André 3000 had high praise for Tyler, the Creator as he presented him with Variety’s Innovator of the Decade award, calling him one of the most curious and creatively driven artists of his generation. The honor capped a landmark year for Tyler, who continues to receive recognition for more than a decade of work spanning music, fashion, design, and film.
In 2025 alone, Tyler was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year, headlined major festivals around the world, and performed during Outkast’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Hearing André; one of his longtime inspirations, speak on his creativity made the moment especially meaningful.
“I’ve known Tyler for a few years now, and I’ve witnessed him surge with ideas and bring them to life repeatedly,” André said, noting Tyler’s excitement, momentum, and constant curiosity. He also highlighted Tyler’s influence on younger artists and his ability to build creative environments that encourage others to make meaningful work.
Accepting the award, Tyler mixed humor with reflection, admitting he rarely pauses to review his journey since launching with Odd Future and releasing Bastard in 2009. “I don’t take the time out to look back at what I’ve done,” he said. “But damn, it does feel good to hear the last 15 years you’ve been doing super-duper awesome stuff.”
He added that he was surprised to be chosen given the innovators he looks up to; including Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Pharrell, and Kanye West, but acknowledged that forward-thinking experimentation is where he feels most at home. Tyler’s recent run has been one of the strongest of his career. His 2024 album Chromakopia and surprise 2025 release Don’t Tap the Glass received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album. He is also set to appear in Josh Safdie’s upcoming film Marty Supreme, starring alongside Timothée Chalamet.
