Tyler's Christmas Gift: A Kendrick Lamar Freestyle! [Listen Now]

Did Tyler, the Creator just redefine the art of the freestyle? He might have, and he delivered it right under the Christmas tree. The highly anticipated surprise wasn't a tangible gift, but a sonic offering: a deeply unserious, yet undeniably captivating, freestyle over Kendrick Lamars "hey now."

On December 25th, Tyler, the Creator, gifted his dedicated fanbase with a new music video titled "that guy." This visual spectacle showcased Tyler rapping a freestyle over the instrumental of Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' track, "hey now." The announcement was made via X (formerly Twitter), where he shared his holiday wishes alongside the link. The track immediately sent shockwaves through the internet, igniting a flurry of reactions and solidifying Tyler's position as an artist who consistently defies expectations. Flisadam Pointer, contributing writer, further highlighted the release on December 27, 2024, across various social media platforms. The release served as a testament to the growing mutual respect and admiration between Tyler, the Creator and Kendrick Lamar, a relationship that has visibly blossomed over the course of 2024. While a connection has always been present, the year marked a significant deepening of their rapport, with Tyler openly acknowledging and praising Kendrick's artistry.

The relationship between Tyler, the creator and Kendrick Lamar has evolved significantly. While respect was always evident, 2024 saw a marked increase in their collaborative spirit and public admiration for one another. Tyler openly mentioned Kendrick, affectionately referring to him as "Dot," a testament to their growing camaraderie. However, this growing closeness also fueled speculation, particularly concerning a potential collaboration at the Super Bowl halftime show.

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On the digital landscape of X, opinions were quickly exchanged regarding Tyler, the creator's nod to Kendrick in his recent work. Fans and critics alike took to the platform to express their varying viewpoints, some praising the artistic connection while others debated the merits of the freestyle itself. The internet buzz further amplified the intrigue surrounding the dynamic between these two influential artists, fueling discussions about potential future collaborations.

Adding fuel to the fire, fan theories began circulating, suggesting that Tyler, the creator might make a surprise appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar at the highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. The rumors gained momentum, fueled by subtle clues and the undeniable chemistry between the two artists. However, Tyler, the creator swiftly and decisively put an end to the speculation, quashing the rumors and setting the record straight regarding his involvement in the Super Bowl performance. The rapper addressed the mounting speculation, confirming that he would not be joining Kendrick on stage.

"That Guy," the surprise single dropped by Tyler, the creator on December 25, 2024, immediately captivated listeners. The song, built upon the foundation of Kendrick Lamar's 2024 track "hey now," served as a canvas for Tyler's lyrical prowess. In the song, Tyler reflects upon his accomplishments and highlights from the past year, showcasing his growth and artistic evolution. He alludes to his memorable appearance at the "Pop Out: Ken & Friends" concert, celebrating his connection to his hometown of Los Angeles. The song also references "Chromakopia," further solidifying his artistic narrative and reflecting on key moments of his journey.

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The music video accompanying "That Guy," released on the same day as the single, further enriched the artistic statement. The visuals perfectly complemented the song's energy and lyrical content, offering a glimpse into Tyler, the creator's creative world and further engaging his audience. The video garnered widespread attention, amassing views and sparking conversations across various platforms, solidifying the song's impact.

However, the festive cheer didn't shield Tyler, the creator from criticism. The "That Guy" freestyle, built on Kendrick Lamar's beat, faced some backlash, prompting Tyler to address the detractors directly. He dismissed the criticism, labeling his detractors as "clueless" and defending his artistic choices. This direct response only further ignited the debate, highlighting the subjective nature of art and the varying perspectives within the music community.

Tyler, the creator has never been shy about expressing his influences, citing Pharrell, Eminem, and the late MF Doom as formative figures in his artistic development. However, one rapper who continues to inspire him from afar is Kendrick Lamar. Tyler, the creator openly acknowledged Kendricks influence, underscoring the profound impact that Kendricks artistry has had on him.

On Christmas Day, December 25th, Tyler, the creator proudly showcased his Los Angeles roots with the surprise release of "That Guy." The track flipped Kendrick Lamar's "hey now," giving it a new and unique twist, underscoring Tyler, the creator's respect for Kendrick's artistry. By sampling the "hey now" beat, Tyler, the creator created a fresh interpretation, showcasing his unique flow and lyrical style while acknowledging the source of his inspiration.

Amidst the holiday celebrations, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, launched a tirade on X, calling out several of his rap peers, including Playboi Carti, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the creator. These dissensions triggered a flurry of responses, and many fans took to social media and online forums, expressing their views on the situation and analyzing the remarks made by Ye.

In addition to his comments directed at Tyler, the creator and Kendrick Lamar, Ye asserted that "Kendrick doesn't have one bar where I say I wish I said that," implying that he believes his own lyrical prowess surpasses that of Kendrick Lamar. He further stated that Lil Wayne had "waaaay more life bars," continuing his comparison of rappers and igniting further debate among fans and critics.

The growing connection between Tyler, the creator and Kendrick Lamar has sparked speculation about a potential collaboration of epic proportions: Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime show. With Tyler, the creator embracing his Los Angeles heritage, releasing a chart-topping album, and Kendrick making waves with his own projects, the prospect of them joining forces on the world's biggest stage tantalized fans and ignited the rumor mill.

News surfaced on June 20, 2024, that Tyler, the creator had withdrawn from scheduled performances at two festivals slated for August, raising eyebrows and prompting further speculation. The timing of the cancellations, following his appearance at Kendrick Lamar's "Pop Out" performance, added to the intrigue and fueled theories about potential conflicting commitments or upcoming collaborations.

When Kendrick Lamar first commanded the Super Bowl stage in 2022, he was accompanied by a stellar lineup of performers, including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige. The performance was a historic moment for hip-hop, showcasing its cultural impact and influence on a global scale. The success of that performance has heightened anticipation for future hip-hop showcases at the Super Bowl, and fans were hoping for Tyler, the creator to be a part of that, however, fans were left wanting.

Tyler, the creator took to social media to share his appreciation and admiration for Kendrick Lamar and his groundbreaking album, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers." He praised the Compton rapper's honesty and vulnerability on the album, highlighting the raw and introspective nature of the project. Tyler, the creator's appreciation for Kendrick's artistry further solidifies the respect and admiration that exists between the two artists, reinforcing the potential for future collaborations and shared artistic endeavors.

Tyler, the creator took the stage at the "Pop Out: Ken & Friends" Kendrick Lamar's epic Juneteenth concert! The "Pop Out" concert highlighted the vibrancy and influence of the Los Angeles hip-hop scene, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists. Tyler, the creators performance contributed to the electrifying atmosphere of the event, solidifying his connection to Kendrick Lamar and the broader Los Angeles music community.

Tyler's camp Flog Gnaw festival returned after a nearly two year break, giving fans a great place to see Tyler, the creator perform. This provides another example of what Tyler, the creator can provide to the world.