Advice and iPads: Tyler, the Creator returns to his Hawthorne high school alma mater to give back

by

Tyler, the Creator really excited the students at Hawthorne High School on Friday afternoon.

The students of South Bay High School assembled in the auditorium, expecting a pep rally. Instead, they were surprised and inspired by a visit from rapper Tyler, the Creator, who also gifted each of them with an iPad Pro.

The rapper was instantly reminded of his high school days – from 2005 to 2006 – as he performed for a crowd of excited, phone-wielding fans. He reminisced about simple things like drawing on his pants, friendly rap competitions in the schoolyard, and skateboarding down El Segundo Boulevard, all while dreaming of future success.

The rapper, speaking from the stage, described his hometown as a unique and somewhat unusual place – not quite like nearby Inglewood or Manhattan Beach, but a world of its own. He shared that he always dreamed of escaping and achieving success.

Apple Music hosted the event, recognizing the 34-year-old rapper as their artist of the year. Before the rapper performed, the event included local businesses like Crenshaw Juice Co. and Happy Ice, plus a photo booth and DJ, to entertain the seniors.

As soon as Tyler finished speaking, Kennesha Sylester, a senior, quickly grabbed her iPad. She admitted she suspected a surprise was planned, but she’d heard a rumor it would be the popular YouTuber, Mr. Beast.

You know, it was really cool to see Tyler, the Creator go back to his old school – it just shows how much he cares about the place. And honestly, every time I use this iPad, I’ll remember getting it from him! I’m a huge fan, and I really admire how he’s always himself and does exactly what he wants. It’s inspiring.

Following a hugely successful year, Tyler decided to revisit his old high school, Hawthorne High, and show his gratitude to the community that supported him. He spent his freshman and sophomore years there before starting the unique hip-hop group Odd Future, which launched his music career and ultimately led to international fame.

Now a major star in the rap world after almost two decades, he quickly rose to headlining major music festivals like Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, and Outside Lands, plus his own festival, Camp Flog Gnaw. He supported his eighth studio album, “Chromakopia,” with his largest world tour to date, and simultaneously released a new record, “Don’t Tap the Glass,” this summer. That album included his biggest hit so far, the catchy song “Sugar on My Tongue.” These projects have earned him a total of five Grammy nominations.

Beyond his music career, Tyler, the Creator has also become a successful fashion designer with two brands: Golf Wang, a streetwear line, and Le Fleur, a more upscale brand. He’s expanding his creative work even further this month with his first leading role in a movie called “Marty Supreme.”

As a final message to the graduating class, he offered some simple advice: “It might sound a little cliché, but I want to show you that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t stress too much, and don’t let who you are right now limit who you dream of becoming. Go out there and make it happen!”

He started pointing at people in the audience again, shouting, “You got an iPad!” – a reference to the famous video of Oprah Winfrey giving away cars.

Read More

2025-12-14 06:01