5 Hidden Meanings In Tyler, The Creator's "THAT GUY" Lyrics: The Shocking Truth Behind The Drake Diss Rumors

Tyler, The Creator has once again captured the internet's attention with a surprise drop that has sent the hip-hop world into a frenzy. Released as an unofficial freestyle on YouTube on December 25, 2024, the track titled "THAT GUY" is a potent, two-minute-and-fifty-three-second reflection on success, paranoia, and the complex journey of personal evolution. The song, which reinterprets the beat from Kendrick Lamar's "hey now," immediately sparked intense debate, not just for its raw lyrical power but for the fresh, unconfirmed speculation that it contains discreet, yet pointed, shots at fellow rap titan, Drake.

The immediate reaction to "THAT GUY" highlights the genius of Tyler Gregory Okonma's artistry: his ability to blend deeply personal introspection with broader commentary on the rap industry. This article will dive deep into the most controversial and revealing lines of the freestyle, dissecting the lyrical intent and weighing the evidence behind the persistent and current rumors of a silent war brewing between two of music's biggest names. We break down the true meaning of "THAT GUY" and what it reveals about the artist in late 2024.

Tyler, The Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma) Biography & Profile

Known professionally as Tyler, The Creator, Tyler Gregory Okonma is one of the most influential and genre-bending artists of his generation. His work spans music, fashion, and directing, often characterized by its subversive humor, complex narratives, and distinctive visual style.

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• Full Name: Tyler Gregory Okonma
• Born: March 6, 1991
• Birthplace: Hawthorne, California, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2024): 33
• Primary Occupations: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Music Video Director, Fashion Designer (Golf Wang, Le Fleur*)
• Founding Role: Co-founder of the alternative hip-hop collective Odd Future (OFWGKTA)
• Studio Albums: Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013), Cherry Bomb (2015), Flower Boy (2017), Igor (2019), Call Me If You Get Lost (2021)
• Grammy Awards: Best Rap Album for Igor and Call Me If You Get Lost

The Lyrical Breakdown: Success, Paranoia, and The "Carrot-Colored Bus"

The core of "THAT GUY" is a vivid narrative contrasting Tyler's humble, often difficult past with his current status as a global icon. The freestyle is a masterclass in weaving multiple themes into a tight, two-part structure, with the first part focusing heavily on his roots and the second part shifting to the isolating nature of fame. This contrast is the central dynamic of the track.

From El Segundo to Global Stardom: The Evolution of "That Guy"

The opening lines immediately ground the listener in Tyler's history, using specific geographical and personal references—a hallmark of his storytelling. The line, "Them n* used to press me on the carrot-colored bus (El Segundo and Prairie)," is a powerful image. The "carrot-colored bus" refers to the distinct color of the public transport he rode in his youth, and "El Segundo and Prairie" pinpoints a specific intersection near his home.

This section is all about the chip on his shoulder—the drive that propelled him from a kid being "pressed" (harassed) to a Grammy-winning artist. He raps about the pursuit of "bands" (money) and the hustle that defined his early career, contrasting the struggle with the lavish success he now enjoys, including a mention of his custom-made, expensive luggage, a nod to his fashion brand, Golf Le Fleur*. The lyrics serve as a retrospective on his journey from the Odd Future days to his current status as a cultural tastemaker, a narrative that resonates deeply with fans who have tracked his career from the abrasive sounds of Goblin to the polished production of Call Me If You Get Lost.

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Is "THAT GUY" a Discreet Diss Track Aimed at Drake?

The most explosive and current discussion surrounding the "THAT GUY" freestyle revolves around its alleged inclusion in the ongoing, high-profile rap beef that dominated 2024. While Tyler, The Creator has a history of speaking his mind, he is typically not a direct participant in the industry's major feuds. However, the timing of the release—shortly after the peak of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake conflict—and several specific lyrical and sonic choices have led many analysts to believe this track is a subtle, yet undeniable, intervention.

The "Barking Dog" and Beat Choice Evidence

The primary piece of evidence fueling the diss rumors is the production choice and the track's intro. The freestyle is laid over a beat that samples Kendrick Lamar’s "hey now," a clear alignment with the side that was actively challenging Drake.

More provocatively, the track begins with "barking dog noises." This is highly significant because the motif of "dogs" was a recurring, derogatory theme used by Kendrick Lamar in his diss tracks against Drake. By starting his freestyle with this sound, Tyler appears to be signaling his allegiance and participation in the narrative, even if he avoids a direct name-drop. The lyrical content, which focuses on being "THAT GUY" who is above the fray, can be interpreted as a subtle flex against those who rely on beef to stay relevant.

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The "Kickback" Line and Industry Entanglements

Another line that has been heavily scrutinized is, "I'm watching the kickback die." In this context, "kickback" can be interpreted in two ways: a literal party or, more significantly, a form of negotiated bribery or commission. Fans speculate that watching the "kickback die" could be a metaphorical reference to the collapse of a certain era of rap industry politics or a specific circle of influence—one often associated with Drake and his collaborators. This interpretation positions Tyler as an outsider looking in, celebrating the downfall of a system he never fully embraced.

While Tyler has previously denied dissing Drake on other tracks (like the speculation around his appearance on the Clipse album, *Thought I Was Dead*), the context of "THAT GUY" is different. The combination of the Kendrick Lamar beat and the "dog" sound effect makes the December 2024 freestyle his most explicit, albeit indirect, commentary on the feud to date, solidifying his status as a critical voice in the modern hip-hop landscape.

Beyond the Beef: The Deeper Meaning of "THAT GUY"

Setting aside the controversy, the enduring appeal of "THAT GUY" lies in its profound exploration of the burdens that accompany massive success. The lyrics are a deep reflection on paranoia and the pressure of maintaining a public image, themes that have been central to Tyler's most critically acclaimed albums, including Igor and Flower Boy.

The Isolation of Success

The title itself, "THAT GUY," is a statement of self-affirmation, a declaration that he has achieved the status he once only dreamed of. However, this status comes at a cost. The final verses of the song often touch on the isolation and the need for self-preservation that fame imposes. The lyrics reflect a sense of being constantly watched and judged, a paranoia that is a natural consequence of his personal evolution from an internet provocateur to a mainstream cultural force. The freestyle is a cathartic release, a moment for Tyler Okonma to remind himself—and his detractors—that he is not only "THAT GUY" but the one who completely redefined the rules to get there.

The track’s raw, unfiltered energy, a stark contrast to the meticulously crafted albums like Call Me If You Get Lost, serves as a powerful reminder of his versatility and his continuous artistic hunger. It proves that even at the height of his success, Tyler, The Creator remains committed to delivering fresh, unique, and conversation-starting content, ensuring that every unofficial drop is treated as a major cultural event.