Tyler, the Creator releases ‘Chromakopia’

By Solé Scott

Editor-in-Chief

Jay’Mi Vazquez

Managing Editor

Tyler, the Creator has finally returned, releasing his eighth studio album.  

On Oct. 28, the 14-track album, “Chromakopia” was released.  

This album was an interesting listen. Tyler, the Creator had songs stylized for every era of his career so there would be something for everyone to enjoy. 

His ability to be vulnerable and reflective on this album made this one of his best projects yet. 

The ninth song on the album titled “Take Your Mask Off,” which features Daniel Caesar and LaToiya Williams, is one of the most important songs on this album.   

This is where the album’s central themes all tie together.   

The lyrics insinuate that Tyler is urging other people to stop putting up walls and let their true light shine before reminding himself that he must do the same. 

It is one of the most meaningful songs on this album that actually has substance rather than experimentation.     

One of the best songs, “Darling, I” with Teezo Touchdown was reminiscent of his old work on his 2017 “Flower Boy” album.  

Another song that was beautifully constructed was “Like Him,” which is about his father, who he has never had a relationship with.  

At the end of the song, his mother Bonita Smith confesses it was her fault that his father was absent due to her bad decisions. Smith even revealed in the song “But, he always wanted to be a father to you.” 

The biggest critique of this album is that it was for a singular listening experience rather than something that could be replayed over and over again.  

It was a highly experimental album, which is not too off-brand for him, but it felt inconsistent in places.  

For example, track 11 titled “Thought I Was Dead” featuring Santigold and ScHoolboy Q was a hard-hitting rap song. 

The lyrics embrace his provocateur persona, taking aim at critics with his trademark humor and self-awareness.  

Lines such as “I’m a fake-a** b****, don’t kill me” and “I’m a big troll, haha, I’m silly” highlight his playful yet rebellious approach on this song.  

His lyrics address past controversies, critics’ expectations and his journey as an artist, reinforcing his unshakable confidence and evolution as an artist.  

But then, the album takes a sudden shift with the next song “Like Him.”  

Although this song has deep meaning with a strong melodic appeal, it was a major shift in tone that was immediately bothersome.  

This album’s concept was also different because it was released on a Monday, not the typical Friday release. 

Globally, music is released on Fridays. In 2015, the music industry switched from Tuesday to Friday after Beyoncé released critically acclaimed “Beyoncé” in 2013, which surprised the world and helped mitigate piracy. 

The power move of not releasing on the traditional day of Friday was extremely risky, yet proved to be successful. 

Since the album’s release, Tyler, the Creator has been the No. 1 most streamed artist in the world on Spotify and is slated to have a No. 1 album on the Billboard Hot 100.

 “Chromokopia” has since earned Tyler, the Creator his first No. 1 album in the U.K.