Tyler, The Creator’s “That Guy”: A West Coast Freestyle That Redefines Success
Released as an unexpected Christmas Day gift in 2024, Tyler, The Creator’s That Guy delivers a freestyle that feels like both a celebration and a challenge.
Over Kendrick Lamar’s hey now instrumental from GNX, Tyler blends sharp lyricism, nostalgic callbacks, and an unapologetically brash delivery to craft a track that’s as reflective as it is triumphant.
The Production: A Nod to the West Coast
That Guy borrows its instrumental from Kendrick Lamar’s hey now, a track produced by the trifecta of Mustard, Sounwave, and Jack Antonoff.
This beat, with its smooth West Coast vibe, serves as the perfect playground for Tyler’s dynamic flow.
While keeping the integrity of the original production intact, Tyler adds his signature energetic vocal delivery, creating a version that feels familiar yet uniquely his.
The technical mix deserves applause too. Vocal layering emphasises key moments, while the beat’s open space allows Tyler’s lyrical dexterity to shine.
It’s a masterclass in how to reinterpret a well-loved track without overshadowing its roots.
That Guy Lyrics Hit Home: Tyler’s Storytelling and Wordplay
Geographic Shoutouts and Personal Narratives
Tyler’s Los Angeles roots are at the heart of That Guy. From references to El Segundo and Prairie to Hawthorne and the Gardena Swap Meet, he paints a vivid picture of his upbringing.
These aren’t just casual name-drops; they’re markers of Tyler’s journey—from carrot-coloured buses to million-dollar milestones.
Lines like “Gardena swap meet, shopping bogus ice cream” reflect both nostalgia and the grit that shaped his rise.
Cultural References and Industry Critique
Tyler’s lyrical arsenal extends beyond geography. The line “Oh my God” channels Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic “Baby Got Back,” while his tribute to Drakeo the Ruler—“RIP The Ruler, keep it sewer”—cements his respect for West Coast legends.
Tyler doesn’t shy away from industry commentary either, challenging traditional release norms by highlighting the success of his unconventional Monday drop for CHROMAKOPIA.
Double Entendres and Playful Bravado
From designer watch references to his Dr. Seuss-inspired rhyme scheme (“Green face Grinch, Tyler on his Dr. Seuss sh**”), the track is a treasure trove of layered wordplay.
His freestyle strikes a balance between humour and gravitas, delivering lines like “I’ll buy that n**** building just to evict him” with both wit and swagger.
A Structural Marvel: Flow Switches and Dynamic Delivery
That Guy isn’t just lyrically dense; it’s structurally sophisticated.
The track opens with Tyler’s playful ad-libs before diving into verses that alternate between conversational tones and aggressive delivery.
His flow changes seamlessly, showcasing his versatility as he moves between thematic bridges and layered vocal arrangements.
Strategic pauses and beat breaks add depth, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish.
“That Guy” Performance and Video Elements
Performance Style
The video accompanying That Guy captures Tyler’s dynamic energy and physicality, amplifying the lyrical impact of the freestyle.
His movements, including a distinctive skating motion, synchronise seamlessly with the track’s beat changes.
This physical interpretation highlights his comprehensive approach to performance art, with each shift in body language mirroring the song’s tonal transitions.
As the beat intensifies, Tyler adjusts both his vocal delivery and presence, culminating in a metaphorical “curb stomp” that visually punctuates the freestyle.
The video also features a brief preview of future content, leaving fans intrigued about what’s next.
Tyler’s ability to connect his physical performance with the audio is particularly noteworthy.
His “skating” across the beat—both literally in his movements and metaphorically in his flow—creates a cohesive audio-visual experience.
The synergy between his physical and vocal styles enhances the track’s themes of celebration and dominance.
Directed by Tyler Okonma himself, the video includes appearances by Odd Future alumni Jasper Dolphin, Travis “Taco” Bennett, and Lionel “L-Boy” Boyce.
This reunion adds a layer of nostalgia while reinforcing Tyler’s connection to his artistic roots.
The group’s camaraderie and shared history subtly underscore the track’s theme of community and legacy.
Tyler’s Victory Lap: A Year to Remember
The freestyle is as much a personal celebration as it is a cultural statement.
Tyler takes a moment to acknowledge the milestones of 2024: CHROMAKOPIA selling 300,000 units in four days, achieving gold status in twelve, and breaking records with a million tickets sold on the first day of his new stage setup.
It’s not just about numbers; it’s about defying industry norms and proving that Tyler’s way works.
West Coast Hip-Hop’s Bright Future
That Guy doesn’t end with Tyler basking in his own success. It’s a reflection of the creative resurgence within West Coast hip-hop.
Freestyling over Kendrick Lamar’s hey now instrumental, Tyler bridges the gap between icons like Tupac and contemporaries like Drakeo the Ruler.
His nods to the “Pop Out” concert and shoutouts to peers like Ab-Soul highlight the collective momentum driving the region forward.
With That Guy” Tyler demonstrates how to honour hip-hop’s legacy while contributing to its evolution.
The freestyle is less a roadmap than an open invitation for innovation, proving that West Coast rap continues to thrive in bold and unexpected directions.
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Tyler, The Creator THAT GUY Lyrics
Part I
Intro
Them niggas used to press me on the carrot-colored bus
El Segundo and Prairie
That’s why I’m paranoid now ’cause niggas weird and really bums
Huh
Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof (Hey now, say now, I’m all about my guap)
Okay
Chorus
Hey now, say now, I’m all about them bands
Shit I’m on, bitch, you wouldn’t understand
Hey now, say now, I’m all about my guap
AP, Richie, hmm, not on my watch
Verse 1
‘Cause brodie said don’t even press the issue
Yellow boogers in my ear lobe, I need a tissue
Oh my God, I’m really that guy, huh
Yeah, bitch, I’m outside (Grr)
LaFerrari popping on the 40 with the 5 (Huh)
One ticket, two ticket, three ticket, four million
Put that lil’ Maybach truck in the garage, huh
Lil’ Bunny Hop out, you seen me at Thе Pop Out
Pandemonium screaming like thеy brought Pac out
Stop it with the chitchat, we airing out the kickback
Big stud energy the way I get my lick back, huh (Huh)
Chorus
Hey now, say now, I’m all about them bands
Shit I’m on, bitch, you wouldn’t understand (Huh)
Verse 2
I’m the suspect, baby, I don’t play victim
I’ll buy that nigga building just to evict him
What that Coachella pay like? It was eight figures
Why don’t I fuck with them guys? ‘Cause I hate niggas
Oh (Oh) my (My) God (God), I’m (I’m) really (Really) that (That) guy, huh
I got my Chuck Taylors on, but they look like loafers (Hey now)
I ain’t sitting with you niggas, fuck I look like, Oprah?
Rather put ’em in the ground, you niggas look like gophers (Hey now)
Open doors for my niggas, bitch, I look like chauffeur, huh
RIP The Ruler, keep it sewer
Stack the gouda, mind ya business, eat the cooter (Yeah)
Oh my God, I’m really that— (Man, turn this shit the fuck up)
I was up at Westchester dodging all the high beams
Gardena swap meet, shopping bogus ice cream
I’m a Hawthorne baby, shit is not warm, baby
Four or five main bitches, I am not yours, baby
All these women is a habit
Boyfriends mad ’cause they thought I was a f— (Hey now)
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 (Ugh)
Twelve days gold, I ain’t even drop deluxe one (Ugh)
Sold a million tickets first day for that new stage (Bink, bink, bink, bink)
Want smoke? We can puff one (Ugh)
One whip, two whips, black bitch, blue strips
Green face Grinch, Tyler on his Dr. Seuss shit
True shit, I can put a number where your roof is
Paranoid ’cause niggas beef curtains, they got loose lips
Oh my God (Oh my God), I’m really that guy
Hand claps? Congrats? Never said to me
Put him on a Pro Club, that nigga dead to me (Lose my number, nigga)
Stop with that fake shit, stop with that fake shit
Stop with that fake shit, just stop with that fake shit (Fake shit)
Le FLEUR* got me fitted in my best
If you got a problem with me, nigga, get it off your chest (Woo)
Nigga, what?
Bridge
(Huh, huh, ooh)
Get it off your chest (Huh)
Get it off your chest (Huh, huh, ooh)
I am not a tough guy, nigga, get it off your chest (Huh, huh, huh)
I’m the type to bust on her and just lick it off her breast, nigga, uh (Huh, huh, huh)
I’m a freak, I don’t beef (Huh, huh)
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, bitch, it’s T (Huh, huh)
Cuttin’ niggas off, want the rope? Aight, come, get it
You don’t love me, you love the optics that come with it
Outro
Uh, uh, bitch
CHROMAKOPIA now
Part II
Intro
Worry ’bout tomorrow
