Tyler, the Creator Creates Magic Yet Again

American rapper Tyler, the Creator delves into the musical past of his own discography and influences while venturing uncharted territories in his sixth studio album Call Me If You Get Lost.

After releasing his Grammy-winning album Igor, not much from Tyler was heard in the last two years. And then recently, a mysterious billboard with the words "CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST" appeared in Los Angeles, which later turned out to be a promotional billboard for the rapper's upcoming album.

Unlike his last albums, Call Me If You Get Lost does not have the narrative flow of a concept album, but continues the tradition of introducing new characters. Tyler plays Tyler Baudelaire, borrowing the last name of the famous French poet, Charles Baudelaire.

The album starts with "Sir Baudelaire" featuring DJ Drama who is featured throughout the album, which is reminiscent of the famous hip-hop mixtape series Gangsta Grillz. "Sir Baudelaire" is a laid-back track with Tyler rapping about the lavish lifestyle of a famous rapper.

"Corso" picks up the pace with stories of festivities and fast-paced life, but ends with a story of how the singer got his heart broken, and his failed attempt at filling that void. "WusYaName" is a throwback to the sound Tyler made famous on his album Flower Boy. The aggression returns with the album's first single "Lumberjack". The vicious drums used in the track were a staple of Gangsta Grillz. The composition of "Hot Wind Blows" is made of flute-like synth, with the legendary Lil Wayne delivering an excellent and lyrical verse.

"Massa" has Tyler contemplating the contrast between the slavery era and the opulent lifestyles of individuals like Tyler in modern day America. He expresses his paranoia about his lack of emotional connections with people despite his accumulated wealth. One of my favourites on the album, "RunItUp", lends the voice of the fresh and creative Teezo Touchdown, with the composition consisting of celebratory horns and a memorable hook which makes you feel like the protagonist in a 90s rap video.

"Manifesto" has a comedic intro that provides a suitable carpet for lines about Twitter activism. "Sweet / I Thought You Wanted to Dance" is a two-part story about falling in love and losing that person to someone else, with both compositions drowning in Tyler's signature melodic style.

At the end of the album, "Juggernaut" is a bass-heavy number with Lil Uzi Vert delivering one of his career-best verses. "Wilshere" is the longest track on the album. In this story, he sings about falling in love with his friend's other half and the painful confusion that ensues in his mind. The album closes with the strong "Safari" which feels like a celebration for both Tyler as well as the listener.   Tyler, the Creator has solidified his place as one of the greats of this generation. This is an album that his fanbase and critics alike will cherish. It is a long listen, but it never fails to stay fresh with a little something for anyone who has a favourite among Tyler, the creator's diverse discography.