Chromakopia: The Review

Pealing into a new alter-ego, Tyler, The creator embarks on a new vision, leaving the Estate Sale behind, reminding listeners to never get to stagnant in their discovery of sounds. Delving into the world of Chromokopia, the idea of Tyler’s former self is easily forgotten. As the old Sir Baudelaire is transformed into St. Chroma. The ushanka hat is replaced by two prominent hair-spikes, which appears to be Amasunzu, a traditionally Rwandan hairstyle that was prominent in the 20th Century. The classic polos and knits succeeded by a defined suit embellished by pins and stripes, smothered in a shade of green that can now by attached to Tyler off recognition. The briefcase dropped and left in the past, leaving room for growth for Tyler on this new musical discovery.

Tyler, the Creator is a unique artist from a discography stand point too. This new body of work secures him his third No.1 spot on the Billboard 200. Third in a row to be exact and not something many other artists have been able to achieve in this new era of streaming and quick-capatilsation style way of releasing and publishing music. Excluding the Estate Sale, all of Tyler’s other studio albums have never gotten the deluxe treatment. Something a lot of artists depend on for the longevity of their project. Parallel to this, Tyler’s unique way of rolling out music demands the attention of the listener. Similar to Beyonce’s self titled release, Tyler refuses to bend to the industry standard day of releasing music, which falls on a Friday. Instead, he creates his own day, his own lane, and his own system of distribution. Disrupting the mundane vessel, Tyler carves out his own rules and commands consciousness.

The album begins with “St. Chroma” and opens with a lesson from his mother, a person who features regularly throughout this project, leaning in and sharing words of wisdom over matters Tyler is coming face to face with. With additional help from Daniel Caesar, the dramatic percussion of the song signals the beginning of this new march. Synths and pianos crescending throughout the track, blending yet battling with the percussion and gets the listener in order and in line. The first track stomps out the bubbling thoughts of the outside world and helps to sharpen the focus of what musical journey we’re endeavouring on.

The track blends straight into the next seamlessly, and were confronted with boisterous lyrics on “Rah Tah Tah”. Tyler’s ability to flaunt and stunt seemingly would contradict his ability to be slow and introspective, but yet it has become one of his superpowers in storytelling. I’m glad he hose to lead this song, without the addition of features, as I think the rowdy character would have swallowed up the occupant’s talent. Tyler took the whole 2 minutes and 45 seconds to remind people why he can describe himself as one of the most creatively talented artists of our generation.

“The biggest out the city after Kenny, that’s a fact now”.

“Noid” audibly understands the feeling of being paranoid. From the estranged sound to the dramatic reverb, the eery song gives space for Tyler’s thoughts surrounding topics of being watched and being perceived by mass amounts of people to shine through. The angsty feeling is stripped away from us when were met with “Darling, I”, where Teezo Touchdown boosts the youthful, Flower Boy-esque sound with his angelic vocals bouncing off a beat reminiscent of the Neptunes early sound.

Continuing onwards with a mellow sound, we’re greeted with “Hey Jane”, where Tyler pours out his feelings surrounding a time where him and his partner were confronted with the idea of pregnancy and where he sees fatherhood fitting into his personal life. I admire his ability to explain intricate and delicate parts of his life in a poetic manner, and out of the public eye, allowing to have full autonomy over his struggles.

Photography by @will.portrait

A personal skip for me, the next track “I Killed You”, picks back up the spirit and dips back into Tyler’s flamboyant attitude. I’m wondering over time how this song will grow on me and wether the sound is too new for me to quite understand his vision for this one.

What feels like the hidden gems snuck into the project somewhere in the middle, “Judge Judy”, “Sticky” and “Take Your Mask Off” battle for the recognition between each other. From the ballad, to the anthem, to the heartfelt pen, all of the songs bring a level of seriousness to Tyler’s craft in extremely different ways. There is no way he can deny every part of his craft, and in Cromakopia, all angles of his music find a place to live.

Photography by @will.portraits

Tyler’s mother interjects from the beginning of “Tomorrow”, before giving Tyler room to explore what its like to transform when you’re confronted with the process of time and getting older. Daniel Caesar once again lends his background vocals to uplift Tyler’s claims surrounding what his successes have been and what he’s yet to accomplish. ScHoolboy Q and Santigold conquer the trumpets and horns in “Thought I Was Dead” and really give the track the extra edge.

The last 3 tracks, “Like Him” (feat. Lola Young), “Balloon” (feat. Doechii) and “I Hope You Find Your Way Home, are Tyler’s home run. From exploring the complexities of single-parent households, to yet again his contemplation with becoming a father, Tyler swings and bats with taboo conversations in such a poetic way. He touches upon nuances and isn’t afraid to bar his negative opinions, however they be interpreted in the final product.

Before the album's release, Tyler announced a major world tour,

What ever your opinion, Tyler’s concentration to an era can’t be overlooked. His collective bodies of work all show appreciation for the craft of music and all stand tall in their individual way. Yes, some of the sounds are pulled back out from the archives, but all in all, Tyler, The Creator is constantly reinventing his perception of music. From the subtle vocals of Solange hovering over tracks, to the demanding strength of the brass, the album was constructed with careful thought. It’s exciting to let this project rest, and see it’s impact until the next era begins.