Artist and rapper Tyler, the Creator released his first solo project “Bastard” in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2017 when he gained traction in the mainstream media with “Flower Boy”. Before, Tyler was in the studio with Odd Future, producing beats and tracks with the then-underground artists Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, Syd, and more. His public image was goofy, unserious, and edgy — especially on his sketch comedy show “Loiter Squad” that aired from 2012-2014. All the members of Odd Future truly molded their own identities in the music industry in the last decade, but Tyler consistently has come out on top as the most streamed, most acclaimed, and most followed.
The last project Tyler, the Creator released was in 2023, which was “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” the deluxe edition of his “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” album from 2021. While this project had new songs like “SORRY NOT SORRY” and “DOGTOOTH,” it still obviously clung to the same identity and aesthetic originated from the 2021 album — luxury, travel, and living lavishly in the aftermath of booming fame and success.
Fans, including myself, held their breath in anticipation of what was next. A full-length album announced only a year after “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale” was exciting, but also unexpected. After all, “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” was widely celebrated as Tyler’s best work in his discography, and was named one of the top ten best albums of 2021 by Pitchfork, Variety, and Rolling Stone.
“CHROMAKOPIA” teasers began rolling out in October, clearly pointing to a new era of Tyler — he could be seen wearing a mask and a bright green suit, weaving through a crowded space in the video for the track, “Noid.” A cameo from Ayo Edebiri also added to the excitement. She played a hysterical fan, tears streaming down her face with her phone frantically in the air — a clear reference to the overwhelming fame Tyler has experienced in the past few years, and the consequential lack of privacy.
The album itself is, in true Tyler fashion, an immersive, collective experience. Every track, every reference, every song title — is intentional and purposeful. Songs seamlessly transition into one another, and all somehow fall into the theme of simultaneously coping with staggering success and typical human problems, like loneliness, the complexities of love, and being abandoned by a parent.
Not to mention that there are some undeniable bangers on this album. “Sticky,” “Rah Tah Tah,” and “Balloon” are going to age beautifully, each possessing a distinct sound that has already skyrocketed them into popularity. On TikTok, fans have already gotten to work making dances to “Sticky,” a high-energy hit that starts slow, but explodes into an aggressive, unapologetic verse from GloRilla, followed by features from Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne. “Sticky” is infused by flavors from marching bands and majorette dance — think peppy horns, enthusiastic adlibs, and a beat that becomes more and more layered as the track progresses.
Somehow, the album strikes a balance between hype and earnest — another thing that Tyler is a pro at. “Like Him,” “Tomorrow,” and “Take Your Mask Off” address problems like familial tensions and the need for people to “hide” behind masks. Even “Noid,” amidst its unique sound and standout sampling of the ‘70s Zamrock band Ngozi Family, touches on paranoia, trust, and fear in Tyler’s life. He raps, “I can’t even buy a home in private/Home invasions got my brothers dying/Notice every car that’s drivin’ by/I think my neighbors want me dead.”
Overall, I think “CHROMAKOPIA” is absolutely a project worth celebrating. Every bit of blood, sweat, and tears Tyler, the Creator has shed to make it to this moment ought to be praised. This album is a culmination of everything he has done before, and is representative of how far he has progressed as an artist since his Odd Future days. “CHROMAKOPIA” is a dynamic work of art that showcases Tyler as a poignant poet, a polished rapper, and a wicked producer. Tyler is one of the big guys now.
Rating: 4/5 big Oles
linggi1@stolaf.edu
