Tyler, The Creator kicked off the Chromakopia era with an impromptu listening event at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome on Sunday night, performing on a stage set with green shipping containers while 17,000 fans experienced his new album for the first time.
The event was a personal occasion for the LA-based rapper, who remarked that Chromakopia was inspired by his upbringing in the area. “I realized that nobody knows anything about me from before [I was 17],” Tyler, donned in a green military suit, shared with the audience.
Taking the stage shortly after 9 p.m., Tyler embraced his performance style, moving energetically across the stage, donning a plastic mask reminiscent of his “Noid” music video. He engaged with the crowd while the album played, running in place and taking moments to absorb the atmosphere.
Chromakopia marks Tyler’s first new album in three years, and he introduced a unique approach to its release by opting for a 6 a.m. Monday launch rather than the traditional Friday midnight drop. “Don’t lose y’all sleep trying to stay up, go to sleep,” he humorously advised the audience, looking forward to their reaction on the album’s second listen.
In his reflections post-performance, Tyler revealed that much of the album was influenced by lessons from his childhood that only resonate with him now at 33. He explained, “Now that I’m 33, all that stuff is like ‘oh that’s what the fuck she was talking about.’” He noted the changes that come with aging, observing the evolving lives of those around him while acknowledging his own journey.
Exploring the themes of adulthood, fatherhood, and love, Chromakopia presents a more introspective side of Tyler, as he addresses personal fears about becoming a father and the weight of responsibilities. In one poignant moment, he tells a lover to “take off your mask,” a fitting metaphor, especially after he wore a mask throughout most of the performance.
Musically, Chromakopia delves into darker, moodier sounds while retaining elements from Tyler’s previous work. The album features slower songs reminiscent of his earlier tracks like “Wilshire” but maintains an overall energetic and playful tone. The audience resonated with his clever lyrics, laughing and cheering at lines such as, “fuck what you heard, I’m that n***a, and I’m that bitch.”
The listening party also highlighted notable collaborations with artists like Schoolboy Q, Teezo Touchdown, Daniel Caesar, and Lil Wayne. However, it was Doechii, Glorilla, and Sexyy Red who captured the most attention, particularly with their track “Sticky,” which seemed to emerge as a fan favorite based on the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Despite its launch, the full meaning of ‘Chromakopia’ remained elusive, with military themes and dark green aesthetics permeating the visuals associated with the album. As the rollout progresses, the symbolism is expected to become clearer.