(Image courtesy of Apple Music.) “Chromakopia is Tyler, the Creator’s most complex work yet.”
Liam O’Keefe
Connector Staff
On Monday, Oct. 28, Tyler, The Creator released his much anticipated album “Chromakopia.” The expectations for this album were very high and Tyler delivered as usual. The album shows off a great blend of different styles of production and rhythm. From the upbeat drumbeats and clicks in “Darling, I” to the slow piano featured in “Like Him,” this album has something that almost everyone will enjoy stylistically.
Lyrically this is the most vulnerable Tyler has ever been. The album is very introspective and shows off a more reserved and wary side of him we have not seen before. Tyler’s last album “Call Me If You Get Lost” is very braggadocio in nature with Tyler spending the majority of the album victory lapping his career, flaunting his money and fame. However, “Chromakopia” gets much more personal discussing Tyler’s anxieties with growing old and his family life.
This style of the album is reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar’s most recent album “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” Both albums take a good look at the artists’ internal struggles and are very honest about the artists’ pasts, especially relating to family. Tyler has been very open about his lack of a father growing up in the past, such as in the song “Answer” on the album “Wolf” where Tyler sings about how his dad was never there for him. We never knew the true reason for Tyler’s father’s absence until listening to the song “Like Him” where Tyler’s mother says he looks just like his father, yet Tyler feels a disconnect as if he’s chasing something that isn’t there. On the song’s outro, Bonita Smith, who voices his mother on the entirety of the album, admits to Tyler that his father’s absence was in part her fault, and encourages Tyler to not hold a grudge towards him.
Tyler led fans into believing that “Chromakopia” would have no features on it on social media by tweeting “no features” just days before the album release but that was not the case. The album features a vast number of hidden features that only enhance the experience. While Frank Ocean, who many theorized would make an appearance on the album, was yet again a no show, the track list is littered with talent. The first track, “St. Chroma,” features Bonita Smith in the intro and Daniel Caesar in the chorus, Teezo Touchdown has a verse on “Darling, I,” Childish Gambino makes an appearance on the intro and outro of “I Killed You,” and “Sticky” has a large cast of artists featuring GloRilla, Lil Wayne, and Sexyy Red.
“Chromakopia” marks a significant evolution in Tyler, The Creator’s artistry, showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical styles while offering a deeply personal narrative throughout. It may be a while before we see another full-length project from Tyler, but until then, “Chromakopia” offers an assortment of thought-provoking songs that provides a fresh perspective on Tyler as a person and encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and griefs in the same way he’s done on this project.
Trying to compare this album to any of his others is virtually impossible on an objective level due to the vast differences in theme. The production level is on par with his past albums and the story he tells throughout the piece is entertaining to watch unfold out in front of you. All in all, “Chromakopia” is some of Tyler’s best work, and is worth listening to.
Grade: A-
