Album Review: Enjoy a Lavish and Nostalgic Vacation With Tyler, the Creator in ‘CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST’

Blending the loud, raunchy rhymes evocative of his earlier work with the sonic and emotional explorations prevalent in IGOR and Flower Boy, the thirty-year-old rapper’s sixth studio is a canon of his entire discography.

Written by Katie Karp

Image courtesy of Columbia Records

On June 25, rapper and LA-native Tyler, The Creator released his sixth studio album, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. Tyler Okonwa first made a name for himself under the Creator alias in ODD FUTURE, a music collective that he formed in 2007 with Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and others who would become big names in the world of hip-hop. Tyler has released a studio album biannually since his 2011 debut Goblin, building his legitimacy as an artist with each new song or video he released. In 2019, he stepped away from the beloved explicit lyrics and heavy beats of his previous music and wooed critics; He clarified his vast artistic abilities with the vulnerable narrative and romantic, synthesized melodies present in his self-produced album IGOR that won the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. 

With IGOR as its predecessor, fans approached CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST with incredible anticipation and standards that Tyler certainly managed to meet. Free from IGOR’s indulgent exploration of heartbreak and neglect, CMIYGL is filled with the same unwavering self-assuredness and pride apparent in his earlier albums. Though the softer, ritzier lyrics and sounds that make up IGOR make their occasional appearance, most of the 16 tracks on CMIYGL emulate the hard, old-school beats prominent in his earlier work.

He delivered his most recent masterpiece on a silver platter under the name Tyler Baudelaire, referencing the moneyed 19th-century French poet Charles Baudelaire. Throughout the album, Tyler gushes over high-society luxuries that he enjoys, especially fixated on travel. Apparent in his pre-release videos and his album cover, which shows Tyler Baudelaire's passport, the theme of travel plays a vital role throughout the album. After channeling Warhol into a romantic persona as Igor, his ability to transform into the gradoise yet loud-mouthed Tyler Baudelaire further solidifies that Tyler can become whoever he chooses. 

His love for traveling is apparent from the album's introductory track, "SIR BAUDELAIRE." Tyler and DJ Drama, a beloved figure in the world of rap music who plays the role of the MC and host on CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, joins Tyler in welcoming listeners into the expensive and exciting life of Baudelaire. After listing some nice cars, high-end brands, and fine dining, the second track clarifies "CORSO" helps justify Baudelair's deserving of such niceties. Over the heavy beat and Drama's commentary, Tyler raps about his ability to excite and influence fans in "CORSO." He’s not simply bragging about his wealth, he’s proving how he earned it.

The loud, trap beats in "LEMONHEAD" match its provocative lyrics. Opening with DJ Drama shouting, "You say pandemic, you wanna see pandemic?" featuring 42 Dugg and finishing with a feel-good, Frank Ocean outro, the song reflects Tyler’s hold on a diverse array of artists in the rap industry. The contrast between explicit, sexual lyrics over loud instrumentals and sweet, melodic offerings to "call on me if you get lost," reminiscent of Flower Boy, remind listeners of Tyler's wide production range.

With YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Ty Dolla $ign, Tyler begins telling the story of his failed relationship in his fourth song, "WUSYANAME." Between "Aw, you look malnourished," serving as his opening pickup line on his love interest and the uptempo, loud beat, it is clear that Tyler looks at the situation comedically, side-stepping IGOR's heavy heart.  

In fifth track and lead single "LUMBERJACK," DJ Drama joins Tyler in boasting material wealth and delegitimizing his critics. This swagger is also on full display in the sixth track, "HOT WIND BLOWS," which references the 1974 Penny Goodwin song that the song samples but with increased speed. 

"I'm a travel the globe, you keep the block hot

Driver, open the door for me, my hand hurt

Finders, we playin' hide-and-seek with the passports

We boated here, it's Tunechi and Tyler but call me Baudelaire."

Tyler first brings up the complexities of racism in the U.S. with "MASSA," its title referencing the word “master… (as used in representation of Southern Black speech, especially in the era of slavery).” While Tyler looks back on slavery to contrast his success as a Black man, his rumination on the country’s history of racial injustice also reminds listeners of its deep roots and continued impact on Black Americans today. Tyler’s ability to obtain incredible success as a musician and enjoy his expensive lifestyle as a black man cultivates a feeling of glory that is apparent in the sixth track as he reveals, "My favorite part of the double R is the bird ceilin' / The panoramic view of the sky and the sun beamin." Tyler shares that his Rolls Royce, or "double R," transcends him to an incredibly grandiose status, the complete antithesis of his earlier descriptions of the treatment of enslaved people.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Records

In the next track, "RUNITUP," Tyler describes his wealth and offers advice to his listeners to cherish each day and follow their dreams. Luxury goods are among the most prominent topics among rap musicians, and Tyler explains that he views his material success as a reminder to keep pushing himself to infinite heights: "When you in your room and you starin' at the ceilin' / Dreamin', I want you to know it's no ceilings / I want you to notice that feelin' / I want you to leave and go for it."

Opening with, "Lil' white bitch gon' say / ‘You need to say something about that / You need to say somethin' 'bout black—’ / Bitch, suck my—," “MANIFESTO” is filled with raps about his controversial past and refusal to conform to consumer and media demands to agree with or speak about certain things. With Domo Genesis joining him in his quick, low delivery, the song is reminiscent of ODD FUTURE'S raw sounds and transparent lyrics. The commentary on western Christianity’s ties to slavery and racial issues that he includes in "MANIFESTO" clarifies Tyler’s frustration in people who do not question authority figures. Tyler’s transparency on controversial issues reflect this same belief if he is not looking to use his voice and platform to simply please the public. 

The album takes a sudden shift in gears with the ten-minute song that includes a swingy, lovers rock sample coupled with IGOR-esque pop synths in "Sweet/I Thought You Wanted To Dance." In the song, Fana Hues' verse shares the perspective of the same love interest Tyler reflects on in later track, "WILSHIRE."

He finishes the colorful and charismatic journey described throughout the album with the exotic sounds and descriptions of vacation in "SAFARI." Tyler, the Creator once again proves not only his musical talents but his artistic abilities — whether that be reminding fans of the clothing brand or music festival he created, or continually releasing new video accompaniments for his album. As he perfects his newest, most eclectic persona as Baudelaire, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST  is a further reminder to his audience that they should shamelessly be whoever they want to be.