Tyler Okonma (Tyler, The Creator) has been pushing the boundaries of hip-hop for more than a decade. His genre bending, introspective lyricism, surreal visuals and fashion have all impacted the world of rap.
But all of the fame, awards and achievements come with a cost. Take a deep dive into Tyler, The Creator’s mind with his seventh studio album CHROMAKOPIA.
CHROMAKOPIA is a reflection of Tyler’s life thus far, covering his absent father, paranoia, love, pregnancy scares, getting older and current state of mind. All songs were written, produced and arranged by Tyler himself.
CHROMAKOPIA consists of 14 tracks, opening with “St. Chroma” featuring Daniel Caesar. The song starts with Tyler’s mother telling him, “You are the light/It’s not on you, it’s in you.” Tyler’s mother reminds that his creativity comes from within, and anybody who tries to steer his mind otherwise should be dismissed.
The lead single, “Noid,” looks into Tyler’s paranoia of being watched in public and constant worry that somebody is going to do something bad to him. The song samples a Zambian rock band from the 1970s called Nizakupanga Ngzo by the Ngozi Family and Paul Ngozi, which is the guitar riffs you hear in the background throughout the song. The music video for Noid gives the listener a visual representation of Tyler’s mind when being approached. White and gray color coding fills the screen and displays Tyler walking around in public with a mask on his face. Scenes of Tyler hiding in his home exemplify his worries about being in a public setting. This video ties in excellently with the song and the contents of it.
Personal topics continue throughout the album as a leading theme, offering a look into the struggles of fame.
In “Hey Jane,” Tyler deals with the possibility of having an unexpected child. Tyler is worried about giving up his freedom for another life. He has mixed emotions throughout this track, saying “Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise, not a regret.”
Tyler continues to discuss issues that burden his mind on “Take Your Mask Off,” “Tomorrow” and “Like Him.” When listening to this album, it feels as if he is truly pouring out his thoughts and emotions to you.
Elements from Tyler’s past projects are heard across CHROMAKOPIA. The blissful sounds of “IGOR” and griminess of “Cherry Bomb” is very prominent on tracks such as “Darling, I” and “I Killed You.”
The final track “I Hope You Find Your Way Back Home” closes CHROMAKOPIA discussing his aspirations and how although other people in his life have grown up and started their own families, he dedicates his life to his work and passions. Yet, just as the album begins, it ends with a voice message from Tyler’s mom, telling him how proud she is of him.
The album includes some of Tyler’s best production to date, along with what could be considered Tyler’s most emotionally vulnerable tracks we’ve heard from him. Throughout this album, listeners get a sense of the hardships Tyler continues to face.
CHROMAKOPIA is Tyler’s most heartfelt project yet. There was no need for a character or alter ego to lead this time around – this album is strictly Tyler. It is clear what the purpose of this album is, and it is just as clear that this purpose is served how he intends.
