Tyler Herro

"Tyler Herro" by Jack Harlow is a confident and braggadocious anthem about his ascent in the music industry, his unwavering self-belief, and the realities of newfound fame. The song uses the namesake, NBA player Tyler Herro, as a parallel for his own breakout success in 2020. Lyrically, Harlow addresses his haters and critics, particularly those who he feels are secretly envious of his position, captured in the opening line, "The ones that hate me the most look just like me." It's a statement on hypocrisy within the industry. The track is less of a tribute to the basketball player and more of a vehicle for Harlow to flex his lyrical prowess, articulate his confidence, and celebrate his journey and loyal crew. He contrasts his authentic circle of friends with manufactured pop groups like *NSYNC, emphasizing genuineness over superficiality. Ultimately, the song is a declaration of arrival, a snapshot of a young artist embracing his success, navigating envy, and confidently carving out his own space in the cultural landscape.

The narrative begins with a sharp observation about envy and hypocrisy, noting that the people who criticize him most often resemble him. This suggests that his detractors are those who secretly wish for his level of success. He dismisses their negativity, asserting that their slick comments don't affect him and that he's prepared for any confrontation. The imagery of "BMXing" is used to describe his high-risk, high-reward approach to his music career. His growing fame has created a magnetic scene that everyone wants to be a part of, including women who attend his video shoots hoping for a moment in the spotlight. He reflects on a time when he used to dream of this level of visibility.

A recurring theme is the loyalty and authenticity of his inner circle. He proudly declares, "I brought a gang to the party with me / Five white boys but they not NSYNC," a clever line that subverts expectations. While his crew is white, they defy the clean-cut, manufactured image of a boy band, representing a more genuine and rugged camaraderie. He expresses a blatant disregard for public opinion and what critics say, emphasizing that his friends, who enjoy casual activities like playing video games, are fiercely loyal and will defend him without hesitation. A direct shoutout is given to his friend, NBA player Tyler Herro, who he says will help improve his basketball skills. This collaboration extends to the music itself, as he mentions telling the acclaimed producer Boi-1da that they've created a hit, a "thumper."

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the lavish lifestyle that comes with success. His green room is filled with every comfort, and his hotel rooms are like "heaven on earth," complete with "angels" in his bed. He lists several of his close friends by name, affirming that they are his brothers and that his musical flows are smooth and effortless, like butter. He acknowledges a shift in his demeanor, stating he's become more intense and focused ("goin' back mean"). He anticipates global travel once a COVID-19 vaccine is available. He observes that while some people act oblivious, they are fully aware of his rise to the top. Having earned a million dollars, he's now faced with the novel problem of deciding how to spend it. He confidently tells his critics to be quiet, comparing their dismissal to how one might silence a TV show. As his influence grows, he finds himself popular among former high school classmates, while his peers who haven't found similar success are struggling. The song concludes by asserting that style and authenticity cannot be fabricated; you either have soul or you don't.

"Tyler Herro" was written by Jack Harlow, with production helmed by a team of notable producers: Boi-1da, Scott Storch, Jahaan Sweet, and Neenyo. The song was recorded in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harlow's engineer came to his apartment, and they recorded the track in his closet. Initially, the song was titled "NSYNC," with "Tyler Herro" in parentheses. Harlow had connected with the NBA player Tyler Herro via direct message on social media. After Herro's breakout performance in the NBA playoffs, Harlow decided to rename the song after him, to which Herro considered it an honor. The track was released on October 22, 2020, as the lead single from Harlow's debut studio album, Thats What They All Say. The accompanying music video was directed by Ace Pro and was filmed at the Atlanta home of another NBA player, Lou Williams. It features a cameo from Tyler Herro himself, comedian Druski, and Harlow's rap group, The Homies.

"Tyler Herro" is built on a mid-tempo beat, set at approximately 123 BPM, which creates a laid-back yet confident rhythm. The song is in the key of F Minor. Jack Harlow's flow is characteristically relaxed, often sitting just behind the beat, which enhances the song's cool, unbothered demeanor. The rhyme scheme is primarily based on couplets (AABB) and frequent internal rhymes, which make the lyrics feel fluid and conversational. For example, in the lines "My homeboy Tyler he play in South Beach / He told me this Summer he gon' fix my jumper," 'Beach' doesn't rhyme with 'jumper,' but the rhythmic delivery and the subsequent rhyme of 'jumper' with 'thumper' in the next line create a cohesive flow. Harlow makes extensive use of assonance and consonance throughout the track, contributing to its smooth, buttery feel. The rhythmic interplay between his vocal cadence and the prominent flute melody and bass-heavy trap beat is a key feature of the song's style.

"Tyler Herro" showcases Jack Harlow's signature confident and relaxed flow over a distinct beat. The production, handled by Boi-1da, Scott Storch, Neenyo, and Jahaan Sweet, is notable for its flute-driven melody layered over a heavy, mid-tempo trap groove. This instrumental provides a looping, catchy foundation for Harlow's delivery. Lyrically, Harlow employs clever wordplay and contemporary cultural references, such as name-dropping video games like Madden and 2K, and comparing his come-up to former NBA player Iman Shumpert. His narrative voice is assertive and braggadocious, directly addressing critics and peers. The song's structure relies on a memorable, repeated hook that emphasizes key themes of authenticity and loyalty ("Five white boys but they not *NSYNC"). The vocal delivery is smooth and effortless, demonstrating a strong cadence that rides the beat effectively. The music video complements these themes by using visual gags, like a parody boy band, and juxtaposing images of a younger Harlow with his current successful self, a technique reminiscent of Eminem's "The Real Slim Shady" video.

Released as the lead single from his debut album Thats What They All Say, "Tyler Herro" solidified Jack Harlow's position as a rising star following the massive success of "Whats Poppin'." The song peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its music video gained significant traction, quickly becoming the No. 1 trending video on YouTube upon release and accumulating over 92 million views as of late 2024. The track's title and its connection to the then-breakout NBA star Tyler Herro created a timely cultural link between the worlds of hip-hop and basketball, generating considerable media buzz. The song became a Gold-certified hit and was lauded by critics for Harlow's lyrical skill and charismatic delivery. Harlow's friendship with Herro has continued to be a point of public interest, with the pair appearing together in other contexts, including the 2023 remake of the film "White Men Can't Jump."

• Tyler Herro: The basketball player himself symbolizes parallel success. Both Harlow and Herro experienced breakout years in 2020, and Harlow uses Herro's name as a cultural touchstone for rising stardom and excellence.
• "Five white boys but they not *NSYNC": This is a significant metaphor for authenticity. Harlow contrasts his genuine, close-knit group of friends with the manufactured, clean-cut image of the famous boy band *NSYNC. It's a statement against stereotypes and a celebration of his real, unpolished crew.
• BMXing: Mentioning this extreme sport serves as a metaphor for Harlow's approach to his career. It represents living on the edge, taking risks, and navigating the music industry with a daring and thrilling style.
• Fixing His Jumper: The line "My homeboy Tyler he play in South Beach / He told me this summer he gon' fix my jumper" is both literal and metaphorical. On the surface, it's about getting basketball tips from a pro. Metaphorically, it can be interpreted as honing his skills and perfecting his 'game' or craft in the rap world, with guidance from someone at the top of their field.

• "The ones that hate me the most look just like me": This phrase opens the song and is repeated, serving as a central thesis. It's a motif of self-awareness and social commentary, highlighting envy from peers who share his background but not his success. Its repetition underscores the persistent nature of this dynamic in his life.
• "I brought a gang to the party with me / Five white boys but they not NSYNC": This is the song's most prominent recurring phrase and hook. It functions as a defiant statement of identity and authenticity. By repeating it, Harlow solidifies the image of his loyal, genuine crew as a core part of his brand, contrasting it with the perceived artificiality of pop culture.
• Basketball Imagery: The title itself, along with references to Tyler Herro, South Beach, fixing his "jumper," and Iman Shumpert, create a recurring basketball motif. This imagery serves as a consistent metaphor for competition, success, and rising to the top of his 'game' in the rap industry.