Tyler, the Creator, known for his inventive and unapologetic style, has once again captivated his fans with a new video release titled "That Guy." In this unexpected treat on Christmas Day, Tyler showcases his lyrical prowess by rapping over the beat of Kendrick Lamar's popular track "Hey Now." The video, directed by Tyler himself, features appearances by three former Odd Future members: Jasper Dolphin, Travis "Taco" Bennett, and Lionel "L-Boy" Boyce.
While Tyler typically shies away from rapping over mainstream beats, "That Guy" recalls a previous venture in 2016 with "What the Fuck Right Now," where he spit bars over Kanye West's "Freestyle 4" from The Life of Pablo album. This latest freestyle serves as a reminder of Tyler's ability to blend genres and push artistic boundaries.
The visuals in the video showcase Tyler in his hometown of Hawthorne, California, exuding confidence as he dances in the streets, flaunts his success with luxury cars and designer outfits, and reflects on his journey in the music industry. His lyrics nod to his recent album, "Chromakopia," boasting about its 300k streams in four days and Gold certification within 12 days of release. Additionally, Tyler references his surprise appearance at Lamar's "The Pop Out: Ken & Friends" concert in Los Angeles earlier in the year, highlighting the rapport between the two iconic artists.
Fans flooded social media with excitement over Tyler's collaboration with Lamar, with many expressing joy at seeing Tyler pay homage to his roots and connect with former Odd Future members in the video. The intimate glimpse into Tyler's creative process and personal growth resonated with audiences, further solidifying his status as a visionary in the music industry.
In a heartwarming gesture, Tyler also took the opportunity to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his debut album, "BASTARD," released on the same date years ago. Reflecting on his growth as an artist and individual, Tyler expressed gratitude towards his supporters and reminisced about the early days of his career, marking a nostalgic moment for both him and his fans.
Looking ahead, Tyler announced a world tour for "Chromakopia," set to kick off in February 2025 and extend through July 2025. The tour promises to be a dynamic experience for fans, featuring collaborations with artists like Lil Yachty and Paris Texas. Furthermore, Lamar revealed plans to embark on a joint tour with SZA in 2025, traversing stadiums across the U.S. from April to June, signaling an exciting period for fans of both artists.
As Tyler, the Creator continues to push artistic boundaries and evolve as a musician, his recent video release and upcoming tour underscore his enduring influence and creativity in the music industry. With each project, Tyler showcases his unique vision and storytelling, captivating audiences and solidifying his place as a trailblazer in modern hip-hop.
