‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’ by Tyler, The Creator: New Album Review

Tyler, The Creator reminds us who he is

It’s been just over two years since Tyler, The Creator delivered IGOR. The mixed-genre album controversially took home the Grammy award for rap album of the year. But his newest effort finds the artist-producer extraordinaire returning to his hip-hop roots.

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST follows the format of a Gangsta Grillz tape. DJ Drama hosts the entire album, reminiscent of Kid Capri on Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN.

While it may be an unwelcomed change for the average Flower Boy or IGOR fan, hardcore rap fans will recognize they’re getting to hear a version of Tyler that’s been absent since 2013’s Wolf. Frequently praised for his production, his exceptional lyrical capabilities have taken a backseat in his recent albums. This album changes that pattern.

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST displays Tyler unapologetically as himself. He’s happy in life, he has nothing left to prove and he wants listeners to know that.

With “SIR BAUDELAIRE,” Tyler instantly opens the album with braggadocios bars over a sample-heavy beat. He even calls back his old alter-ego, Wolf Haley. Que chills down the spine of any Odd Future-era fan.

Collaboration is key

Speaking of Odd Future, there’s a Domo Genesis verse on this album. It’s a duo fans haven’t been able to enjoy in years. However, it’s not even close to the most surprising collaboration.

“LEMONHEAD” unexpectedly features 2021 XXL Freshman 42 Dugg. The following track, “WUSYANAME,” has YoungBoy Never Broke Again singing over a 90’s R&B sample. While fans wouldn’t think these street rappers would find a home on a Tyler, The Creator project, they work. Tyler proves that he is nearing a Kanye West-level of bringing the best out of artists, never settling for a lackluster feature.

If any single artist can prove that statement, it’s Lil Wayne. “HOT WIND BLOWS” includes what might be Weezy’s best verse in years. It’s his third time appearing on an album by Tyler, and he’s delivered a standout contribution every time (never forget “Smuckers“). This time, he’s back in his comfort zone with DJ Drama, who hosted his classic Dedication mixtape series.

Tyler is still the star of the show

While the features are impressive, they never outshine Tyler. One of the best tracks on the album comes as a solo effort called “MASSA.” He gets retrospective on his career, detailing his experiences with Cherry Bomb and his breakout single “Yonkers.” The beat builds up and gets more exciting as he continues to reflect on his success.

Every single album he’s put out has featured a multi-part tenth track. The trend continues with “SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE,” which features Brent Faiyaz and Fana Hues. The ten-minute track is an instant summer anthem and truly showcases Tyler’s artistry, combining upbeat pop with R&B and reggae.

Things get energetic again with “JUGGERNAUT.” It’s moshpit-bait with contributions from Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell Williams, and is certainly a standout on the album.

While the album is largely a statement of self-positivity and happiness, it wouldn’t be a Tyler, The Creator album without a tear-jerker. “WILSHIRE” is an eight-and-a-half minute epic about forbidden love. The only track without DJ Drama drops may be the most personal on the album, and proves to be one of Tyler’s most relatable songs.

In the end, Tyler delivered

By the end of the album, listeners have had a complete experience. A joyous experience. It’s one of Tyler’s best albums to date, if not his top project. The 30-year-old showcases all of his skills to their full extent, and proves that he’s simply one of the best hip-hop artists of the 2000’s.

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST is a beautiful display of life. It’s sincere, it’s fun and it’s impressive. Tyler shared a gem with us.

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST Rating: Gold

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Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag