You know that feeling when you find a "leftover" track and realize it’s actually the best thing on the menu? That is exactly what happened when Tyler, The Creator dropped The Estate Sale in 2023. We all thought Call Me If You Get Lost was a finished masterpiece back in 2021. Then, Tyler opens the vault and gives us Wharf Talk.
It’s a song that feels like a warm breeze on a boat deck. Honestly, it’s arguably one of the smoothest things Tyler and A$AP Rocky have ever made together. And they’ve made a lot.
The Story Behind Wharf Talk
Tyler teased this one way back in 2020. He literally tweeted the words "wharf talk" and then went silent for three years. Typical Tyler. When it finally arrived as part of the deluxe edition of his Grammy-winning album, it wasn't just a "bonus" track. It felt like a missing limb.
The song captures that specific CMIYGL era—the high-end travel, the pastel colors, the feeling of being "Sir Baudelaire." But Wharf Talk is more intimate. It’s a literal invitation.
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"So can you make up your mind? The way is gonna come."
The lyrics are simple but desperate in a cool way. Tyler is asking someone to leave their world behind and join him on the water. It’s romantic, but it’s expensive romance. We’re talking "lobster and calamari caviar" levels of dating.
Why the Rocky Feature Works
Tyler and Rocky are the hip-hop version of a buddy-cop movie. They have this chemistry that you just can't fake. On this track, Rocky doesn't come in with a high-energy "Lord Pretty Flacko" verse. Instead, he slides into the production.
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He talks about "billionaire yacht parties" and putting rings on fingers. It’s breezy. It’s light. Most rappers try too hard on features, but Rocky sounds like he’s recording while leaning against a railing with a drink in his hand.
Production Secrets
Tyler produced this himself (as Tyler Okonma). If you listen closely, you can hear those signature "Flower Boy" chords peeking through. It’s in the key of B Major, which is a "bright" key. It makes you feel good.
- The Tempo: It sits at 96 BPM. Not too fast to dance, not too slow to sleep.
- The Vibe: Heavily inspired by bossa nova and 70s soul.
- The Host: DJ Drama is there, of course, shouting about the "Estate Sale," but he’s a bit more subdued here than on "Lumberjack."
The music video is where it really comes together. Directed by Tyler (under his Wolf Haley alias), it features him and Rocky just... hanging out. They're on a boat. They're fishing. They're wearing absurdly nice outfits. It looks like a Wes Anderson movie set in the middle of the ocean.
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What Most People Miss
People think this was just a "scrapped" song. It wasn't scrapped because it was bad. It was left off the original album because Call Me If You Get Lost was already a dense, travel-heavy narrative. Wharf Talk is a detour.
In a way, it’s the most "Tyler" song on the deluxe. It bridges the gap between the aggressive rap of Goblin and the synth-pop brilliance of IGOR. It’s sophisticated. It’s "grown-up" music for people who still like to skateboard.
How to Really Experience Wharf Talk
If you’re just listening to this on AirPods while walking to work, you’re doing it wrong. This is "golden hour" music. It’s designed for the 20 minutes before the sun goes down.
- Watch the Video: Don't just stream it. The visual language—the greens and the blues—is part of the song's DNA.
- Check the Lyrics: Pay attention to the bridge. The way Tyler layers his vocals is a masterclass in DIY production.
- Listen to the Transitions: If you play the whole Estate Sale front to back, notice how it fits between "What a Day" and "Dogtooth."
Basically, the song is a flex. It’s Tyler saying, "My throwaway tracks are better than your lead singles." And he’s kinda right.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to dive deeper into the sound of Wharf Talk, go back and listen to Tyler's 2020 inspirations, specifically 1970s jazz-fusion and Brazilian pop. You can also compare his production here to his work on the Grinch EP—there’s a similar "vibe-first" mentality that connects them. Keep an eye on his "Wolf Haley" directed videos, as he often hides clues for future projects in the background of these lush, maritime settings.