By: Christine Yang
Tyler, The Creator is a rapper and producer distinguished above all other singular qualities by his gravelly voice and an irascible disposition befitting a collision-shop owner. Recently Tyler, The Creator released an album on October 28, 2024, called ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ with 14 songs on it. The album is a blend of hip-hop, rap, soul, and R&B.
“St. Chroma” (feat. Daniel Caesar) :
“St. Chroma” is about a captivating narrative of Tyler’s personal growth of where he’s at right now, while also revealing a vulnerable side that seeks validation and connection.
This first track has a march sound at the beginning, soon after the opening, Tyler’s voice seems to emerge from the shadows. Later on in the track there’s a transition into the bridge which introduces a completely new dimension with soaring gospel-inspired vocals, contrasting beautifully with the earlier, more ominous tone. Overall, I give this track a 8.5/10.
“Rah Tah Tah” :
“Rah Tah Tah” is centered around themes of self-confidence and personal boundaries. But it also emphasizes Tyler’s assertiveness in handling conflicts, wanting privacy from the media, and for people in his life to meet certain standards. This track describes Tyler as a figure who is unapologetically himself, navigating fame with confidence and caution while remaining distinct in his approach to life and relationships.
This track has a burst of chaotic energy and showcases Tyler’s signature style of distorted, and aggressive beats. Tlyer’s flow throughout the track is fast and humorous, which gives this up-beating feel to it. I rate this track a 10/10.
“Noid” :
The track “Noid” is about Tyler’s anxieties about home invasions, being hyper aware of people around him, and having a constant feeling of being watched by the media/people in general. Basically, the track is about Tyler being scared for his privacy knowing he’s a well-known music artist, but wishing that wasn’t a problem to people like him (celebrities).
This track has an electrifying and echoing feel, which gives the effect of voices of the anxieties in Tyler’s head. There’s also drums almost throughout the track to make it more up-beat sounding. At the end of the track it slowly gets aggressive sounding (music). I rate this track a 7.5/10.
“Darling, I” (feat. Teezo Touchdown) :
“Darling, I” is about the complexities of love, commitment, and personal freedom. This track touches on themes of aging and self-awareness, with Tyler acknowledging his imperfections and fighting with the idea that the person he loved will never be enough to fulfill all of his needs or expectations in life.
The track includes smooth vocal effects and has a romantic vibe. Even though having a “happy” beat, the lyrics tell the meaning/story that Tyler wants to get across but they’re really repetitive. I give this track a 7.5/10.
“Hey Jane”:
The track “Hey Jane” is about the emotional and psychological challenges of an unexpected pregnancy, between two perspectives (both partners—Tyler and Jane—). “Hey Jane” is an expressive narrative about the weight of choices, the fears of losing freedom, and the struggle to support one another through a big centered moment.
“Hey Jane” has a slow tempo and minimalistic beats, which creates an intimate space for the dialogue between two characters. This track’s music isn’t “crazy”/overdone which I really like since I can really focus on the lyrics, and not be so overwhelmed. Overall, I rate this track a 10/10.
“I Killed You” :
“I Killed You” is about the deeper struggles of identity, societal pressures, and self-worth within the Black community. This track reflects Tyler’s personal struggles with following beauty standards while also paying tribute to the resilience of Black culture. Through the metaphors and introspective lyrics, the track talks about the broader conversation about Black beauty, heritage, and empowerment.
At the beginning, and close to the end of the track, it has this acoustic guitar feel, and also in the beginning while the acoustic guitar was playing it later transitions into drums. The track has an upbeat but also calming feel to it. I give this track a 9.5/10.
“Judge Judy” :
“Judge Judy” is about living to your fullest and being our truest selves knowing we don’t live forever, and not to judge others’ decisions especially not knowing their personal problems or reasons they did what they did. But on a personal level, it’s about a person that Tyler personally met, named Judy. They became really close since they were being really transparent, and about a year later Judy unfortunately died before Tyler received a letter/message that she wrote for him. The letter/message was about thanking Tyler for everything, and hoping Tyler lives his life without regrets.
In the track, Tyler’s soft vocals guide us through a narrative that feels intimate and personal, inviting us to connect with his experiences and emotions. The track is really catchy, kind of repetitive, and sort of “dreamy”. I will give it a 8.5/10.
“Sticky” (feat. GloRILLA, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne) :
“Sticky” is a way for Tyler to express his unfiltered thoughts on societal expectations, personal achievements, and sexual freedom. This track underscores the importance of owning one’s identity and navigating life with unapologetic confidence.
This track has this catchy whistle, has a dynamic fusion of styles between rap and experimental sounds (also styles to match the featured artists). The track gives off a cheer and band vibe, with the stomps and chanting. I rate this a 10/10.
“Take Your Mask Off” (feat. Daniel Caesar & LaToiya Williams) :
The track is to address themes of identity, authenticity, and the societal pressures that compel individuals to hide our true selves, but still telling to embrace yourself regardless of those negative pressures.
“Take Your Mask Off” is gentle but harsh (in a good way), the lyrics and beats/music has this flowy sense. Which allows this strong message (lyrics) to get across the track, and easily be understood. I will give this track a 10/10.
“Tomorrow” :
“Tomorrow” is the struggle of navigating the tension between Tyler’s personal desires and the societal pressures to start a family and conform to traditional expectations. The track is a deeply introspective exploration of aging, responsibility, and fear of the future.
At the beginning it has an acoustic guitar entrance to the first verse, which is soft and quiet. But throughout the track it still has the acoustic guitar and not “crazy” beats. I give this a 9/10.
“Thought I Was Dead” (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold) :
The track is about Tyler expressing his desire for privacy, disappointed with those who misunderstood or exploited his persona, and his determination to remain true to himself while being in the middle of the public, also knowing the public is critical with others’ actions. “Thought I Was Dead” is the reflection of Tyler’s journey as an artist but also as a person.
The track has a marching band rhythm, energetic entrance which is an entrance for Tyler’s sharp and tense rap. I rate it a 10/10.
“Like Him” (feat. Lola Young) :
“Like Him” is about Tyler looking like his father that was absent in his life (not knowing himself), but thinking his father didn’t want to be in his life even though Tyler’s mother just cut his father out due to issues that his father had. The track is basically a message about his struggle of not having a father figure in his life, and also hating that he resembles his father too.
The track gives a kind of retro feel at the middle of the track, but Tyler’s vocals are really soft. At the end, it’s powerful (voice and music) to capitalize his message for his mother. I give it a 10/10.
“Balloon” (feat. Doechii) :
The track is about the exploration of self-identity, independence, and the complexities of personal relationships. Ultimately, “Balloon” serves as an anthem of empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves without hesitation due to society.
“Balloon” has this circus sound to it, and has an aggressive sound close to the end. But throughout the track is smooth (sound wise), even though the track is smooth there are parts in the track that are “loud”, which adds dynamic. I will rate this track a 7/10.
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home” :
This track is about the journey/exploration toward self-discovery and belonging, the track serves as both a reflection on Tyler’s personal evolution and a heartfelt message to others (listeners) navigating their paths.
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home” gives off early 2000s music (at the end) or a “choir” sound (mostly at the beginning). The track involves sounds like growls and barks. I give this track 7.8/10.
Overall, I give this album a 9/10. I really recommend this album or just Tyler, The Creator in general if you really enjoy listening to Childish Gambino, Steve Lacy, Frank Ocean, and Kendrick Lamar.
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