André 3000 put a bow on Tyler, The Creator’s big year, and the praise came straight from the heart!

While presenting Tyler with Variety’s Innovator of the Decade Award, André called the 33-year-old rapper/composer/producer “the most relentlessly curious and creatively driven artist of his generation.” André said, "I've known Tyler for a few years now, and I've witnessed him surge with ideas and bring them to life repeatedly. To see his excitement, momentum, and passion, it's infectious.”

It was a full-circle salute. Tyler recently had the honor of performing a tribute to OutKast for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He’s also been stacking honors like Apple’s Music Artist of the Year, headlining festivals, and pushing creative boundaries across music, fashion, design, and film. André said, “He cares about what he's doing, and innovating himself is a constant. He always has his antennas up and is experiencing everything around him with great curiosity."

Tyler accepted André’s praises with his usual blend of humor and humility. He said, “I don't take the time out to look back at what I've done. But damn, it does feel good to hear the last 15 years you've been doing super-duper, awesome shit. I'm so grateful y'all have noticed things I've done.” Through his gratitude, he was also surprised he was chosen for this 10-year award when artists that he looks up to exist, like Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, and Pharrell.

He credited constant reinvention as his comfort zone. “Me always looking forward, me always wondering what the next thing is, that's where I sit comfortable at,” he said. That model is working wonders for the musical genius who’s garnered a few Grammys nominations with his albums “Chromakopia” and “Don’t Tap The Glass.”