Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia is not just another rap album, but rather an entire experience, a union of all of the versions of Tyler’s iconic music and styles, and a momentous journey across the artist’s life.
Since entering the music industry in 2007 at 19-years old with an eccentric fashion style (bright, oversized skater clothes) and uniquely deep voice, South L.A. native Tyler has risen to fame with eight studio albums, each featuring an alter ego specific to different stages of the rapper’s life.
These alter egos — “Igor,” “Ace,” and “Wolf,” to name a few — symbolize the internal and external conflicts he has faced throughout his life, ranging from issues pertaining to his dad’s absence; exploration of his sexuality; romantic relationships; his dissatisfaction with fame; and growing up in South L.A.
Tyler’s previous release, 2023’s The Estate Sale, is a collection of five songs added on to his 2021 album, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. In the music video of the last song, “Sorry, Not Sorry,” Tyler kills off his alter egos one by one, symbolizing a new era for his music, but more importantly, for his life.
On Chromakopia, released on Oct. 23, Tyler is at his most honest, revealing, and vulnerable. Based on advice he received from his mother, Bonita Smith, the lessons function as a gallery of soulful lyrics, accompanied by an assortment of trumpet flares, synth waves, and Tyler’s trademark deep voice. Collectively, the tracks take listeners on a journey of wisdom accumulated through a lifetime of hardship.
The album begins with a phone voice message of his mother giving him advice, which launches the rousing track “St. Chroma,” featuring ethereal vocals from Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar. The track, influenced by the music of church choirs, tells the story of Tyler’s ascent to the world famous artist he is today.
Tyler follows “St. Chroma” with “Noid,” which brings awareness to parasocial relationships, an issue common in the music and acting industries, and an issue he struggles with. Like his previous album, Flower Boy, Tyler uses a familiar soldier-like cadence — left…right…left — connecting the track sonically to his previous work, but also triggering nostalgia in his listeners.
The artist continues with one of the most moving songs on the album, “Hey Jane.” The song captures the moment where Tyler and his romantic partner, whom he refers to as “Jane” in the song, finds out that she is pregnant. Listeners are led through both sides of this almost unimaginable and scary situation through percussive beats and confessional lyrics (like “i don’t want to give my freedom up / it’s your choice at the end of the day, just know that i’ll support either way / no pressure…a voice inside me begging to keep it”). The song’s message resonates: respecting our partner’s decisions.
“Take Your Mask Off” is another deeply insightful song about soul-searching and developing one’s personality. Tyler sings about the circumstances of those who are not living out their true identities. He describes a priest who is gay and in denial (“gotta hide how you live and what you really enjoy”); a gang member facing a prison sentence (“ivy bound til one day hit a switch…cuz getting validation from the dumb and confused”) a stay-at-home mother who gives up on her ambitions (“kids that’s in your arms…you want your life back…current life is full but you ain’t feeling fulfilled / fantasize about the dreams you left on the shelf”). Tyler also sings of himself in the song with an anecdote about his anxiety from his previous failures; fear of making bad songs; and the growing pains that inspired him to take his own “mask” off and express vulnerability and honesty, a recurring theme on Chromakopia.
“Like Him” is the most personal song on the album. Throughout his career, Tyler has discussed the challenges he faced while growing up without a relationship with his father. In some songs, Tyler appears angry, and in other songs, sorrowful. In previous albums, Tyler even insults his father, most notably in the song “Answer” on the 2013 album Wolf. His new song focuses on his insecurities about being compared to his father who abandoned Tyler and Tyler’s mother, as well as revealing the evolution of his feelings about his absentee father. “How could I miss something I never had?…I’m chasing a ghost,” Tyler sings.
Not all of the tracks are deeply introspective. Tyler balances heavier themes with a few hype songs, like “Sticky,” which features GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne. The track boasts a booming — and catchy — trumpet beat. Each of the song’s guest stars bring their unique styles to the song: Tyler incorporates GloRilla’s iconic Memphis accent and Sexyy Red’s trap rapping style with upbeat trumpet and bass sounds, while Lil Wayne brings his distinctive inflection in another verse in the song.
Not only a work of art, Chromakopia provides listeners with advice and anecdotes that are socially progressive. Tyler allows listeners a window into experiences that are difficult to understand, generating sympathy from those who face similarly difficult situations.
The album is further testimony to Tyler, the Creator’s skill at creating music unlike any other artist performing today. Music magazine Rolling Stone agreed, naming Chromakopia the 17th best album of 2024 on its year-end “Best Albums of 2024” list.
Ultimately, Chromakopia is Tyler, the Creator once again demonstrating his evolution as a musician and once again pushing the boundaries of hip-hop, pop, and rap.
