By Sage Spirk, Contributor

[Columbia Records; 2024]

Rating: 8/10

Key Tracks: “Noid,” “Thought I Was Dead,” “Like Him”

Last Monday, Tyler, the Creator released his eighth studio album CHROMAKOPIA through Columbia Records, a 14-track whirlwind of a voyage through the rapper’s brain. Along for the ride is a myriad of feature artists, such as Doechii, Lil Wayne, GloRilla and Childish Gambino, who all offer extensive range in rapping style and flow. And yet, somehow, the wacky beats in songs like “Balloon” or “Sticky” work in tandem with the emotional and melodic nature of songs like “Hey Jane” and “Like Him” respectively — vastly different from each other but essential to the album’s journey all the same.

Opening with “St. Chroma,” one of the long awaited tracks that was teased before release, listeners hear the voice of Bonita Smith (Tyler, the Creator’s mother) followed by the militant chant of the album’s title, a mantra of “Chromakopia.” The song represents the character of St. Chroma, an alter ego of the rapper following in the tradition of Igor and Wolf Hayley as previous monikers. It’s the first of many tracks that speak to Tyler’s success as a musician, his lyrics referencing his ambitions and inspirations. The whisper of Tyler’s voice is accompanied by the sweet timbre of R&B singer Daniel Caesar, a euphonious introduction that certainly leaves much to be anticipated for the next 50 minutes. 

Read more: Album Review: Halsey – The Great Impersonator 

“Noid” is another notable track that explores a prominent facet of Tyler’s psyche: paranoia. It encapsulates his distrust within the music industry, how fame has warped his life: “I think my neighbors want me dead / I got a cannon underneath the bed / Triple checkin’ if I locked the door / I know every creak that’s in the floor / Motherfucker, I am paranoid.” The song is a masterful and complex manifestation of Tyler’s anxiety, featuring a chorus that samples Ngozi Family’s 1977 song “Nizakupanga Ngozi,” whose translated lyrics express a concern for “gossip.” Additionally, WILLOW appears during the post-chorus to accompany the rapper’s repetitions of “someone’s keeping watch / I feel them on my shoulder” with gentle harmonies. 

The 11th song, titled “Thought I Was Dead” is a powerhouse of a track. The lyrics are taunting, aggressive, and demand attention. The energetic atmosphere marks the song as undeniably catchy, with the lyrical content outshining much of the simple beat. Its music video gives a further look at the character of St. Chroma as well, signifying Tyler, the Creator’s new era.

As captivating as cocky lyrics and hard beats can be, Tyler, the Creator shows his range with tracks such as “Hey Jane” and “Like Him.” “Hey Jane” is an interesting composition that can be best described as a stream of consciousness, in which Tyler battles with his mind as he unravels the looming and unexpected prospect of fatherhood with a woman: “Hey, Jane, your hair long and your legs long / And we can both relate to the fact that our dads gone / Couple good qualities on you you could pass on / You’re not dumb, and your face good, and your head strong.” The stripped-back instrumental, absence of a hook, and 4-minute ramble is what makes this song so special: it is the unfiltered and raw thoughts of Tyler’s mind.

Additionally, “Like Him” speaks to fatherhood, following the album’s trend of each track featuring a voice note from Bonita Smith. Tyler’s light and airy voice rings through the chorus: “I don’t know where he is / Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost / Do I look like him? (Like what?)” Needless to say, both songs are emotional and devastating explorations of Tyler’s personal life. 

Now if there was any track on CHROMAKOPIA to divide the masses, it would be that of “Balloon.” It has the quirkiest beat, a few corny bars, and yet it’s easily one of the most fun on the album, rivaling “Sticky.” Doechii’s feature is the defining piece, as she matches the track’s energy with her vigorous verse and catchy lyrics. Despite being the shortest in length, it still leaves an impression with the energy and confidence it radiates.

Lastly, our journey ends with “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.” It’s a solemn conclusion that appears to be a response to Tyler’s previous album title Call Me If You Get Lost, serving as a desire for security and stability. A languid instrumental guides each verse and before you know it, that subtle chant of “Chromakopia” revs up in the background once more, and CHROMAKOPIA is officially over. 

It is no exaggeration to say CHROMAKOPIA is a powerful album crafted with precision, a beautiful mixture of Tyler, the Creator’s raw anxieties as well as a celebration of his success thus far. The long list of feature artists enhances the versatility of the composition, making it a flawless piece of work that rivals Tyler’s previous works. Creeping up on a week of release, it has already left its unique mark. 

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