Would Timothée Chalamet block out time in his packed schedule to pose as a mysterious U.K. rapper, release some singles in a thick scouse accent, and not tell anyone? The internet would like you to think he would.
A rumor making the rounds this week suggests that the Oscar-nominated actor’s latest role is portraying hip-hop artist EsDeeKid, whose “LV Sandals” has gained TikTok traction and whose singles “Phantom” and “4 Raws” have become U.K. hits. The evidence? Not much other than that Chalamet has eyes, as does EsDeeKid, who always wears a balaclava that covers the rest of his face in photos. They’ve also both allegedly patronized the same scarf shop. But when has scant evidence ever stopped the internet’s imagination from running wild?
The speculation began about a week ago with a post from TikToker KJ.Freeman, who warns users up front, “What I’m about to say is probably one of the craziest things that you hear on this app today.” Freeman then details all the reasons to suspect Chalamet of covert hip-hoppery:
- Chalamet attended a Fakemink concert in London rather than hanging out with famous friends or being busy. “Why would he take time out of his day to go to that?” Freeman asks in the TikTok.
- The accent sort of seems like something he might do. “Timothée Chalamet would fake a Scouse accent and become a U.K. drill rapper. That’s in his DNA to do some shit like that.”
- The actor-to-musician transition is difficult to pull off. The only example Freeman can think of is Jamie Foxx, whom she says was accused of sounding like Ray Charles. (We see you, J.Lo, Drake, Kylie Minogue, etc., etc., etc.)
- Chalamet is into hip-hop.
Not very convincing, huh? Well, conspiracy-thirsty Chalamet fans disagree, as Cosmopolitan has detailed, with social media posts and reports that fans have noticed that “Timothée” has two successive e’s in the name, as does “EsDeeKid.” (e.e. cummings was unavailable for comment.)
As it happens, EsDeeKid doesn’t have a big internet footprint. A Bandlab profile dates back to April 2024 and cites YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Xxxtentacion as inspirations, and he started posting on Tumblr in June 2024. He only began reviewing movies on Letterboxd this year, and neither of the two he likes (Ocean’s Eleven and Se7en) star Chalamet. His Cash App profile lists his name as Damario Jones, and his Tellonym profile looks nothing like Chalamet.
Neither Chalamet nor EsDeeKid have shot down the speculation. A rep for the actor did not immediately respond to reply to Rolling Stone’s request for comment. Similarly, EsDeeKid did not respond to Rolling Stone’s Instagram request for comment.
Both the actor and rapper’s silence can only mean one thing: That EsDeeKid’s upcoming North American and Australian tour dates, publicized on his Instagram last week, will likely sell a bunch more tickets.
Whether or not EsDeeKid is Chalamet, at least everyone can appreciation Chalamet’s rap skills as $mokecheddathaassgetta in a couple of SNL skits (with Pete Davidson and without Pete Davidson).
