Rapper Tyler XP Andrews had a big hand in the latest Macklemore & Ryan Lewis record, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made, including writing credits on the songs “Brad Pitt’s Cousin” and “Let’s Eat.” As such, the hip-hop duo asked Andrews to join them on their latest European tour, where we caught up with the lyricist during some down time in Newcastle upon Tyne in the U.K. We asked Andrews about his recent experience on tour, how he joined forces with Macklemore and what has been the hardest thing for him to cope with while traveling the world. 

What is the one idea you have to tell people from being on this European Tour with M&RL? 

Good music knows no bounds. Most of these people have never heard of me, but partied with me as if I were family. I used to dream about touring the world, performing my music. This tour has brought that dream to fruition. Before this tour, I wondered what people in other countries would think of me. “Is he like the black fellows we see in the media?”, that kind of thing. Come to find out Europe has some of the most loving and caring people I’ve ever met under the canopy of music. They listen to emotion more than anything. Not so bad for my first time overseas. Not so bad. 

Is there a specific night, a specific story from you that really stands out? Or performing a specific song one night at a venue? 

Probably the Milan show. I ended my set with a song dedicated to my mother who passed away form breast cancer a year and a half ago. Without asking, the crowd lit up their lighters and phones in a display of love and support. It was amazing. The same thing happened in Vienna while performing “Not Today.” It’s an overwhelming feeling. 

Prior to this tour, had you been outside Seattle or the U.S. much? What are some of the biggest differences you’ve noticed culturally? 

This was my first time leaving the U.S. I didn’t really know what to expect, actually. Especially since the world now knows us as the country that is actually [considering] Donald Trump for the presidency. But I found people in every country genuinely care about America. Our decisions affect them too. Also a lot of these people we are performing for rarely get to see a good hip hop show. They are excited to feel that emotion. It felt like what hip hop shows used to feel like in the States.

High energy? Communal? 

Depends on where you are. Germany was nuts and high energy, so was Poland and Vienna. As well as all of France. Other places like Hamburg and Amsterdam were a little more chill and communal. Understandably, in Amsterdam they were stoned (laughs). 

You had a big hand in the lyrics on a number of songs on the new record including “Brad Pitt’s Cousin.” What’s the response been to that song, and which is the biggest banger on the new record? 

The response to “Brad Pitt’s Cousin” has been amazing. As soon as the beat drops, you can feel the energy skyrocket. And the video is released so people have a visual of the craziness. I think number-wise, the biggest song has been “Downtown.” But I have personal faves like “What You Need To Know” featuring Chance The Rapper, and “Dance Off.” 

How has the tour changed you? 

I think I’m definitely a better performer. I use every opportunity to become better. I learn from each performance. Performing in front of 50 people is way harder than 15,000. But I feel polished now. I also feel more business savvy. I understand behind the curtains way more than I did in the States. 

And how did you and Ben (aka Macklemore) meet? 

I met Ben about 12 years ago in Olympia while he was attending Evergreen State College. I think we were both on a bill opening for Brother Ali or something like that. I heard him do a song called “White Privilege.” I remember thinking, “Damn, all white rappers need a song like this.” (Laughs) After that, we met up and started doing songs. A couple years later, he released Language of My World, which featured me on three songs. Been best friends every since. 

What’s next for you? 

What’s next for me is the release of my new album, Chasing Grace. I just released a single called “Not Today,” produced by Ryan Lewis that’s doing well in Europe. I’m gonna promote it some more on the American tour coming in June. And I’m just going to keep making music like I always have. Try to get more tours with a different demographic.

Amidst all this joy and performance, what’s been the hardest moment or part of the whole tour? 

The hardest part has been going all through all of this and experiencing a little success without my mother being here. She passed from breast cancer a year and a half ago. So, everything just kind of happened at the same time. I really wish she was here to see all of this especially since she was my main motivation.