“CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” by Tyler, the Creator

Call me if you need inspiration: Tyler’s sixth studio album does not disappoint!

By: Joshua Kloss

Tyler, the Creator’s most recent release dropped last June, marking his sixth studio album. While most fans know him from his popular albums “Igor” and “Flower Boy,” Tyler’s new album is a refreshing release: one that takes rap and combines it with enough artistry to be considered alternative.

For those who have never listened to Tyler, the Creator before, “Call Me if You Get Lost” may sound unnecessarily explicit, reminiscent of the stereotype rap is unfairly, yet, commonly made out to be. However, “Call Me if You Get Lost” is a much less offensive piece when compared to Tyler’s earlier hits, such as his debut studio album “Goblin.” The content in that album and its subsequent controversy is even referenced in the ninth song of “Call Me if You Get Lost,” where Tyler remarks: “I was canceled before canceled was with Twitter fingers.” Lyrics like these aren’t uncommon throughout the songs of the album. They are a clever reflection of how far his career has come and a petty stab at those who doubted or disliked him.

But Tyler, the Creator’s album is so much more than what most perceive it as on their first listen. It’s a mixtape, with each song featuring DJ Drama, thus creating a sandbox for Tyler to showcase his creativity, dedication to his craft, and an outlet to call forth any aspiring artists. In fact, a common theme combining the songs throughout the album is the idea that, whatever it is one loves, they should pursue it. The opening of the seventh song, “Massa,” starts with Tyler calling to his audience: “Whatever your [thing] is… do it.” And, again, in the song “Runitup,” Tyler reinforces the idea that the sky is not the limit but rather a ceiling meant to be broken and that what one loves should be at the forefront of their life. The album especially spoke to me as an aspiring writer.

Ultimately, “Call Me if You Get Lost”is nothing short of a masterpiece. His songs are so versatile that you can sit back and relax in the background or listen to them as hype music as you get ready to go out. Listening to the songs themself, it is clear that Tyler, the Creator cares about his music. He is so passionate that he can inspire others and invoke in his fans a sense of valuable purpose.