If you ask what TikTok's phenomenon was in 2023, the answer is 'See You Again'. This song released by Tyler, The Creator in 2017 remained quiet for nearly six years before suddenly going viral on social media in April 2023. What resurrected this old song? It was the power of emotion with perfect timing.
A Story Created in 2013
What's interesting is the true beginning of 'See You Again'. Tyler revealed that he had already created the instrumental part of this song back in 2013. It would pass through one album and then another before this song was officially released in 2017. As a result, this song included on the 'Flower Boy' album became one of Tyler's gentlest and most emotional works.
The voice of Kali Uchis who participated in the song was a perfect complement. When Tyler's rapping meets Kali Uchis' soft and soulful voice, nostalgia and longing for first love come alive. But initially, this song didn't receive much attention. While 'Flower Boy' received good reviews, 'See You Again' was just one song that didn't receive much attention even within the album.
The Miracle of TikTok
In April 2023, 'See You Again' suddenly began to go viral on TikTok. The song's soft melody and emotional lyrics touched the hearts of TikTok users. In particular, the younger generation felt the longing of first love in this song. Although the song was a six-year-old work, it perfectly aligned with the emotions of 2023.
This phenomenon taught an interesting lesson to the music industry. Sometimes good music waits for time. 'See You Again' initially went unnoticed when it was first released, but six years later, it gained life again when it met the right platform at the right time. The snippet of this song that Hodgy Beats originally posted on Vine was also not famous at the time, but in retrospect, it was the seed of virality.
"Music always waits for us. Until we are ready for the music."— Music critic
Tyler and His Emotional Expression
Tyler, The Creator directed the music video himself. He credited the director as his profile name "Wolf Haley". This shows how much personal interest Tyler had in the song 'See You Again'. The music video was minimalist yet full of emotion, conveying Tyler's genuine feelings.
This song also holds a unique position in Tyler's career. Usually, he is known for more provocative and experimental music, but 'See You Again' shows his gentler and more emotional side. The participation of Kali Uchis further emphasized this softness.
'See You Again' receiving attention again is not merely a musical phenomenon. It shows how time can affect good music, and how powerful things can happen when the right platform meets the right moment. Through this, Tyler once again proved the eternity of music.
The journey of 'See You Again'—a beat created in 2013, a song released in 2017, and conquering the world in 2023—reveals the mystery of music. Tyler, The Creator and Kali Uchis may not have realized at first, but the song they created transcended time and touched people's hearts. 'See You Again' broke six years of silence and once again captured everyone's hearts.
