Tyler, The Creator just gave fans the ultimate Christmas gift—a surprise freestyle over Kendrick Lamar’s iconic “Hey Now.” The talented rapper and producer, known for his bold, creative moves, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Christmas Day to share a new video titled “That Guy.”
In the festive post, Tyler responded to a fan comment from November that had requested him to freestyle over Kendrick Lamar’s hit track. With his signature humor and excitement, Tyler wrote, “Merry Christmas. Had fun with it,” linking to the highly anticipated clip. And fans could not have been more thrilled.
In “That Guy,” Tyler shows off his playful yet confident flow while referencing his major career milestone—his latest album Chromakopia. He raps, “Hey now, say now, get sticky like a hun bun / You will never be the main guy, you’re a plus-one / 300k in four days Chromakopia / 12 days gold I ain’t even drop deluxe one.” These lyrics not only showcase Tyler’s lyrical prowess but also celebrate his album’s rapid success, solidifying his place in the music world.
The video is equally captivating. Filmed in his hometown of Hawthorne, California, Tyler takes viewers on a journey through the streets, dancing, showing off his Ferrari, and sporting high-end designer clothes. He even throws in a verse about his surprise guest appearance at Kendrick’s The Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert in Los Angeles back in June. “Lil bunny hop out, you seen me at the Pop Out / Pandemonium screaming like they brought pac out,” he raps with energy, evoking the wild excitement of that moment.
Tyler’s freestyle hit home with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their gratitude for the Christmas surprise. One fan commented, “Tyler on Kendrick’s beat is the best Christmas gift.” Another wrote, “You can tell Kendrick really inspires him, loving how he’s going back to his roots where it all started—Hawthorne, CA, with some OF members/friends. It’s like a full-circle moment for him. Happy for him.” The nostalgic vibes were palpable as Tyler embraced both his beginnings and his growth, proving that despite his success, he has stayed true to where it all started.
Christmas Day also marked another significant milestone for Tyler. He paid tribute to his debut album Bastard, which was released on December 25, 2009. Reflecting on the impact it had on his life and career, Tyler posted, “BASTARD released 15 years ago. Thank you to everyone who listened to anything over the years. Was in such a different zone musically and as a person, but was determined to be who I am today. Full of gratitude because it all came true.” The post was a heartfelt acknowledgment of how far he’s come, and he fondly reminisced about the making of Bastard, including his collaboration with Earl Sweatshirt on “ASSMILK” and the unforgettable Coachella performance with Odd Future.
He also shared a special note to fans: “This album was made at ages 16-18. What a time. Thank you!” It’s clear that Bastard holds a deeply personal place in his heart, and this tribute to his past was a touching moment for fans who’ve followed him since his early days.
Tyler’s Chromakopia world tour is also just around the corner. The rapper revealed the exciting news in October, releasing a video featuring Lil Yachty and punk-rap duo Paris Texas. The tour, set to kick off in February 2025, will run until July 2025, and fans can expect a thrilling, high-energy show that highlights the multifaceted artist’s evolution over the years.
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar has his own tour plans in the works. In 2025, he’ll be hitting the road with SZA for a highly anticipated co-headlining stadium tour, which will take them across the U.S. from April to June. The pair’s dynamic chemistry on stage will no doubt provide an unforgettable experience for fans.
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