Three weeks after its unconventional Monday release, Tyler, The Creator’s eighth studio album, “Chromakopia” has proven to be more than just a collection of songs; it’s a moment of transformation for Tyler and his fans alike. This album marks a pivotal point in Tyler’s career, one that embraces his roots while exploring a more layered creative vision. Each track opens a window into Tyler’s artistry, blending humor, vulnerability and introspection as he invites fans on an immersive journey that feels as personal as a conversation. Though there are no skips on this album, here are some of my favorites and why they stand out.
“St. Chroma”
Tyler opens the album with a powerful message from his mother, encouraging him to stay true to himself. The track sets a tone of resilience with Daniel Caesar’s chorus asking if we feel our own “inner fire.” The song’s marching beat and layered vocals invite us into Tyler’s world, urging listeners to nurture their authenticity—an underlying theme of the album. This track encapsulates what first drew me to Tyler’s work: raw, creative passion.
“I Killed You”
In a track centered on Black hair, Tyler digs deep into identity and societal pressures. Over a nursery rhyme beat, he recounts feeling pressured to conform while also embracing the cultural history of Black hair. Tyler then flips the script, pointing to those who perpetuate biases as the true outsiders, not him.
“Darling, I”
Tyler explores his hesitation about monogamy and aging here, bringing Teezo Touchdown into the mix. He finds fulfillment in music that a relationship might not provide, making this song feel like a personal admission rather than a rejection of love. The song has an airy, fresh vibe reminiscent of his 2021 album “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST,” making it one of my favorites.
“Judge Judy”
Tyler reflects on a past relationship that allowed him and his partner to explore their sexualities. The song closes with a message from this partner, who has since passed away from cancer, adding a bittersweet layer to the theme of fleeting time and Tyler’s desire for authentic connections.
“Sticky”
Featuring Sexyy Red, GloRilla and Lil Wayne, this track is a playful departure from the album’s heavier themes. With an HBCU band-inspired beat, it evokes the energy of a school lunch table rap battle, highlighting the creative playfulness he’s known for.
“Take Your Mask Off”
Here, Tyler tells stories of people hiding behind facades: a wealthy teen posing as a gangster, a closeted preacher and a discontent housewife. The song’s final verse hints that Tyler is talking about himself, revealing insecurities and fears. With a reflective chorus from Daniel Caesar, Tyler invites listeners to embrace authenticity.
“Tomorrow”
Tyler again reflects on his friends’ stable lives contrasting with his material wealth, like his Ferrari. The song touches on the inevitability of change and the heartbreaking nature of personal growth, capturing his musings on the passage of time. The track reassures fans of his evolving self, embracing change with grace.
“Thought I Was Dead”
With his signature humor and bravado, this is Tyler’s response to critics. He pokes fun at cancel culture and jabs at artists who indulge in cultural appropriation. He asserts his growth while refusing to apologize for his past because it is, after all, the past. This track showcases the unapologetic freedom of his identity.
“Like Him”
Arguably the album’s emotional centerpiece, “Like Him” revisits Tyler’s relationship with his absent father. Over soft piano and dreamy synths, Tyler contemplates the complexity of resembling someone he never knew. In a surprising twist, his mother reveals that his father wanted to be in his life, but she wouldn’t allow it. This realization, so far into adulthood, adds depth to his reflections on identity and loss.
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home”
The final track brings together the album’s themes: fleeting time, authenticity and resilience. Tyler’s mother’s voice reappears, closing with words of pride, while the album’s opening chants return, giving the album a full-circle, cohesive feel. Tyler leaves fans with a reminder of the beauty in growth.
“Chromakopia” is the past, present and future. Tyler has evolved from shock-value lyrics to an artist with nuanced storytelling that is equal parts creative and reflective. His blend of gritty beats and soulful melodies creates a vivid spectrum, reflecting his growth from monochrome to full color. For fans, “Chromakopia” is both a nostalgic callback and a bold leap forward that calls for us to reflect on our own transformations.