Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, The Creator, released his eighth studio album titled “Chromakopia” on Oct. 28. The album is based on Tyler’s experiences growing up in Hawthorne, CA, and is an examination of his anxieties around growing older and dealing with fame.
Before Okonma announced the release of “Chromakopia” he released a teaser on Oct. 16 from the first track of the album on his social media accounts titled “St. Chroma.” in which Okonma appears in a military-style uniform and a mask in a grayscale world as he leads a line of masked people into a shipping container with the word “Chromakopia” written on the side. The next day on Oct. 17, Okonma formally announced the release of the album.
The album has 14 tracks and runs for about 53 minutes with an additional exclusive 15th track being featured on the vinyl record. Multiple artists are featured on the album including Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne and Playboi Carti.
“Chromakopia” dives into Okonma’s self-examination, with topics like the fear of growing older, his growing paranoia due to his ever-growing fame, his disappointment in not finding love, his fear of having children unexpectedly, etc. Notable tracks that speak to these themes are “Noid,” “Darling, I,” “Hey Jane” and “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.”
Not only does Okonma express his own fears, but he also describes his view of others and his comparison of himself to other people, such as his belief that he should be recognized for his achievements and that he is far better than other people because he is himself. He openly criticizes people who aren’t true to themselves. Notable tracks that express these ideas are “St. Chroma,” “Rah Tah Tah,” “Sticky” and “Take Your Mask Off.”
Chromakopia is a very complex album and cross-examines Okonma’s view of himself and his view of society. Not only does Okonma express himself and his past, but he also expresses his desires and fears for the future.
Okonma masterfully uses the signature sounds of the many artists featured in the album and mixes traditional Hip-Hop beats and sounds with more contemporary pop sounds to produce a sound that sounds familiar and new simultaneously. Overall, the album is pretty good but does not live up to the hype it bolstered online.
