Call Me If You Get Lost is Tyler, the Creator’s 6th studio album. Released on June 25, 2021, the LP debuted at #1 on the charts, making it his second time. Now, he recruits the presence of a DJ for a Mixtape Era feel.
Often is the case of individuals pursuing a music career as a collective. We have witnessed this many times. For example, “The Jackson 5” in the 1960s and “Destiny’s Child” in the ’90s.
Generally, the advantage of a group is the diverse creativity that each member can bring to the table. Whether it is by singing the chorus, rapping the verses, or producing, the result is a complete song.
That is how Tyler, the Creator began his career. As a member of the collective “Odd Future” (2007). His first self-produced mixtape, “Bastard,” and debut album, “Globin,” arrived in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
Both projects proved his inventiveness from the get-go. Just hard, raw, and horrorcore bars as shown on the single, “Yonkers.” Indeed, once the video dropped, it put him on everyone’s radar.
Also, follow-ups “Wolf” (2013) and “Cherry Bomb” (2015) showcased his production abilities. On “Flower Boy” (2015), Tyler learned to open up by penning his emotions down.
All the previous mixtapes and albums began showing fruition, and thus he started climbing the charts but never reaching the top. However, that changed for his next endeavor, called “Igor” (2019).
Debuting at #1, the record won the “Best Rap Album” at the 62nd Grammy Awards (2020). Think about it, 13 years after entering the scene as an artist. Solid proof that success doesn’t happen overnight.
Call Me IF You Get Lost
Afterward, fresh off the win, he began plotting his next move. So, for “Call Me If You Get Lost” (2021), he teamed up with producer DJ Drama, best known for his “Gangsta Grillz” series.
The LP is reminiscent of the Mixtape Era, thanks to Drama’s shoutouts as well as narrative presence. Nevertheless, what brings the record to life are the visuals, the color palettes, and the live performances.
Ultimately, groups dismantle but not without birthing a survivor. Namely, Michael Jackson survived after “The Jackson 5” and so did Beyoncé after “Destiny’s Child.” For Odd Future, it was Tyler.
Undoubtedly at age 31, it is safe to say that Tyler is the creator of his path. As an artist who aims for an everlasting career.
Watch “WUSYANAME” and listen to “Call Me If You Get Lost” in its entirety.
- “Brown Sugar Salmon” music video by Tyler, The Creator. Directed by Tyler Okonma (Columbia Records, 2021). ↩︎
- “Corso” music video by Tyler, The Creator featuring DJ Drama. Directed by Tyler Okonma (Columbia Records, 2021). ↩︎
- “Call Me If You Get Lost” album by Tyler, The Creator. Cover artwork by Gregory Ferrand (Columbia Records, 2021). ↩︎
