Tyler, the Creator is the stage name for Tyler Gregory Okonma, an experimental rapper and musician most well-known for “reinventing hip hop,” according to Billboard Magazine. He skyrocketed to fame after releasing the world-renowned albums Flower Boy (2017) and IGOR (2019). Released on October 28, “CHROMAKOPIA” is his eighth studio album, highly anticipated after the artist recently began releasing promotional clips and music videos.
“CHROMAKOPIA” follows St. Chroma, who wears both a literal and metaphorical mask. The album largely concerns themes of real versus perceived identity and fame. Through St. Chroma, Okonma talks about his insecurities regarding aging, specifically that he has not “settled down” by his thirties, and the emotions he feels watching his mother grow older.
Because it is deeply personal and one of his more experimental albums, there is controversy among fans over whether the album was any good. Personally, I believe that “CHROMAKOPIA” should be in contention for Album of the Year at the Grammys, but it took me a good 2.5 listens to arrive at that conclusion. I’ve picked six of the most influential songs on the album and discussed them below.
“St. Chroma”
Setting up the album and establishing the character of St. Chroma, this song discusses Tyler, the Creator’s rise to fame and his unfailing belief in his talent. Okonma’s mother is heavily sampled in “CHROMAKOPIA”, and in “St. Chroma,” she advises her son on financial and romantic matters. This song also features vocals from R&B singer Daniel Caesar. Overall, this is one of the best songs on “CHROMAKOPIA,” lyrically and musically.
“Noid”
This might be my favorite song off the album. “Noid,” short for paranoid, follows the speaker’s fear of the paparazzi and media as he spirals into delusion. The chorus, sung by Zambian artist Paul Ngozi and WILLOW, becomes faster and more frantic as the song progresses and St. Chroma’s paranoia grows stronger. If this wasn’t enough, “The Bear” actress Ayo Edeberi starred as a deranged fan in the Noid music video.
“Sticky”
“Sticky” is lyrically repetitive but so catchy and fun to listen to. Even better, “Sticky” touts all of the album’s many featured artists: Sexy Redd, Glorilla, allegedly Childish Gambino (I couldn’t hear him at all), and more. Glorilla was by far the best of these features. The musical backing in this song is addicting. References to marching bands and even carnivals are infused into the track, and these motifs are called back on later, making for a satisfying listen.
“Thought I Was Dead”
“Thought I Was Dead” has some of the album’s most lyrically inventive raps, with the iconic line “you ain’t Coco Gauff; you can’t serve me.” It discusses cancel culture, especially regarding the singer’s insensitive and crass remarks made on previous albums. Okonma alleges that he “moonwalked” over past mistakes and is now back stronger than ever.
“Like Him”
“Like Him” is by far the most vulnerable song on CHROMAKOPIA. The song details the relationship between Okonma, his mother, and his absent father. In previous albums the artist blamed his father for leaving. However, Okonma’s mother confesses in “Like Him” that Okonma’s father wanted to be a part of his life, but that she stopped him: “It was my fault/Not him, ’cause he always wanted to be there…he’s always wanted to be a father to you.”
Overall, I was a huge fan of “CHROMAKOPIA,” though the start and end of the album are far stronger compared to the weaker middle section. Some other great tracks are “Rah Tah Tah” and “Balloon,” though you could easily skip “Hey Jane” and “Judge Judy.” You’ll definitely hear the name “CHROMAKOPIA” again–hopefully at the awards shows!
