Tyler, the Creator is taking off his mask for the world in his new hit album ‘Chromakopia’ as he shares his struggles of finding fulfillment.
Rapper and producer Tyler Okonma, professionally known as Tyler, the Creator, dropped his first album in three years last Monday. The album, titled ‘CHROMAKOPIA’, features 14 new songs and guest artists such as Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne, GloRilla and more. Despite being released on a Monday morning, an unusual time for artists to release albums, ‘CHROMAKOPIA’ topped charts after only a few days, and has been declared the highest selling rap album of 2024 according to Billboard. Since the album was released, Tyler has appeared at several live “listening events” and has already released world tour dates starting in February.
While tracks like “Sticky” and “Balloon” have more upbeat rhythms to dance to, much of the album covers heavier topics in Tyler’s life that he discusses throughout the lyrics. Songs like “Hey Jane” and “Take Your Mask Off” cover subjects like pregnancy scares and hiding your true self from others. On a deeper level, though, Tyler seems to be trying to convey uncertainty of his own satisfaction with his life and the fear of being unsatisfied with his future. In an Instagram story posted earlier today, Tyler expresses his gratitude for his listeners and fans.
“I’m at a different point in my life than I was when most of you met me,” Tyler said. “So to share these thoughts or feelings that I may/may not have lightly touched on before felt like such a release, and to see so many of you resonate with it is such a great feeling I’ve never experienced. Thank you.”
After the album’s initial release, music critics and fans everywhere have been trying to decipher all the hidden meanings behind the album’s songs and their lyrics. One particularly popular topic has been Tyler’s song “Like Him” where the rapper sings about his father, who was absent for the majority of his life, only to find that his father wanted to be present all along but was unable. Music journalists speculate that the absence of his father has Tyler wondering if he himself would be suited for fatherhood or settling down at all. To top it off, this makes audiences turn back to one of Tyler’s previous songs, “Answer”, where Tyler berates his father for being absent from his life. Fans say that Tyler’s lyrics are so raw that it feels personal to them, even if they can’t relate directly to the events in his life.
Tyler is also well known for having a unique and distinct aesthetic with each project he releases, and this time is no different. From the blank mask Tyler wears in music videos, the use of shipping containers and planes in hangars, to the grayscale colors disrupted by a rich green- all vastly different from his past album aesthetics. Billboard journalist Peter A. Berry spoke with Tyler’s creative director, Alex Reardon, about working with Tyler over the years.
“He has an ability to reinvent while not losing himself,” said Reardon. “He’s an artist of his generation.”
Many students on campus say that although they cannot relate to some of Tyler’s situations personally, they can empathize and feel what the rapper is trying to convey through each of his songs. Tyler’s ability to build connection through his lyrics and rhythms has been a skill of his throughout his career and remains even now. After asking several students their thoughts on the album, many had similar answers. Students all similarly answered that some of the songs made them sad and thoughtful, while other songs gave them a boost of confidence or energy. Jonathan Griffin, a student at USM, said that the album made him feel empowered and fulfilled.
“I say that this album would help people come out of their shell in some sorts,” said Griffin. “Tyler is being really open with his life and as he said on one of his tours it’s one of his most honest and open albums… I would have to give this album a 10/10.”
Those who are interested in keeping up with the album and the tour can follow it on Instagram via @chromakopia, or follow Tyler directly via @feliciathegoat.
