By: Aaryan Sama

Chroma–“the purity of a color, or its freedom from white or gray,” according to Collins Dictionary–appears to be the key theme of Tyler, The Creator’s latest release, boasting an ironically black-and-white color scheme. Breaking the tradition of his 2-year release periods (along with two-part tracks as the tenth song of the album), his rollout began shortly before its release on the 28th of October. Various green-colored Chromakopia trucks began appearing nationwide as he released the “St. Chroma” music video on YouTube and social media platforms. With rumors (although baseless) of a Frank Ocean feature and publicity around the single, in collaboration with Daniel Caesar, this album marked his biggest commercial success despite dropping on a Monday morning. It also manages to be his most sonically and lyrically diverse album yet. 

This album can be interpreted as Tyler’s journey through various stages of adulthood and fame. Like many of his albums, we, as the audience, can see him grow track by track. A key theme of this album is his inability to settle down and have children. This theme is introduced on “Darling, I,” one of his most vibrant tracks to date, with a darker theme of being unable to uphold a monogamous relationship. He opens up about his insecurity of being unable to provide a grandchild for his mother, who also narrates the album on “Tomorrow,” one of his most painfully honest tracks yet. In the outro, “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” his verse discusses how he is at ease with the fact that he is not ready to be a father. 

For an artist with as many anecdotal records as Tyler, The Creator, Chromakopia marks his best storytelling album yet. “Hey Jane,” named after an abortion clinic in New Jersey, is a highlight as he breaks down a pregnancy scare he had at 24. The only streaming single, “Noid,” beautifully narrates Tyler’s paranoia and anxiety throughout his status of fame. “Take Your Mask Off” is, without a doubt, his best storytelling track ever. The first three verses cover various cases of one concealing their identity before writing the fourth verse to himself, talking about how he,

too, has been “wearing a mask,” as depicted on the album cover and throughout his rollout. This album is also certainly his freakiest, with “Judge Judy” (which is also an extremely emotional masterpiece in storytelling) and posse cut “Sticky” containing some of his most lustful content yet. 

To summarize, this album feels like a grand culmination of Tyler’s career so far, possessing Goblin’s edginess, Wolf’s narrative lyricism, Cherry Bomb’s bold production choices, Flower Boy’s fruitful synth-packed melodies, Igor’s emotional content, and Call Me If You Get Lost’s braggadocious energy. This album continues Tyler’s streak of producing albums that will be relevant even decades later. Chromakopia is Tyler, The Creator’s most personal and sophisticated work, which might even age to be his best. 

5/5 

Best Tracks: St. Chroma, Rah Tah Tah, Noid, Darling, I, Hey Jane, I Killed You, Judge Judy, Sticky, Take Your Mask Off, Tomorrow, Thought I Was Dead, Like Him, Balloon, I Hope You Find Your Way Home 

Worst Track: None