Ian’s manager responds after Tyler, The Creator accuses rapper of 'mocking' black artists

"I never thought I'd see the day where you become old and hate on the youth," says Bu Thiam in defense of Ian.

Tyler, The Creator is known for speaking his mind, and in a recent appearance on Spring Hill, he didn’t hold back. 

While discussing the current state of hip-hop, Tyler expressed his frustration with a "white kid" who has recently gained popularity, seemingly targeting rising rapper Ian without mentioning his name directly. 

"This white kid. Regular Caucasian man," Tyler said. "And he's like mocking Future and Gucci Mane... like rap music." 

He questioned why people are supporting the rapper, saying, "People are like, 'this sh*t hard.' It's not even like satire... I hold rap music so close to my heart. This sh*t changed my life and everyone's life around me."

Ian's manager, Bu Thiam—who is also the brother of Akon—did not appreciate Tyler's critique. 

Thiam defended Ian, arguing that the rapper is simply influenced by artists like Future and Gucci Mane, much like Tyler has been influenced by Pharrell Williams. 

"Yo, I signed Ian and I'm from Atlanta," Thiam responded on his Instagram Story. 

"He sounds nothing like Gucci or Future lol. It's called influence."

Thiam further suggested that Tyler, The Creator, once known for embracing chaos and being different, now comes off as an "old head" hating on the new generation. "I never thought I'd see the day," Thiam remarked. 

"Where you become old and hate on the youth lol." The exchange has sparked a debate among fans—do you side with Tyler’s critique or Thiam’s defense of Ian?