I don't know how this caught on — maybe there was some memo that was broadcasted in everyone's dreams but mine, or maybe I forgot because I don't remember my dreams — but everyone's been spelling 2018 wrong. The right way is: T-Y-L-E-R. The Creator, that is.

I'm no Tyler stan. I haven't been here for him since the early days of Odd Future. I can't recite lyrics from Goblin at the drop of a fanny pack, I don't have any Golf Wang in my closet, I wasn't ready for what they were about to bring back, I wasn't ready for Tyler with the green hat, I wasn't ready for the wang$AP. But listening to Flower Boy did things to my ears that will draw serious side eye from Peter at the pearly gates,  and it was worth it.

Which is why attending his annual music festival, Camp Flog Gnaw, last year was less of a choice and more of an existential obligation. Now, I'm not saying the hell of a year he's having has anything to do with me being at Flog Gnaw last year and the unprecedented proximity providing potent powers practically unparalleled. Nobody's saying that. Especially not so eloquently. I'm saying we should've known this was coming.

The man has built not only a career, but an empire defying expectations after premiering two TV shows, releasing his best album, earning his first best rap album Grammy nod and collaborating with Converse on a shoe line in 2017. It should've been no surprise when Tiny Desk had us doing too much, "OKRA" had us fried, "BRING IT BACK" was all about that bass, "435" had us lauding the twelve, "CRUST IN THEIR EYES" had us like this, "GELATO" was too too sweet, "PEACH FUZZ" didn't have my beard on the verge, but had us buzzing, "BRONCO" had us juiced, "POTATO SALAD" had us creaming, "TIPTOE" had us toe-tapping and "QUARTZ" … I don't know (I don't really have any tangential references for quartz, but it was a trip). Also, the "See You Again" video was must-see.

And the elio of this coming out party? THE Lauryn Hill will consecrate the stage with her presence at Camp Flog Gnaw this year. Bestowment of the queen's blessing is like the closest black people get to being knighted.

So yeah, here's to you Sir Tyler. May your garden forever know spring.