On Oct. 28, Tyler, the Creator’s eighth studio album, “Chromakopia,” was released. The album creatively explores his struggles with aging in an emotional, vulnerable and authentic way, providing a new and introspective look at Tyler as both an artist and a person.
During his album listening event in Los Angeles, Tyler discussed how he realized he is not the same person he was when he was 20 years old; he stated that he was gaining weight, the things his mom used to tell him were starting to make sense and “life is life-ing.” “Chromakopia” is partially narrated by Tyler’s mother as she tells Tyler and the audience a variety of important lessons throughout each track. Notably, this is Tyler’s first album without collaborations with his idols or respected mentors, such as Kanye West, Charlie Wilson, or Pharrell Williams. This shift underscores the album’s central theme of personal growth and maturity, reflecting lessons learned and independence gained with age.
The album begins with “St. Chroma,” where Tyler’s mother describes him as “the light” and encourages him to never dim it for anyone. This idea of light is repeated throughout the song in the chorus and verses. The song includes marching feet in the background which eventually builds into a swirl of bass and piano. Daniel Caesar is featured on the track, and his beautiful harmonies contrast sharply with Tyler’s rapid flows and aggressive beat.
Following this, “Rah Tah Tah” features confident, boastful lyrics in which Tyler declares himself the (second) greatest rapper from Los Angeles, after Kendrick Lamar. This bravado is contrasted by “Noid,” a track that delves into Tyler’s anxiety over celebrity culture and parasocial relationships. The song utilizes hard guitar riffs and soaring group vocals to illustrate his intense anxiety, which compliments his rapping in which he urges people to leave him alone, spectacularly emphasizing the paranoia that comes with fame.
Throughout “Chromakopia,” Tyler reveals his vulnerabilities by addressing themes such as fatherhood, influenced by his troubled relationship with his own father, as well as the realities of aging. In “Hey Jane,” ( a title that also happens to be the name of an abortion-related healthcare company) Tyler confronts the idea of fatherhood and potentially becoming a father after a pregnancy scare. He admits to fearing the loss of his carefree life. The album’s closing track, “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” echoes this sentiment, with Tyler rapping, “Almost had a mini me, I wasn’t ready/And she wanted it with me, I’m talking heavy/Then we had to guarantee, ain’t no confetti.” This apprehension toward the idea of being a father is further explained in “Like Him,” where Tyler begins the song pleading to know more about his father, wondering if he has similarities to him, wondering why his father abandoned him before it is revealed that his mother was the reason his father was absent from his life. This may explain why Tyler struggles with the idea of becoming a father, conveying a truly vulnerable and authentic side of him.
Other highlights of the album include songs like “Sticky” and “Thought I was Dead,” which are some of the more energetic songs of the album. Featuring prominent hip-hop artists such as Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, and ScHoolboy Q, these songs are heavy hitters with wild dynamic beats and lyrics. creating a sharp contrast to the album’s more tender and emotional moments. However, not all songs are deeply introspective or blaring anthems. Tracks like “Darling I” and “Judge Judy” set themselves apart. While following intense, chaotic songs like “Noid” and “I Killed You,” these songs feel delightfully playful and like a breath of fresh air amidst so much of the album’s looming darkness, making “Chromakopia” versatile and appealing to a wider range of listeners.
Tyler first officially alerted fans on Oct, 16th on Instagram with a teaser video captioned “1. st chroma,” and anticipation for “Chromakopia” built quickly. Known for reinventing himself with each project, many wondered what new dimension Tyler could reveal after seven previous albums. This album didn’t just show a new side of Tyler; it felt as though a veil had been lifted, revealing layers of himself previously unseen. His honest lyrics and masterful storytelling highlighted this new era. As Tyler himself said at his live show in Atlanta, “This is the first album where like everything I said is true,” a sentiment that resonates powerfully throughout “Chromakopia.” This incredible album strikes the perfect balance between vibrant, electrifying tracks and thoughtful, introspective lyrics. With its fresh, creative storytelling, it’s a must-listen for anyone seeking music that’s both exciting and meaningful.
