1974). However, White himself didn’t sing it but rather Jimmy Smith (c. 1925-2005). Additionally, that particular tune was produced by Michael Viner and Jerry Peters. Thus Smith, Viner and Peters are also credited with writing Manifesto.

Meanwhile the sole producer of the track is in fact Tyler, the Creator.

“Manifesto” Release Date

This song became public, via the efforts of Columbia Records, on 25 June 2021. It is part of Tyler’s album entitled “Call Me If You Get Lost”.

Selena Gomez

Concerning the aforementioned Selena Gomez drama, Tyler did indeed make some very lewd statements towards her back in 2010-2011. By this point in time, the rapper had only one project under his belt, which was his 2009 debut EP Bastard.  Yet he had already established himself as a public figure who could make very-controversial statements. 

However, according to the lyrics of “Manifesto”, he did apologize to Gomez when their paths actually crossed, whenever that may have been.