From Utopia to Chromakopia

One of the most brilliant musical creators of all time, Tyler, The Creator, has just dropped his most raw and gut-wrenching album yet. From his groundbreaking album Flower Boy in 2017 to his latest release, Chromakopia, Tyler continues to deliver musical hits that are both brutally honest and beautifully poetic. Notably, Tyler was so confident in his unmatched musical talents that he released Chromakopia at 6am on Monday, October 28th, 2024. Although artists traditionally release music on Fridays in order to gain the most traction and listeners, with his unconventional decision, Tyler still managed to top the Billboard charts for two consecutive weeks. Hinting at the uniquity of this album, Tyler purposefully challenged societal norms with this unconventional release date, which we see further conveyed throughout Chromakopia.

All OG Tyler fans know that the absence of his father is a recurring theme throughout his discography, and Chromakopia reigns us back into the deeply personal theme of loss. The album begins with the voice of his mother, who reminds Tyler: “You are the light. It's not on you, it's in you. Don't you ever in your motherfucking life dim your light for nobody.” With this line, Tyler showcases the essence of his mother's lifelong encouragement, channeling the power of her words through his musical endeavors. Following this, Tyler repeats the word “chromakopia” and formally introduces his newest alter ego–Saint Chroma, a masked persona. While we've seen Tylers various personas, his most recent one before this masked facade was Tyler Baudelaire from Call Me If You Get Lost in 2023. This persona was spoiled, traveling the world in expensive accessories and vintage cars whilst struggling with a relationship from an anonymous woman. The growth Tyler portrays in just a year's difference presents an idea not many artists depict–both the realities and quickness of maturity and a lack thereof. Tyler’s whole brand is his materialistic lifestyle and although he usually embraces it, Tyler attempts to incorporate a new, mature notion of a lifestyle with his new persona–St. Chroma. As much as he can discuss his improvement in maturity throughout life, Tyler can’t help but consider that there will always be a younger side distilled in his mind where his immaturity peaks through. Tyler always reminds us of his past and the various ways it has shaped him into the man he is today. What many people don't discuss is how your past constantly changes your present self, which Tyler so effectively communicates in Chromakopia. He is constantly questioning his state of maturity–but who is to say what is mature when everything is a social construct built around mythologies we create?

The visuals of the album amplify its introspective, eerie undertones, featuring a monochromatic green aesthetic inspired by aspects of the horror genre. Dressed in a suit with his hair split in half, Tyler resembles the infamous monster Frankenstein, embodying a harmless individual who is cast aside by the world. In addition the use of Frankenstein alludes to the mystery and fear of exposing the raw truths interwoven through his album. The horrors in question are of showing your true self regardless of judgment and acceptance. Tyler depicts these horrors through his anxieties of growing older, especially concerning the materialistic lifestyle he's built for himself–although he's surrounded by new Porsches and McClarens, he can't help but feel alone when watching his friends settle down and start families. Truly leaning into this St. Chroma persona of honesty and authenticity, Tyler is trying to rear away from his previous, materialistic lifestyle, hoping to encourage others to do the same. Tyler confidently gives us hope with the notion that your truest, most honest cheerleader in life is yourself and regardless of what people think, if you believe in yourself, you can conquer the world.

A common idea that scares many is that we will end up a fairly similar version of our parents, a thought which was especially frightening for Tyler–or so we thought. Although he depicts his mother as loving and encouraging throughout his discography, her radical confession to Tyler in “Like Him” shifts the narrative: “It’s my fault, not him, cause he always wanted to be there for you… so I fucked up”. This alludes to the shocking truth that Tyler’s father did not actually abandon him, but was instead pushed away by her decision. Prior to this revelation, Tyler also admits feelings of empathy for his father when faced with a pregnancy scare in “Hey Jane”. Confronted with his own fears of becoming a father, Tyler realizes his own selfishness, admitting, “Boy, you selfish as fuck, that’s really why you scared of bein’ a parent” in his self-diss track “Take Your Mask Off”. The hate harbored by Tyler gives way to: Balloon ft. Doechii where a whimsical beat “like clouds” symbolizes a weight being lifted off Tyler’s shoulders. Showcasing his versatility as an artist, Tyler juxtaposes buoyant motifs with heavier personal reflections, societal expectations, and authenticity.

In "Judge Judy", we see Tyler inviting his listeners to relate to the discovery of love and acceptance within having a partner. Walking us through his romance with a girl named Judy, Tyler plays upon the reality TV show Judge Judy and uses the concept of relinquishing judgment to illustrate acceptance and vulnerability in a loving relationship. In his Cherry Bomb album made into a documentary in 2015, Tyler shares a valuable lesson he learned on tour: “It kinda made me not judge as much. […] When you’re not afraid to be you, you’re comfortable. When you’re comfortable with yourself, you don’t have that much hate in your heart, and you’re not that quick to judge.” Tyler not only makes a point not to judge Judy, but also teaches his listeners to not be so quick to judge others. After all, how well do you really know someone before forming an opinion?

With Chromakopia, Tyler is inviting us to recognize a real and raw truth which society often forgets–the fact that celebrities, despite their fame, are humans too.  As much as we praise celebrities for their otherworldly talents, at the end of the day, they have fears and gray hairs just like the rest of us. Rather than brag about his cars and luxurious lifestyle in this album, he is walking us through his paranoia, insecurities, and life challenges hence the eerie aesthetics. Why does Tyler have a mask, and what is he hiding from? With this album, is he finally taking his mask off? After listening to Chromakopia on repeat for the past two weeks, analyzing every line of each song, and securing a spot at his concert in July in New York, I can confidently say the mask has been removed to reveal the beautifully fulfilling face of Tyler, the Creator. We have all been begging Tyler to drop some musical art for the longest time.  Now that he's finally delivered, we are witnessing an album very different from his past releases, and a work which explores his troublesome experiences with fame and childhood. 

Personally, this album has coincided perfectly with a time in my life when I’m equally sad as I am angry. With the current hardships and future unknowns I've been tackling lately, it feels like Tyler has spoken to me in a way I didn't realize I needed. I’ve lost what I thought would be lifelong friendships, hope, and determination all within a few months. I didn't realize how quick the universe worked until I was slapped in the face with so many difficulties. With the creation of this album, I’ve discovered a spark of hope and fire that I was afraid I had lost. 

To me, Tyler is more than just a singer–he's a musical beacon of hope, and Chromakopia has only encouraged me to keep going no matter the obstacle. With the rise of social media and the desire for acceptance and a “cool life”, we have refused to acknowledge the ugliness of life which Tyler reminds us with in Chromakopia. The ugliness in question is what makes us who we are. So far as long as we don't talk about the uncomfortable, we are denying ourselves the freedom of being our truest selves. 

Through Tyler, I saw a version of myself, or perhaps a persona, that I’ve been inspired to reflect upon. With all the hurt all I can say now, is–yes, I cared about you. Yes, you hurt me. Yes, I wish we could be friends again because I truly thought you were my ride or die. But with this loss, I have found even more important, kinder people, so I thank you for the lesson and the memories you brought me. Who is meant to be in your life will stay so. From the wise words of  Bonita Smith: “don't you ever in your motherfucking life dim your light for nobody.”