Tate McRae has unveiled the deluxe version of her album, “So Close to What,” which features five new tracks, including her latest standout single, “TIT FOR TAT.” This release has ignited speculation among fans that her new music may reflect her recent breakup with fellow artist The Kid LAROI. Coincidentally, he announced his upcoming album, “BEFORE I FORGET,” on the same day that McRae dropped her deluxe version.
One of the tracks, “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” has particularly caught listeners’ attention, as it includes lyrics that refer to various individuals who harbor negative feelings towards one of her exes, specifically mentioning someone named Ryan. In the song, Tate conveys a confessional tone with lines that express disdain, singing, “My fans hate you, my friends hate you, and Ryan hates you, and I do, too.” This has led fans to speculate about the identity of Ryan.
While McRae has not disclosed any specifics, one prevalent theory is that the mystery man could be Ryan Tedder, the frontman of OneRepublic, who has collaborated with her on multiple tracks, including “Greedy” and “TIT FOR TAT.” Although Tedder was not involved in the creation of “ANYTHING BUT LOVE,” he co-wrote another new song, “NOBODY’S GIRL,” suggesting he has spent a significant amount of time with McRae in the studio.
Another potential candidate for “Ryan” is her bodyguard, who made headlines earlier this year during her breakup period with The Kid LAROI, particularly after being spotted on a boat with her. Some fans have even pointed out TikToks from her Miss Possessive Tour that suggest her bodyguard’s name may also be Ryan.
Regardless of the identity of “Ryan,” it is apparent that Tate McRae’s new music will resonate with fans, likely becoming a mainstay in their playlists as they connect with her emotionally charged lyrics. With her growing popularity and talent, Tate McRae’s future in the music industry looks promising.