By Blake Kim
A roaring alarm blares in my ears, rousing me from my deep slumber at 5:30 a.m. I wake up drowsy, yet indescribably excited for Tyler, the Creator’s new album: Chromakopia. Employing this excitement, I jump out of bed and swiftly dress myself, as I viciously scrub my teeth and pack my overflowing backpack for school. Afterward, I ravenously scarf down a quickly-made breakfast, and drive to Moore Hill with a single mission– watch the beautiful sunrise accompanied by the magnificent voice of Tyler, the Creator. As I press play on his satisfyingly black-and-white album, a familiar marching sound fills my ears… “Chromakopia….”
“St. Chroma” (Ft. Daniel Ceaser): 10/10
“St. Chroma” is undoubtedly a 10/10–this masterpiece is probably the best album opener that has ever blessed my ears. The music video begins with a black-and-white color scheme and a sinister, yet wonderfully produced rap bar. This monochrome color scheme might represent a motif about thinking of the past, which explains Tyler, the Creator’s choices in his music video “Sorry Not Sorry,” from Call Me if You Get Lost. During his whispering verse, Daniel Ceaser slowly makes more of an appearance, beautifully singing lyrics and building up tension to be released at the climax. The magical vocals sing with the beat of marching feet, as they tap along to the classic Tyler, the Creator “Hoo Ha Hoo Ha.” The almost dizzying amount of musical tension gets released in his rhythmic verse, as Tyler raps about his conflicts with his identity and future. St. Chroma is a masterpiece, and cannot be argued otherwise.
“Rah Tah Tah”: 10/10
“Rah Tah Tah” begins with an abrasive sound, oozing with distorted and aggressive beats. He raps about his fans’ hostile choices, singing about his paranoia surrounding the struggles of fame. Rah Tah Tah is important symbolically, as it shows that even wealthy and famous people endure struggle. In this wonderfully produced song, Tyler, the Creator constantly spits catchy verses and perfectly tells a story–alluring any listeners who are ready to have their lives changed. He even disses Future and other rappers, saying they are all “Whacked out” and that he is “the biggest in the city after Kenny.” Rah Tah Tah is definitely a 10/10 song that must be listened to for both the perfect rhythm and sinister story.
“Noid”: 10/10
“Noid” begins with a jaw-dropping set of vocals, evoking a sense of pure happiness and joy. The intro makes the listener feel like they are levitating, and it transitions perfectly from “Rah Tah Tah.” Tyler, the Creator goes more in-depth about his fears about someone watching, following, and obsessing over him. Every verse in this beautiful song is perfect, constructed with astounding lyrics and unstoppable rhythm. The second half of this song is nothing short of perfect, accompanied by a catchy “Left shoulder right shoulder left shoulder look” verse, symbolizing his paranoia. This song was released a few days before Chromakopia dropped, as a teaser for the outstanding album Tyler, the Creator blessed us with.
“Darling, I” (Ft. Teezo Touchdown): 10/10
Many people adore “Darling, I” because the vocals sound very similar to those of his previous albums, Igor and Call Me if You Get Lost. This song is absolute perfection, as Tyler’s verse flows flawlessly and Teezo’s majestic singing evokes a feeling of delight, lighting up my soul. This beautiful song talks about Tyler’s inability to only be in love with one person at a time, and his struggles with saying “I love you.” Because of its honest narrative and nostalgic track, “Darling, I” is undoubtedly a 10/10.
“Hey Jane”: 10/10
“Hey Jane” talks about Tyler’s hardships in facing a pregnancy scare with a girl named Jane. He sings about why Jane is the perfect person, and if he must, he will stay with the child. However, he also sings that he is terrified and disappointed in himself, as he “ain’t in the space to raise no g*dd***m child.” Though, after, he goes on about the more difficult problems Jane has to go through, and sympathizes with her; he supports her choice. Not only does this song provide a strong narrative and lesson, but “Hey Jane” also has very catchy verses and an ambient sound that pairs with his vocals perfectly. Clearly, this song is really honest and gives insight into the experiences Tyler, the Creator has gone through. 10/10, without a doubt.
“I Killed You” (Ft. Childish Gambino): 10/10
The beginning of “I Killed You” continuously builds up energy and musical tension that gets released in the third quarter of the song. This song talks about how natural black hair is seen as unprofessional or unsightly in American culture. Practically every line references why black hairstyles have been oppressed for decades. He talks about killing his hair, by chemically treating it, straightening it, or anything else that would hurt natural hair. The story of this song is strong just like the rest, as he talks about oppression toward African people. Similarly, this song is comedically placed right after “Hey, Jane,” and while not directly mentioned, it might also be a reference to an abortion he might have had. (see “Hey, Jane” rating). His clever ways of rapping about natural hair and the important message he gets across demonstrate why this song receives another 10/10.
“Judge Judy”: 10/10
This song explores ideas of personal growth in toxic relationships. It is so catchy and some moments are nothing short of magical, as he references the hit song “DOGTOOH” from his album Call Me if You Get Lost: The Estate Sale. “Judge Judy” is just a very pretty song, that should be listened to at any time of day as a way to de-stress and relax. Close your eyes, listen, and sway to the majestic sounds of Tyler, the Creator’s perfect vocals and verses. It sounds very similar to some of his previous works, which evokes a sense of nostalgia for many, which is why it receives a 10/10 from me.
“Sticky” (Ft. GloRilla, Lil Wayne & Sexyy Red): 10/10
“Sticky” is an unbelievably catchy song that goes against the sounds of the other tracks on this album. It’s much more ratchety and aggressive, with a total of three different fantastic features! Sexy Red’s verse is probably my favorite, the catchy lyrics and passionate voice are really upbeat and catchy! The bold energy shows the complexities behind the bravado of relationships in everyday life. The entire song is just so good, even the ending part with “sticky” vocals and the beautiful trumpet sounds. Without a doubt, this spectacular song receives a 10/10, from its amazing features and fun and upbeat sound.
“Take Your Mask Off” (Ft. Daniel Caesar): 10/10
“Take Your Mask Off” is such a catchy song, with amazing verses and beautiful vocals, such as “I hope you find yourself.” This song evokes a feeling of pure happiness and truly makes any listener feel wonderful. This song explores the theme of authenticity, and being yourself in a world where people often feel like they have to hide their true selves. Symbolically, he is taking his mask off, and showing his true self. The thematical trend flows perfectly throughout the entire album and really takes place in this wonderful song. Daniel Ceasears voice is amazing and it is a very raw, and honest song. Definitely a 10/10.
“Tomorrow”: 10/10
Now that his mask is off, the next songs are Tyler, the Creator’s true self, vulnerable and raw. The song “Tomorrow” is the first of five. He raps about the feeling of being behind, regarding life goals and his motivation. He wants to stay where he is in life, and does not want to move on. “The thought of children brings me stress. Because time is changing,” says Tyler. He really shows his true self and his feelings about life. Not only is the song very honest, but it sounds so good. “Tomorrow” is very relaxed and it’s a good switch from the more upbeat songs like “Sticky” and “Take Your Mask Off.” Clearly, this song is a 10/10.
“Thought I Was Dead” (Ft. ScHoolboy Q): 10/10
Once again, the beat of the song changes. After “Tomorrow,” the calm and mellow song, “Thought I Was Dead” plays. This song is about staying real and growing. He raps about his thoughts about personal growth with a critique of the music industry, as Tyler rejects the labels and expectations people have on him. This song is amazingly upbeat and makes listeners feel like dancing and mosh. Everything is wonderful about this song, both Tyler, the Creator’s, and ScHoolboy Q’s verses are next to perfection. On the physical vinyl track, Playboy Carti has a verse, and once again, it is perfection. Personally, I know I will be purchasing the Chromakopia vinyl for both Carti’s verse and the extra song! Certainly, “Thought I Was Dead” is a 10/10.
“Like Him” (Ft. Lola Young): 10/10
“Like Him,” a gorgeous song, presents itself as a favorite to many Chromakopia listeners. It’s a heartfelt song talking about Tyler’s feelings about his relationship with his mother and father. There is a more mature perspective, rather than the angry Tyler we have seen in previous albums. He talks about how he is like his father; his mother tells him that his father actually wanted to be in his life, but she messed up and it was her fault that he wasn’t present. “So don’t hold that against him because it was my fault. Just, you know, forgive me,” says his mom. “Like Him” has brought tears to many, as difficulties with parents is something that happens to many. Not only does it have a good lesson, but the song is so majestic and lifts up spirits. “Heavenly, Transcending, Beautiful,” says Mason Vargas and Weston Kelly. Obviously, “Like Him” is a 10/10 song.
“Balloon” (Ft. Doechii): 10/10
“Balloon,” the bubbly and uplifting song, has received some hate on TikTok and other social media platforms. Lots of Chromakopia listeners have criticized Doechii’s verse, but I think that it fits perfectly in the song. “Balloon” lifts the weight and sadness of the last song, “Like Him.” The song sounds warmer and feels like “the..way laugher feels after a good cry,” (Dissect Podcast). It is much more upbeat, and probably one of my favorite songs on this perfect album. The song itself is about self-confidence and the difficulties of relationships, which makes sense to put it after the last song, once again.
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home”: 10/10
“I Hope You Find Your Way Home” focuses on the need for connection in a chaotic world. Tyler talks about his feelings of pride and vulnerability, hoping that both listeners and himself can overcome struggles by understanding and embracing them, and then return ‘home’. A perfect closer of an album, he takes all of his themes that he visited from the last songs and wraps everything together. He even references lyrics that he used previously, as a way to reconnect with those songs. The entire album is a loop from the last song to “St. Chroma,” as you hear Tyler’s familiar “Chromakopia….Chromakopiaa….” This song is undoubtedly a 10/10, with a fun synth sound and well-put-together lyrics; it also takes the upbeat energy from “Balloon,” and changes it into a more calm, serene beat that should resonate with every listener.
Obviously, every song on this amazing album is perfect, with highlights like “St. Chroma” and “Like Him.” There is true meaning behind every lyric of every song, which is important because Tyler, the Creator is completely transparent and honest in this album. He talks about the obstacles he has overcome and his worries about the future, disregarding his fear of people overly obsessing over him. Today, with so many options for music like Spotify and Apple Music, it’s easy to listen to and only to individual songs; while this does not present any problems, I think that albums must be listened to with intent. An album is a piece of art, every lyric and song intertwining with itself. It is important to understand the importance of listening to an entire album, with the intent of understanding the significance and meaning behind each song. Although no longer on Moore Hill watching a beautiful sunrise–Tyler, the Creator’s voice still fills the atmosphere of my dimly lit room. Laying in the comfort of my pleasantly warm blankets, I hear a familiar marching sound…”Chromakopia….”