Tyler, the Creator is back with his latest project and eighth studio album, “Chromakopia,” and it has already impressed listeners from across the world. Since his days as a core member of the influential alternative hip-hop group, Odd Future, Tyler, the Creator has done nothing but grow as an artist as he continues to experiment with his craft and sharpen his skills. Listening to this project, it is very easy to recognize how far the American songwriter and producer has come. Each project he releases reveals fresh new stories from Tyler’s unique and intriguing perspective. With each song building on the next both sonically and thematically, “Chromakopia” details the newest chapter of Tyler, the Creator’s life as he matures underneath the spotlight that has been shone on him since he was a teenager.
The album begins with the cinematic ballad “St. Chroma,” which establishes the themes of self-preservation Tyler preaches throughout the album. The song begins with one of many voice notes left throughout the album from Tyler, the Creator’s mother as she encourages him to push his boundaries and let his talent shine. However, the album’s next track, “Rah Tah Tah,” features distorted drums and braggadocious lyrics, creating a gritty tone to contrast with the intro and lead single.
A seamless transition from “Rah Tah Tah” leads the audience to “Noid,” the first moment of vulnerability Tyler shares in “Chromakopia.” Tyler reveals his feelings as a person who has spent much of his life in the limelight as a public figure and the constant paranoia it brings him. The fear of losing all his success due to the ill intentions of those around him is expressed during this song. The chorus uses a high-pitched and unintelligible sample from the Zambian band “Ngozi Family,” which features cluttered words in the language Nyanja, played over fluttering and zapping synths, almost disorienting the listener. Under this are beautiful piano chords and an ethereal choir of voices that fill the rest of the space.
“Someone’s keeping watch,” Tyler sings on the song, further illustrating his fear of the public eye.
Throughout the album, Tyler’s production style complements the theme and story of each track, amplifying any feeling or emotion the skilled beatmaker planned to invoke in his audiences. During his career, Tyler had always shown his skills as a producer, leaving space for instrumental breaks that transition listeners from different points inside of his skillfully sequenced projects — and “Chromakopia” is no different.
“Darling I” is home to a groovy and playful chorus you cannot help but dance to. The influence of the famous production duo The Neptunes was very apparent in this track, especially in the tongue clicks that beat uses as percussive elements, similar to Snoop Dogg’s “Drop it Like It’s Hot,” produced by The Neptunes.
However, Tyler, the Creator shows audiences that he is more than just a skilled producer and songwriter, but a polished and clever rapper. On the tracks “Hey Jane” and “Judge Judy,” Tyler demonstrates just how great of a storyteller he is. Rapping from perspectives that swap between himself and the partners he’s had, it is clear that Tyler’s storytelling has greatly improved. Pair this with his amazing production, and you have songs that are great in every aspect, sonically, lyrically, and thematically.
“Chromakopia” is home to many great feature performances from the likes of Teezo Touchdown, Schoolboy Q, Daniel Caesar, Sexyy Red, Lil Wayne, GloRilla, and more; but none captivate more than the performance of Doechii on track 13, “Balloon.” The “Swamp Princess,” impresses with a verse of one-liners and provocative lyrics. With a recent co-sign from Kendrick Lamar, Doechii continues to grow, delivering a performance to remember as an artist that everyone should be on the lookout for.
It is very easy to note that “Chromakopia” simply oozes with a flavor that is hard for listeners to resist. From skilled vocal deliveries, standout features, scintillating production and intense subject matter, Tyler, the Creator has delivered his most mature project yet. Aging like fine wine, the West Coast artist continues to leave a lasting impression on listeners as one of the most distinct voices of his generation.
