THAT GUY (unofficial)
Tyler, The Creator’s surprise freestyle “THAT GUY,” dropped on Christmas morning 2024, is Tyler at his most raw and entertaining. Freestyling over Kendrick Lamar’s “hey now” from GNX, the track feels like a perfect blend of humor, confidence, and that signature carefree vibe Tyler’s mastered over the years. From the jump, his playful delivery makes it clear he’s just having fun with it, but as always, there’s a deeper layer. Halfway through, the energy shifts as Tyler attacks the beat with more intensity, flexing his versatility as an artist who can go from playful to aggressive in seconds.
The music video takes the whole thing to another level. Shot around El Segundo and Prairie, it’s packed with visuals that hit close to home if you grew up in South LA. Tyler even features his old middle school—fun fact, I went there too. Seeing those spots onscreen felt surreal. It’s not just a setting for the video; it’s a nod to his roots and the people who shaped him. For me, it was like seeing my own story reflected, a reminder of how much this area and its energy have shaped creatives like Tyler and even myself.
What stands out most about “THAT GUY” is how Tyler balances nostalgia with his signature braggadocio. He’s cracking jokes about yellow diamonds needing tissues, throwing bars about cruising in a LaFerrari down the 405, and calling himself “really that guy” without taking it too seriously. But there’s also a reflective undertone—lines like “Them niggas used to press me on the carrot-colored bus” bring up memories of his early struggles, grounding all the flexing in something real. The video amplifies that, weaving between scenes of familiar LA streets and moments that feel personal, like Tyler revisiting the spots where his story started.
Tyler’s paranoia and mistrust of people also sneak into the track, a recurring theme in his work. “That’s why I’m paranoid now ‘cause niggas weird and really bums,” he raps, doubling down on his guarded approach to fame and relationships. He’s always been open about the challenges of staying authentic in an industry full of false personas, and this freestyle reminds us that even as he flexes his success, he hasn’t forgotten the darker sides of his journey.
The freestyle’s second half ramps things up, with Tyler’s delivery getting sharper and more aggressive. He’s throwing shots at fake people, flexing his Coachella paychecks, and even getting cheeky with lines like, “I’ll buy that nigga building just to evict him.” It’s brash, bold, and 100% Tyler. But it never feels out of place. The shift in tone mirrors his growth—he’s not the kid riding the “carrot-colored bus” anymore, but he still carries those memories and uses them to fuel his art.
For me, “THAT GUY” isn’t just another freestyle—it’s personal. Seeing Tyler reflect on the same streets I grew up on and knowing we went to the same middle school adds a layer of connection that makes the track hit differently. He’s not just flexing his success; he’s reminding people where he came from and how far he’s gone. It’s that blend of humor, depth, and authenticity that makes Tyler stand out, and “THAT GUY” is the perfect example of why his fans stick with him. It’s raw, it’s fun, and it’s a love letter to LA in the most Tyler way possible.
TYLER, THE CREATOR - THAT GUY (unofficial)
RATING - 9/10
GENRE - Rap, Hip-Hop