Tyler, the Creator came out with a new album that dropped a few weeks ago and is being recognized worldwide. The album,“Chromakopia,” dropped on Oct. 28. The album consists of 14 songs with features from Lil Wayne, Daniel Caesar, GloRilla and more.
Tyler, the Creator, formally known as Tyler Okonma, is known for his unique style in both fashion and music. He emerged from a group called “Odd Future” and then went solo to make hit albums such as “Cherry Bomb,” “Yonkers,” “Flower Boy” and more. He pulls attention from listeners with his theatrical humor and intense wordplay as he tends to tell stories from the past.
“Chromakopia” is said to be inspired by the character Chroma the Great in the book “Phantom Tollbooth.” Chroma had an impact on Tyler’s cover art as he tries his best to look like him. In the book, Chroma conducts orchestras that provide the world with color, and without him the world would be dull. Tyler uses this detail to show the impact his music can have on others.
“Chromakopia” provides the audience with a range of emotions as Tyler describes his family, fame and relationships. Each song has individuality and meaning behind it, and Tyler uses a versatile style of beats, flows and artists to make it unique. This is an aspect most listeners enjoy about the album.
UA senior Markeiaja Wilson said, “I love how familiar ‘Sticky’ sounds. I love how each featured artist on the song came together, gave their all and produced one of the best songs, in my opinion.”
On the other hand, UA senior Keaton Davis said, “My favorite songs are ‘Darling, I’ and ‘Take Off Your Mask.’ This is because I like slower songs that have a lyrical tone, and the second song was based on the real and pure aspect of the song addressing society.”
“Chromakopia” is being appreciated by listeners because it talks about real-life problems throughout the album, which allows listeners to connect with certain songs. Tyler mentions the distance between himself and his dad, the topic of abortion, the significance of African Americans’ hair and more.
Davis said, “This album is relatable. It doesn’t have repetition, it isn’t sad nor is it based on sexual aspects.”
Tyler has released tour dates for “Chromakopia” and is planning to come to Kansas City! He will perform at the T-Mobile Center on Feb. 8, 2025. Tickets are selling fast; get them while you can if you plan on attending.
Tyler shares his personal experiences throughout “Chromakopia” to come to peace with situations that have happened throughout his life such as his mom keeping him and his dad distant, the thought of aging, sexuality and more.
He concludes the ideas in “Take Off Your Mask.” This is a song about not hiding behind a front and being who you truly are, which explains the mask that Tyler has on in the cover art. This song concluding the album adds significance because Tyler is always known as being a person with a quirky personality; so when he finally comes to terms with the things that he has been through and breaks the masks, it can be seen as him starting to humanize himself instead of hiding his feelings about certain things.
“Chromakopia” is unlike any other album Tyler has made before because he breaks the surface to express himself on a deeper level. It is worth listening to, no matter if it is just once or several times.