By: Hannah Elizabeth Williams
Tyler, the Creator’s latest sonic adventure, “Chromakopia,” is like diving headfirst into a technicolor dreamscape where Dr. Seuss meets N.W.A. It’s an album that doesn’t just defy genres—it pretty much creates a new one.
Let’s take a walkthrough of the record-breaking album.
From the get-go, “St. Chroma” marches in with the pomp and circumstance of a toy soldier parade, complete with eerie synths and gospel choirs that make you feel like you’re ascending to some funky afterlife. Tyler’s whisper-raps are the conspiratorial nudges that beckon you deeper into his kaleidoscopic mind.
Then comes “Rah Tah Tah,” a banger that hits like a sugar rush after too much Saturday morning cereal. On the surface, it’s loud and brash, but a closer look at the lyrics reveals layered storytelling. The song makes multiple allusions to a woman meeting a man, possibly reflecting a key moment in his mother’s life—the encounter that would ultimately lead to Tyler’s birth. The eerie production adds an almost ominous tone to the song, suggesting a sense of fate or even regret lurking beneath the surface.
But it’s not all funhouse mirrors and carnival rides. “Like Him” pulls the emotional rug out from under you, delving into Tyler’s relationship, or lack of, with his absent father. The haunting synths and tear-jerking lyrics make it the album’s emotional zenith, a moment of raw vulnerability amidst the chaos.
“Noid” cranks up the paranoia, exploring Tyler’s anxieties about fame and the ever-watchful eyes that come with it. It’s a track that feels both immediate and overconfident, bombarding the listener with raucous sounds and left-field lyricism—a testament to Tyler’s evolution from the boisterous wunderkind we first met in 2010.
The album’s midsection is a bit like a rollercoaster designed by a mad genius—thrilling highs that occasionally leave you questioning the structural integrity. Tracks like “Darling, I” and “Hey Jane” showcase Tyler’s introspective side, delving into themes of artistic ambition and personal responsibility. “Darling, I” in particular seems to serve as a message from his mother, warning against emotional attachment and highlighting the struggles of single motherhood. “Hey Jane” further emphasizes maternal influence, opening with the stark reminder to “always wear a condom,” an allusion to how Tyler himself may have been unplanned.
“I Killed You” takes an even darker turn, appearing to be from his father’s perspective. The lyrics paint a picture of a man admitting that he ruined Tyler’s mother’s life with an unexpected child, framing their relationship as something that had to be hidden. It’s a brutal confession of neglect and abandonment, adding yet another emotional layer to the album’s overarching themes.
Then there’s “Tomorrow,” which subtly acknowledges his mother right from the start. The lyrics hint at perseverance despite hardship, an ode to her resilience in raising Tyler without his father. This theme is revisited in “I Hope You Find Your Way,” a track that feels like a final message from his mother, almost like a farewell letter offering guidance as he navigates adulthood. It’s tender and bittersweet, encapsulating the album’s emotional core.
“Sticky” and “Balloon” bring back the playful vibes, with Tyler flexing his versatility and reminding us that he can still craft an absolute banger when he wants to. These tracks are the confetti cannons in the album’s parade, adding splashes of color and fun to the introspective journey.
“Chromakopia” is more than just another album—it’s a deeply personal statement. Tyler has always explored themes of identity, belonging, and family in his music, but this project feels even more raw and confessional. It’s a reflection of his growth as both an artist and a person, confronting the past while pushing forward with his signature creativity.
There’s a sense that this album was written as a cathartic release for Tyler. He’s peeling back layers of his childhood trauma, speaking directly to his younger self, and even attempting to make peace with the circumstances that shaped him. The production mirrors this emotional depth, swinging between chaos and clarity, mirroring the unpredictable journey of self-discovery.
The features on this record were well thought out and a perfect fit. Many have compared Doechii to Tyler, the Creator and say their performances and attitudes match and blend well almost to perfection. Daniel Caesar brings in the angelic difference to the stomping in “St. Chroma” and is a good opposing pair. Teezo Touchdown matches in a chill beat on “Darling, I.” Don’t even get me started on “Sticky” with Glorilla, Lil Wayne, and SexxyRed—that is just the perfect amount of chaos in a three-minute song. ScHoolboy Q helps retain that original sound since his beginnings, and Lola Young masters the little Tyler the Creator kid pitch to cater towards such a meaningful song in his life. It has brought him to tears in every performance he’s done so far.
This album, in my opinion, is the most tender and open-hearted spilling he’s done thus far. He’s opening up his heart for all to see—from not knowing his dad to the anxieties of being in the spotlight to noting experiences of abortions. So, if you’re ready to strap on your technicolor goggles and take a ride through Tyler’s latest emotional funhouse, “Chromakopia” awaits. Just be prepared for a few loops, twists, and turns—you might even learn something about yourself along the way. This album will no doubt take it all in the next award season.
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