On Christmas Day, Tyler, the Creator delighted fans by releasing 'That Guy,' a freestyle remix of Kendrick Lamar's track 'Hey Now' from his new album, GNX. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tyler shared the surprise track, calling it his holiday gift, complete with a new music video he directed himself.
The video showcases Tyler's artistic vision, featuring various quirky locales throughout his hometown of Hawthorne, California. Alongside him are his Odd Future collaborators Jasper Dolphin, Travis 'Taco' Bennett, and Lionel 'L-Boy' Boyce, who comically attempt to ride a bike together up a desolate street, capturing the lighthearted essence of the season.
With 'That Guy,' Tyler dives deep, flexing his prowess and wealth through rapidly delivered verses. He references Kendrick’s Pop Out concert earlier this year, creating connection points with the audience. Lines like, 'Lil bunny hop out, you seen me at the pop out / Pandemonium screaming like they brought Pac out / Stop it with the chit chat, we airing out the kickback / Big stud energy the way I get my lick back / Hey now say now, I’m all about my bands / Shit I’m on bitch, you wouldn’t understand,' encapsulate both Tyler's lyrical skill and his lived experiences.
This release was not without its backstory. Tyler announced the remix as he responded to a fan who tagged him, expressing their wish for him to freestyle over 'Hey Now.' Tyler replied, 'merry christmas. had fun with it,' establishing his genuine connection with fans on social media.
His latest endeavor follows the release of Chromakopia, which he dropped just two months ago. The album was well-received, selling 300,000 units within the first four days and going gold just 12 days post-release. Tyler alluded to these successes with the line, '300k in four days Chromakopia / 12 days gold I ain’t even drop deluxe one / Sold a million tickets first day for the new stage.' This shows just how far he has come since his beginnings.
The stirring video for 'That Guy' serves not just as entertainment but as Tyler's homage to the creative roots of Odd Future. Featuring nostalgic moments with his friends, it reflects the camaraderie they share. Tyler's ability to weave personal narrative and anecdote serves as his trademark, and this release is no different.
Beyond the music, the holiday spirit is mirrored by Tyler’s reflective post on social media, commemorated the 15th anniversary of his debut album, Bastard. “Thank you to everyone who listened to anything over the years,” he wrote, illustrating his gratitude and growth from his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon. His sincerity shines through as he acknowledges the different phases of his artistry, stating, “was determined to be who I am today, full of gratitude cause it all came true.”
The success of Tyler, the Creator is intertwined with his ability to stay authentic to his roots. This year's Chromakopia and now 'That Guy' place him not just as both creator and performer but as someone who genuinely cares about the music and where it belongs. Acknowledging Kendrick Lamar's artistic influence, Tyler continues to push boundaries and explore new terrains.
Fans can celebrate with Tyler this holiday season by checking out the new music video for 'That Guy,' which beautifully combines his past, present, and adventurous spirit. The convergence of talent creates magic and speaks to the collaborative ethos of the genre. Tyler's ability to draw from his experiences, give back to his audience, and take musical risks keeps him at the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
Tyler's legacy grows richer with every release. Bastard remains a pivotal point, but as he reflects on 15 years of evolution, it is clear he's not done pushing barriers or delighting his audience yet.
