Full Breakdown
Tyler, the Creator Inspires Students at Hawthorne High School
12/14/2025, 7:45:01 AM
Surprise Visit and Inspirational Message
Tyler, the Creator made a surprise visit to his alma mater, South Bay High School, on December 13, 2025, to celebrate being named Apple Music Artist of the Year. The event, initially presented as a spirit rally for the graduating class, turned into an unforgettable experience for students when the rapper appeared to deliver an inspirational speech and gift iPad Pros to attendees. Tyler reminisced about his time at the school from 2005 to 2006, sharing personal anecdotes about his youth, including doodling on his pants and rap battling in the courtyard. He emphasized the unique character of Hawthorne, stating, “Being from this city, man — it’s kind of like a weird place... I always would tell myself, ‘One day I’m really going to make it out of this place and make something of myself.’”
Celebrating Achievements and Giving Back
The event was organized in collaboration with Apple Music, which also featured local vendors such as Crenshaw Juice Co. and Happy Ice, along with a DJ to entertain the students. Senior Kennesha Sylvester expressed her admiration for Tyler, noting that his return to the school demonstrated his care for the community. She remarked, “Every time I look [at the iPad] I’m going to think about how I got it from Tyler, the Creator.” This visit marked a significant moment for both Tyler and the students, as he sought to give back to the community that supported him during his formative years.
Tyler's Journey to Stardom
Tyler, the Creator, who attended both freshman and sophomore years at Hawthorne High School, later founded the influential hip-hop collective Odd Future, which propelled him into the music industry and global fame. Nearly 20 years after his high school days, he has become one of rap's most prominent figures, headlining major music festivals such as Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, and Camp Flog Gnaw. His recent projects include his eighth studio album, “Chromakopia,” and the summer release “Don’t Tap the Glass,” which features the hit track “Sugar on My Tongue.” These works have garnered him five Grammy nominations.
Final Words of Encouragement
In his concluding remarks, Tyler left the senior class with a motivational message: “I know it sounds corny sometimes, but let me be the example. You could be whatever you want to be in this life. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t let the version that you are today dictate the version that you plan on being. Rock this s—.” He humorously echoed Oprah Winfrey’s famous giveaway moment by pointing at students and exclaiming, “You got an iPad,” further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the day.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being from this city, man — it’s kind of like a weird place, because it’s not Inglewood and it’s not Manhattan Beach, it’s just its own little world. I always would tell myself, ‘One day I’m really going to make it out of this place and make something of myself,” — Tyler, the Creator
- “Every time I look [at the iPad] I’m going to think about how I got it from Tyler, the Creator,” Sylvester said.” — Kennesha Sylvester
- “I know it sounds corny sometimes, but let me be the example. You could be whatever you want to be in this life. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t let the version that you are today dictate the version that you plan on being. Rock this s—.” — Tyler, the Creator
