Tyler, the Creator brought unmistakable energy to the Grammy stage, delivering one of the night’s most talked-about performances as he ran through some of his biggest records from the past 18 months.
Coming into the ceremony, Tyler was riding strong momentum from Chromakopia, which earned major nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Rap Album. While he ultimately didn’t take home the Rap Album trophy, the Album of the Year award was still pending at the time of his performance—keeping fans locked in and debating whether Tyler could still walk away with the night’s biggest honor, or if it would go to Kendrick Lamar.
Regardless of trophies, Tyler made his presence felt. His performance blended material from Chromakopia with tracks from his more recent project, Don’t Tap The Glass, a release that’s quickly become known for its infectious, dance-heavy sound.
Visually, the performance mirrored Tyler’s musical evolution. He opened in his distinctive Chromakopia outfit, leaning into the aesthetic fans associate with that era. Midway through the set, he transitioned into a look inspired by Don’t Tap The Glass, signaling a shift in tone and tempo. The highlight came when Tyler climbed into a Ferrari F40 onstage to perform “Sugar On My Tongue,” one of the most beloved tracks from the newer album.
The crowd responded immediately, feeding off the performance’s theatricality and energy. As the first major hip-hop showcase of the night, Tyler’s set helped set the tone and diversify the sonic palette of the ceremony.
With additional performances still ahead from Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and Lauryn Hill, the night was far from over—but Tyler’s appearance firmly established hip-hop’s presence early on.
Between standout performances, surprise wins, and a tightening Album of the Year race, Tyler, the Creator’s Grammy moment proved once again why he remains one of the most compelling and creative forces in music today.
