Tyler, The Creator Named Apple Music's Artist Of The Year

It’s been a massive year for Tyler, The Creator.

In July, the American rapper released his ninth album, DON’T TAP THE GLASS—a surprise release that landed on a Monday. The album arrived just nine months after his previous full-length, CHROMAKOPIA.

For the 68th Grammy Awards, Tyler, The Creator earned five nominations for both records, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album for CHROMAKOPIA, Best Alternative Music album for DON’T TAP THE GLASS, and Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his songs STICKY and DARLING, I respectively.

In the last year, Tyler, The Creator has headlined festivals including Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Osheaga. Meanwhile, Camp Flog Gnaw — the festival Tyler built himself — returns for its 11th edition this weekend.

Tyler, The Creator has consistently toured and performed at festivals this year, including an eleven-date arena tour of Australia. This year, he also made his feature film debut, starring in the upcoming sports film Marty Supreme alongside Timothée Chalamet.

With so much going for him, it’s little wonder why Tyler, The Creator was named Apple Music’s Artist of the Year.

“Tyler continues to prove that anything is possible. His creativity has been incredible all year,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s Global Creative Director and Lead Host for Apple Music 1. “His creative risk-taking is only matched by the care he takes to present it, and he inspires his peers and fans now, just as he will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Responding to the honour, Tyler, The Creator said, “To everyone who listens to my music, thank you. I appreciate you so much.

“This year, for my career, was the biggest so far. To be this year’s Apple Music Artist of the Year, it’s sick. I appreciate the love. I appreciate the recognition. It means a lot to me, especially for the music and things that I make. Please keep supporting folks who are a bit out of the box for how they do things; it means a lot to us.”

Reviewing night one of Tyler, The Creator’s four shows at Rod Laver Arena in August, The Music’s Claire Dunton declared:

Tyler explodes onto the stage with high energy, accompanied by pyrotechnics that occur all around the stage, leaving us with the smell of gunpowder that permeates the arena and 14,000 fans ready for what comes next.

The tour saw Tyler perform thrilling 24-song setlists across the country, highlighting his latest albums as well as some long-standing fan favourites. He also made headlines for describing Australia as the “whitest place on Earth.”