After over a three year wait from the release of his last studio album “Call Me If You Get Lost” June 25 2021, rapper, producer and songwriter Tyler, the Creator released the first teaser titled “ST. CHROMA” for his eighth studio album “Chromakopia.” Black-and-white visuals in the desert with a cinematic explosion bringing color to the music video, excited fans for what this album would become.
Shortly after the first single “Noid” released and a third teaser titled “THOUGHT I WAS DEAD” dropped, the full length album came out at 5 a.m. CT of Oct. 28. Tyler’s reason for dropping on a Monday rather than the typical Friday release was stated in an article by Complex saying “To work on an album for so long and put so much energy into it and for it to be released at midnight…just seems so disrespectful.”
This album explores his life before fame, the fear of growing up and his internal desire to love someone and settle down. In the intro track “St. Chroma,” he begs the question “Do I keep the light on or do I gracefully bow out?.” The ‘light’ in the lyrics represents his inspiration and desire to continue his career as an artist, but he weighs the idea of ending it here.
My second favorite song “Noid” details and exaggerates his struggles with paranoia as a mainstream celebrity. With electric guitar riffs lacing the song, beautifully sung bridges and a sampled chorus from Paul Ngozi in Zambian, it’s one of the most action-packed tracks on the album.
His ability to storytell is best seen in the fifth song “Hey Jane” where he tells the story of fearing having an accidental child from the perspective of himself and the character ‘Jane.’ The lyrics are full of imagery and raw emotion, painting an accurate picture for the listener of every emotion one might experience in that situation.
The 11th song–full of braggadocious and fiery disses at other rappers in the industry–“Thought I Was Dead” comes after “Take Off Your Mask” and “Tomorrow.” Two introspective songs criticizing him as an artist and displaying his fear of growing old. The juxtaposition of ‘Thought I Was Dead’ is purposeful, showing how his own view of himself can change all the time. The heavy-hitting horns and rattles give an edgy feeling to the production of the song which is one-of-a-kind in the tracklist of the album.
The most powerful message is found in Track 12, “Like Him.” It answers his own questions about why his dad left and how it’s affected him 33 years later. He sees his dad in himself when he asks “Am I chasing ghosts?” He worries with his combined paranoia and past mistakes he will follow his dad’s footsteps of leaving his future children. The knot within the concept of the album is tied in the outro of the song as the voice of his mother apologizes, and tells Tyler it was never his dad’s fault for leaving but her own. Content in his situation had already been found, but the struggle of being fatherless never really ended.
The final song “I Hope You Find Your Way Home” is a prideful showcase of his vulnerability and healthy lifestyle. It’s production is some of his smoothest in his discography. The super slow piano chords and high-pitched aching synths compliment his vocals. He confidently raps “My only vice is them sweets and them wheels I spin” and in the end understands his ability to be an impeccable artist and a better person out of the struggle and paranoia he’s experienced throughout his career.
After four listens, I noticed layers of production I didn’t before, true meanings of his lyrics, and simply how vulnerable he is on this album than any other he’s released. It’s something to commend him for and the fact that his production has only gotten sweeter and more advanced is just a showcase that he doesn’t see himself as an artist slowing down. We can only wait to see what else is in store for the multi-trick pony Tyler, the Creator is.
*Editor’s note: Maximus Cole is a student writer. All views expressed in the commentary are his own and are independent of the district, Rouse High School and the publication.