"Earfquake" (stylized in

all caps In typography, text or font in all caps (short for "all capitals") contains capital letters without any lowercase letters. For example: All-caps text can be seen in legal documents, advertisements, newspaper headlines, and the titles on book co ...

) is a song by American rapper and producer

Tyler, the Creator Tyler Gregory Okonma (born March 6, 1991), known professionally as Tyler, the Creator, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has been cited as an influential figure in alternative hip-hop during the 2010s. Tyler beca ...

. It is the second song from his sixth studio album, '' Igor'' (2019). It features an uncredited guest appearance from fellow American rapper

Playboi Carti Jordan Terrell Carter (born September 13, 1995, or 1996), known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper. Known for his eccentric vocal style and fashion, he is considered an influential figure in modern Hip hop music, hip hop a ...

and background vocals by American singers Charlie Wilson and Jessy Wilson. It was released as the album's lead single to

rhythmic contemporary Rhythmic contemporary, also known as Rhythmic Top 20, Rhythmic Top 30, Rhythmic Top 40, Rhythmic CHR or rhythmic crossover, is a primarily American music-radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and upbeat R&B hit ...

radio on June 4, 2019. Its official remix by

Channel Tres Sheldon Jerome Young (born May 26, 1991), known professionally as Channel Tres, is an American rapper, DJ, singer and record producer from Compton, California. Tres is best known for his singles "Controller" and "Topdown". Early life and edu ...

was released on October 4, 2019. "Earfquake" was Tyler, the Creator's highest-charting song in the US at the time, peaking at number 13 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. It was also ranked 14th on ''Billboard''s 100 Best Songs of 2019 list.

Background

Tyler initially wrote the song for Canadian singer

Justin Bieber Justin Drew Bieber ( ; born March 1, 1994) is a Canadian singer. Regarded as a pop icon, he is recognized for his multi-genre musical performances. He was discovered by record executive Scooter Braun in 2008 and subsequently brought to the U ...

, who turned down the song. Tyler then asked Barbadian singer

Rihanna Robyn Rihanna Fenty ( ; born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress. One of the List of music artists by net worth, wealthiest musicians in the world, List of awards and nominations received by Rihanna, her vario ...

to provide vocals to the hook believing the song would be big, but she also rejected the song. Tyler instead kept in his own raw vocals. "Earfquake" was initially leaked online on May 7, 2019.

Chart performance

The song peaked at number 13 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart and performed well in various other countries and was also certified Platinum by the

RIAA The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and/o ...

, indicating over a million units sold in the United States. "Earfquake" passed 1 billion plays on Spotify in August 2024.

Composition and lyrical interpretation

The song contains background vocals by Charlie and Jessy Wilson. A remix featuring

was released as well.

Music video

A music video for "Earfquake" was released alongside the album's release on May 17, 2019. The music video was directed by Tyler.

Synopsis

The video opens with a talk show host, named Pearl Edwards, played by

Tracee Ellis Ross Tracee Joy Silberstein (born October 29, 1972), known professionally as Tracee Ellis Ross, is an American actress. She is known for her lead roles in the television series '' Girlfriends'' (2000–2008) and '' Black-ish'' (2014–2022) receivin ...

. She introduces Tyler, dressed as his alter ego Igor in a blue suit and a Warholian wig, and shares a rather stilted and awkward conversation with him (she asks for his name, which is censored with a bleep, and when she inquires about what he does, he simply says "yes"). Tyler then takes the stage, dancing and singing. He then plays his piano, but when Playboi Carti's verse starts, the set is already on fire, caused by his cigarette. He suffers various burns and then passes out. Tyler then returns as a firefighter to put out the fire. As he sings into the camera, it shakes and collapses as the video abruptly cuts off.

Personnel

Credits adapted from

Tidal Tidal is the adjectival form of tide. Tidal may also refer to: * ''Tidal'' (album), a 1996 album by Fiona Apple * Tidal (king), a king involved in the Battle of the Vale of Siddim * TidalCycles, a live coding environment for music * Tidal (servic ...

and liner notes. * Tyler Okonma – lead vocals, production, recording *

Jordan Carter Jordan Terrell Carter (born September 13, 1995, or 1996), known professionally as Playboi Carti, is an American rapper. Known for his eccentric vocal style and fashion, he is considered an influential figure in modern hip hop and a pioneer of ...

– featured vocals * Charlie Wilson – background vocals * Jessy Wilson – background vocals * Vic Wainstein – recording * Ashley Jacobson – recording assistance * Thomas Cullison – recording assistance * Treveon Vaughn – recording assistance

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

References

{{authority control 2019 songs Tyler, the Creator songs Songs written by Tyler, the Creator Songs written by Playboi Carti 2019 singles Playboi Carti songs