Why ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ is Album of the Year

 

After the the successes of ‘Flower Boy’ and ‘Igor’, Tyler, The Creator had a lot to live up to on his newest album ‘Call Me If You Get Lost’, and he truly delivered. As expected from Tyler, the production on this album set itself apart from the rest of rap music in a year of repetitive piano trap beats. Whether it’s the old school R&B inspired ‘WUSYANAME’ or the warm jazzy flute on ‘HOT WIND BLOWS’, each song oozes creativity.

Another positive of CMIYGL is the heavy rap theme, contrary to his previous grammy-winning album ‘Igor’. Tyler’s hungry delivery on tracks like ‘CORSO’ and ‘LUMBERJACK’ displays his ability as he arrogantly acknowledges his successes, yet with little complacency as he sounds hungry for even more. Additionally, DJ Drama’s presence throughout the album is essential and exaggerates the rap theme. Acting as Tyler’s hypeman, his presence alone makes feel-good tracks like ‘RISE!’ and ‘RUNITUP’ even better.

CMIYGL also adds to Tyler’s growing reputation of being able to get the best out of his features, as every CMIYGL feature outperforms their usual standards. For instance, Tyler somehow gets NBA Youngboy to sing on ‘WUSYANAME’ and applies 42 Dugg’s cockiness perfectly to ‘LEMONHEAD’. Tyler also gets Lil Wayne to deliver a vintage verse on ‘HOT WIND BLOWS’ and gets the swagger out of Lil Uzi Vert and Pharrell on the chaotic ‘JUGGERNAUT’. Tyler also leaves room for less familiar artists like Fana Hues and Daisy World to present their beautiful vocals to the masses.

Tyler’s hunger and creativity on CMIYGL shows that there is no sign of him slowing down. It’s hair-raising production accompanied by Tyler’s confidence puts it miles ahead of any other 2021 rap album and cements Tyler, The Creator’s position as one of the best in hip hop.

Do you agree? If not, what 2021 release tops CMIYGL?