CHROMAKIPIA by Tyler, The Creator officially released on Oct. 28, 2024 immediately making it onto the Billboard charts. This is the first album Tyler, The Creator has released since 2021. The album offers a blend of multiple genres from hip-hop to R&B. The use of voice in his albums is what truly sets his music apart from the rest of the music industry; going from rapping to singing in every song.
Tyler Gregory Okonma (Tyler, The Creator) is an American rapper, entreprenuer and record producer from Hawthorne, California. Since releasing his major debut album, “Goblin” in 2011 his popularity skyrocketed, charting with every album he dropped in following years. His unique style and controversial lyrics make him one of the most influential artists in pop culture.
St. Chroma (feat. Daniel Caesar) – In the opening song of the album, it starts off with a striking opening which is very perplexing with the chants and marching footsteps. The song builds steadily drawing in listeners while telling a story then a phenomenal release of intense sounds. Despite the variety of sounds in this song it blends together very well. The war cries throughout the first verse further emphasizes the lyrics.
Rah Tah Tah – This song starts off with high energy. It gives off a very rebellious vibe as the verses give off a lot of confidence. Each lyric flows well one after another with witty comments and a mention of Zendaya. As in every album, the swaggering in this piece is entertaining. His comparisons in this song are comical which adds to the charm of this song.
Noid – This song speaks about the paranoia that comes with being a celebrity. The lyrics deliver the emotion and paint a moment in the listener’s mind about paparazzi being in every corner. The Zambian language in the beginning of the song is catchy and it catches the attention of listeners with the different beat and energy.
Darling, I (feat. Teezo Touchdown) – In the beginning of the song there is a very upbeat sound. The lyrics express being in love while also exploring what the world has to offer. Touchdown as the background vocals tie the song together. Throughout the song he says he is willing to love but can’t be loyal to one person for a long time. This song shows the fear of being committed to someone.
Hey Jane – This song tells the story of an unplanned pregnancy from beginning to end. Tyler speaks of the emotional aspects that come with the reality of pregnancy. The lyrics bring up navigating his own feelings while being there for his partner mentally. Towards the end the topic of freedom in choosing whether or not to keep the child is up to ‘Jane.’ It grazes topics that are becoming more prominent in society today.
I Killed You – This song starts with an intriguing African drumming pattern and lots of other instruments. It keeps listeners on the edge and captivated on what is to come next. The lyrics in this song speaks of identity within the African American community. It brings up societal beauty standards instead of embracing your heritage.
Judge Judy – This song tells a romance story with a girl named Judy. It shows their connection through vivid storytelling. This song is a lot lighter than the other songs in his album thus far. The consistent mentioning of not judging shows the acceptance and love in the relationship. Ignoring societal norms and giving authentic love was what the lyrics expressed to listeners.
Sticky (feat. GloRilla & Lil Wayne)– This song starts off with a catchy beat of chants and whistling. The song is unpredictable with the change of verses from Tyler to the other featured artists. The changes in artists in each verse are different but all keep the same assertive energy. From the beginning to the end the build-up truly hyped up the listeners.
Take Your Mask Off (feat. Daniel Caesar & Latoiya Williams) – This song’s instrumentals are mellow, but the lyrics are very strong giving a beautiful contrast between lyrics and melodic aspects. This song inspires people to stop hiding who they truly are and stop hiding behind their facades. The ending Tyler criticizes himself with what other people have said about him; and ending with “and I hope you take off your mask.”
Tomorrow – This song explores aging and fearing the future. Tyler speaks on his mother aging and the expectations of him being a father. The reluctance of settling down are his fears in life. The storytelling in this song immediately immerses listeners into Tyler’s mind. His vocals in the beginning of the song are very soft then switching to rapping.
Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold) – This song starts and maintains an energetic declaration. This song gives a raw version of rapping. This song highlights Tyler’s rebellious nature. The lyrics are very confrontational and aggressive which is what Tyler is known for. It brings back the energy from his previous albums.
Like Him (feat. Lola Young) – This song discusses the longing for a father figure in life. Tyler expresses his traits are also like his father’s-a man whom he doesn’t know. The absence of his father prompts Tyler to seek that connection. Tyler talks about his mother restricting him from having a relationship with his father which harbored further hatred towards him. ‘Like Him’ gives closure and forgiveness to his childhood. It shows a vulnerable, unfiltered side of him. The song starts off with mellow instrumentals slowly building in intensity which intensifies the emotions within the listener.
Balloon (feat. Doechii) – The songs beat gives off a childish energy instantly captivating listeners. This songs gives a different energy to the entire album. Doechii’s verses and flow adds to the upbeat spirit to the song. It refreshes listeners while listening to the album.
I Hope You Find Your Way Home – The album ends off with this song as it gives off a light feeling to the listeners. Leaving a new perspective on listeners that they can triumph over any trials life gives. The voice message in the end of the song wraps it all up with the “I’m proud of you bro.” The ending fades giving a lingering effect which beautifully ends the album.
Overall I give this album a 9/10 because of the different varieties of beats and background sounds. “Balloon” is for example up-beat while “St. Chroma” contains much darker instrumentals and vocals. I wish there were more surprising factors in some of the songs instead of maintaining the same pattern through half of it. I was expecting more but didn’t get it. However, the variety of sounds in the background and storytelling took me to a whole other dimension. Each song puts you into a new perspective. Truly a work of art that everyone should try.