Tyler, The Creator was given the first Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award on Tuesday, October 5 at the BET Hip Hop Awards. He also won Album of the Year for his Call Me If You Get Lost LP.
During his speech for the Cultural Influence Award, Tyler thanked the rappers who inspired his creativity and helped him become successful.
"I wouldn’t be here or up on the stage or have this silly hat or anything without the Q-Tips, the André 3000s, the Chad Hugos, the Pharrells, the Kanye Wests, the Missy Elliotts, who no one ever brings up,” he said. “Busta Rhymes, the Hype Williams who just took it to this different world. I preach those names and others that I didn’t name ’cause I’m limited on time."
"But I appreciate you so much for just opening the doors and throwing the key —not just opening the doors, but talking to young guys like me and giving me gems and things like that,"added Tyler.
The Cultural Influence Award was presented by LL Cool J and its purpose is to honor "a younger, innovative, otherworldly artist” who's pushed Hip Hop culture forward and helped their community.
Which artists from back in the day do you think deserve more credit for being innovators?