Chromakopia- Tyler, The Creator’s most recent creation. Tyler Gregory Okonma, also known as Tyler, The Creator is an American rapper and record producer. Tyler is known for his alternative style, through his most popular albums including Igor, Flower Boy, and Call Me If You Get Lost. His most popular songs are “See You Again”, “NEW MAGIC WAND” and “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS”.
Tyler broke his 2-year album cycle with the release of his 8th studio album Chromakopia on October 28, 2024. Prior to the release of the album, theories circulated about the features of the album, after Tyler posted a tease of a new song, “St Chroma”. The video contained figures marching, that fans thought had the head shapes of many artists including Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Brent Faiyaz, and more. Heres my thoughts on it:
- St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caeser)
Rating: 8.4/10
Favorite Lyric: “Gratitude sit under the hubris that’s on my sleeve”
Notes: I believe this was a good opening to the album. The vocals from Daniel Caser specifically make this song stand out. However, the amount it has been overplayed has brought my rating down.
- Rah Tah Tah
Rating: 8.1/10
Favorite Lyric: –
Notes: A more aggressive and upbeat song, different from the albums opening. I believe this song has a good production. These songs meaning touches on self-confidence and Tylers personal boundaries.
- Noid
Rating 8.7/10
Favorite Lyric: “Living between cameras and recorders, ah, I want peace but cant afford ya, no”
Notes: I like the way Tylers creativity shows through this song. The song touches on the anxiety and paranoia of being a celebrity, and Tylers thoughts about it.
- Darling, I
Rating: 9.0/10
Favorite Lyric: “Hm, maybe lettin’ go is a beautiful thing.”
Notes: This is a very laid-back song and definitely one of my top songs on the album. The track’s theme connects to the desire for a romantic connection, but fear of being with someone forever. It gives us the perspective on Tylers commitment issues.
- Hey Jane
Rating: 8.0/10
Favorite Lyric: “you gotta deal with all the mental and the physical change, all the heaviest emotions and the physical pain”
Notes: In this song we get to observe much more of Tyler’s storytelling side. It tells the story of the perspectives of two partners experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. Tyler shows fear, while his partner, Jane, shows strength.
- I Killed You
Rating: 8.3/10
Favorite Lyric: –
Notes: The song acts as a metaphor for an important message. The song talks about the pressures to be more socially accepted in western societies and how people change themselves to fit in.
- Judge Judy
Rating: 9.1/10
Favorite Lyric: “I hope you live your life, your truest self with no regrets”
Notes: I personally enjoyed this chill and laid back song. It tells the story of Tyler meeting a girl named Judy, and their acceptance of eachother and their flaws.
- Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)
Rating: 8.5/10
Favorite Lyric: –
Notes: This song is very high energy with a crazy production. It has themes of confidence and identity. This song stands out with its instrumentals and unexpected features
- Take Your Mask Off (feat. Daniel Caeser & LaToiya Williams)
Rating: 8.7/10
Favorite Lyrics: “And I hope you find yourself”
Notes: I appreciated the meaning behind this song. It explores themes of being your most authentic self and not hiding who you are.
- Tomorrow
Rating: 8.7/10
Favorite Lyric: “Tell that new version of me that I’m coming”
Notes: This song contains Tyler’s slower, higher singing voice, which is different from many of the songs on the album. Tyler talks about his fear of aging and things changing quickly.
- Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)
Rating: 9.0/10
Favorite Lyric: –
Notes: This song has a very upbeat and energetic production. The track expresses Tyler’s want for privacy and his critique of cultural appropriation.
- Like Him (feat. Lola Young)
Rating: 9.5/10
Favorite Lyric: “Mama I’m chasing a ghost; do I look like him?”
Notes: This song is a personal favorite of mine, as it shows Tylers vulnerability and emotional side. The opening piano and subtle build in intensity reflects Tylers feelings throughout the song. This track has themes of family and the impact of Tylers absent father influencing his career. He talks about identity, repeating the question “Do I look like him?”.
- Balloon (feat. Doechii)
Rating: 8.9/10
Favorite Lyric: “Why I work so hard? My soul profit”
Notes: This song is a fun and upbeat track. The production has a very playful feel to it. The meaning of the song refers to self-identity and independence.
- I Hope You Find Your Way Home
Rating: 8.8/10
Favorite Lyric: “Do your thing, just keep, keep shining”
Notes: This was a perfect conclusion to the album. It has themes of reflection as Tylers goes through adulthood.
