Album Review: Chromakopia by Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator has left a profound mark on his generation, standing out as arguably one of the most influential artists of his time. The California native—singer, songwriter, fashion designer, director, and rapper—burst onto the scene in the late 2000s as part of the groundbreaking music collective Odd Future, a group that defied convention and fostered the careers of other major artists, including Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and Syd. Odd Future wasn’t just a collective; it was a cultural shift, with Tyler at the helm, challenging the norms of rap and pushing boundaries in music, fashion, and visual art. After Odd Future dissolved, Tyler established a highly successful solo career, crafting a series of critically acclaimed albums that showcased his evolution as an artist. With Wolf, Flower Boy, and Igor, Tyler expanded his sonic range, moving from raw, rebellious themes to deeply introspective, vulnerable storytelling. Each album has marked a new chapter in his artistry, offering listeners a window into his evolving perspective on love, identity, and personal growth. His work, particularly Flower Boy and Igor, has been celebrated for challenging traditional masculinity in hip-hop, bringing themes of self-acceptance and emotional complexity to the forefront of his lyrics. Tyler attempts to continue this streak with his newest release, Chromakopia.
The album kicks off powerfully with the opening track, St. Chroma. Featuring Daniel Caesar, Tyler sets the tone with a motivational, orchestral-heavy song that immediately grabs attention. The track opens with the album’s title sung in a trance-like manner before the vocals are abruptly overtaken by the sound of stomping boots, reminiscent of a military march. Tyler then begins the first verse, his voice intimate and almost whispered. As the song builds toward the chorus, the marching beat is joined by Caesar’s evocative vocals, carrying the main theme of strengthening this “fire”, or drive within someone to continue to pursue excellence.This track is an excellent way to open the album as it establishes Tyler’s new character, St. Chroma, as the more freer, more ambitious part of himself.
This unrelenting determination and energy St. Chroma exudes is further illustrated in the next track, Rah Tah Tah, a stark contrast to the previous one, emphasizing the aggressive and chaotic style that’s a hallmark of Tyler’s early work. The nearly 3 minute track sees Tyler flexing his wordplay while offering an intimate look on his personal view of the ongoing controversies in the rap community. In the same song, we see a reference to the allegations towards Diddy, respect for Kendrick while dissing every rapper in the LA area. Coincidentally, the outro of the song alludes to the public’s perception of privacy for celebrities specifically the idea of “not being left alone in a public area” by people. This perfectly sets up the next song titled NOID.
NOID, the first commercial single from the album, finds Tyler dialing back the intensity of the previous tracks in favor of a more reflective, straightforward delivery. Known for his privacy, Tyler rarely reveals personal insights outside of his music. Here, he opens up about the constant paranoia that comes with the status and respect he’s built over the years. With his level of fame, even everyday activities—like grocery shopping or walking down the street—come with the risk of being overwhelmed by fans. In the song, Tyler expresses feeling threatened by this attention, to the point of growing ‘paranoid’ about those around him. As a result, he finds it difficult to trust others, often choosing to keep to himself and stay on guard against potential dangers.
Following the intensity of NOID, "Darling, I" reveals a softer, more vulnerable side of Tyler. This track stood out as my favorite on the album, and it’s easy to see why. Tyler and Teezo Touchdown’s vocal harmonies create an addictive, captivating sound, complemented by a soft, foot-tapping beat and subtle synths. The lyrical content delves into Tyler’s reflections on relationships, exploring the kind he envisions and desires. By sampling Vivrant Thing (Violator Remix) by Q-Tip and Drop It Like It’s Hot by Snoop Dogg, the song gains a summery vibe that sets it apart from the album's harder rap tracks.
Following “Darling, I” is Hey Jane, a profound narrative piece woven through a series of letters between Tyler and his partner. In these letters, they navigate the complex and unexpected news of a pregnancy, each wrestling with intense and conflicting emotions. Tyler voices his frustration, grappling with feelings of guilt over his own carelessness, while his partner expresses a deep fear of losing him amid the uncertainty. Together, their words reveal a raw, emotional landscape that speaks to the vulnerabilities of love and responsibility.
I encourage you to go listen to the album for yourself as there is a song for everyone on Chromakopia. The album showcases Tyler, The Creator at his most ambitious and introspective, blending raw energy with deep vulnerability. From the powerful opener “St. Chroma” to the reflective “NOID” and heartfelt “Hey Jane,” Tyler navigates themes of fame, relationships, and personal growth. The album marks a new chapter in his artistry, balancing bold, experimental sounds with poignant storytelling. Ultimately, Chromakopia reaffirms Tyler's influence, pushing boundaries in music and culture while inviting listeners to embrace their own complexities.