Tyler, the Creator released his 8th studio album “Chromakopia” through Columbia Records on Oct. 28, 2024. The album is a funky mix of genres including rap, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz; it has many unique samples and features. The new album reflects how the things his mother, Bonita Smith, told him throughout his childhood that applies to his current life and how things start to make more sense with age. In my opinion, this album is one of the most meaningful and lyrically creative albums of all time.  

“St. Chroma” (feat. Daniel Caesar)

The album opens with “St. Chroma” which is a meditation on how he is motivated and extremely passionate about his art form. The song begins with a sample from his mother telling Tyler that he should not let anybody dim his light. He responds later in the song with the lyrics, “Mama, I’m gon’ make it out / p- I’m gon’ make it out / I ain’t never had a doubt inside me / And if I ever told you that I did I’m f- lyin.’” 

“Rah Tah Tah” and “Noid”

However, in his next 2 songs “Rah Tah Tah” and “Noid” (which stands for paranoia), he expresses his fears of fame and paranoia that he is being watched 24/7 by the public. The backbone of “Noid” is a repeating pattern of drums, synthesizers, and electric guitars building up similar to the way it does in a horror movie. It builds suspense to emphasize Tyler’s paranoia. His main concern is that he feels like everyone is out to get him, even if it’s not true.

“Darling, I” (feat. Teezo Touchdown)

In his next song “Darling, I”, Tyler explains to an anonymous lover that he continues to fall in love and doesn’t want to commit to a relationship. He explains that though his current lover is fulfilling in some aspects, forever is too long to be committed and that he can meet certain needs with different people. 

“Hey Jane”

But this fear is suddenly met with an unexpected pregnancy scare shown in his song “Hey Jane”, a reference to the abortion clinic. The song is about a conversation between a girl named Jane and himself after Jane got pregnant. Tyler expresses that he doesn’t know Jane very well, and he doesn’t think it’s a good foundation for taking care of a child. He tells her that he thinks it’s best if she gets an abortion, but whatever she does he’ll support it. However, in the second half of the song, Jane responds that she is going to have the baby since she does not know how long it will be until her biological clock runs out. She expresses that she had the money and resources to take care of a child herself and that if Tyler wants to be part of the child’s life it’s cool, but if not it’s still cool either way. 

“I Killed You”

The next song on the album, “I Killed You”, is a meditation on how the media pushes Western beauty standards onto people of color in an attempt to erase their origins and culture. The song opens with a playful, almost playground-like chant, before transitioning into an African drum-styled beat topped with Tyler’s metaphorical rapping. Tyler uses hair, a deeply rooted symbol in the black community as a metaphor for Western beauty standards being pushed onto them.

“Judge Judy”

Contrary to the intense beat of “I Killed You”, his next song, “Judge Judy,” has a vibey R&B feel. It is a story about an unusual girl that Tyler went out with. She was free-spirited and didn’t fit into the mold of Western beauty standards. However, Tyler explains how he would not judge her for her kinks and oddities and how he is just there for the same reason she is; for a good time. This is shown through the repeated line “I won’t judge Judy”. At the end of the song, Tyler sings a letter given to him by Judy. The letter was goodbye and stated that she was “on the other side”, implying that she had committed suicide. She explained she was not in her best headspace and was sorry for not communicating with Tyler. She speaks about how the times she had with Tyler were amazing and that she was thankful that she had a good time with someone without being judged before she left.

“Sticky” (feat. GloRilla, Sexxy Red & Lil Wayne)

On a very different note, the next song “Sticky” is a simplistic but fun and hard-hitting track. The simple backtrack paired with Tyler’s unapologetic claims and brags allows for a fun, danceable listening experience. The song is a stream of Tyler’s unfiltered thoughts on the media, his achievements, and his sexual freedom. 

“Take Your Mask Off” (feat. Daniel Caesar & LaToiya Williams)

Along with bragging about his freedom, his next track encourages listeners to “Take Your Mask Off.” “Take Your Mask Off” is Tyler critiquing an illusion of toughness to fit into society. He claims that people put on a mask growing up and try to fit into a mold that society creates. This metaphorical “mask” includes masking things like sexual orientation, vulnerability, and regular emotions like sadness and anger. He claims that freeing yourself from the expectations set by the world can be a nirvana experience. 

“Tomorrow”

“Tomorrow”, Tyler’s next track is about how time and age are creeping up on him. The opening of the song is a sample of his mom begging for grandchildren. However, Tyler depicts in the song that though he does feel like time is ticking away and his chances of getting married. The lyric, “But don’t you wait on me (don’t), I’ll be fine” implies that as his friends start tying knots, and having children, he is ok with not being at that point in his life yet. 

“Thought I Was Dead” (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)

“Thought I Was Dead” is a commentary on past controversies. He explains how though he might have been involved in some controversial affairs in the past, he has grown. He states that he was young and he, now in his 30s, is much older. He talks about how people thought “these n- thought I was dead” referring to how they assumed the media stopped him from producing music. However, this is not the case and this track addresses the trolls in the media trying to take him down. 

“Like Him” (feat. Lola Young)

“Like Him” is a slow and impactful song about Tyler’s absent father. He repeats the line “Mama I’m chasing’ a ghost” illustrating that Tyler wants to know and be like his dad but he has no idea what he is like. This track also explains why Tyler continues to underline that he doesn’t want children; because he doesn’t want to accidentally set up the same experience he had for his child if he isn’t 100% sure he can be there for them. It is ironic that Tyler talks earlier in the album about not caring what others think and what the media thinks, but he continues to wonder what his dad would think even though he’s never met him. Lola Young’s feature is supposed to replicate the voice of “young Tyler”. The line “Do I look like him?” is repeated with beautiful harmonies between Tyler and Lola. Tyler represents his older self, and Lola represents him as an adolescent.

“Balloon” (feat. Doechii)

In contrast to the last song, “Balloon” is a fun upbeat whimsical song. It is about being authentic to yourself and having unique preferences. It’s also about having a relationship with someone while remaining independent and strong. 

“I Hope You Find Your Way Home”

“I Hope You Find Your Way Home” wraps up each message throughout the song with the final message of acceptance. It ends with a sample from his mother talking about how she is proud of Tyler. Even though she gives him lots of heavy advice throughout the samples in the album, it underlines that ultimately she is proud of who Tyler has become. The song wishes anyone who listens to find true acceptance in themselves.