Tyler, the Creator’s seventh album has arrived unexpectedly, just months after he stated on social media that he wouldn’t release any new music this year. The promotional efforts leading up to the album’s release indicated that “Chromakopia” would be a complex project, likely requiring time for listeners to fully comprehend. The marketing featured a series of enigmatic videos transitioning from old-fashioned sepia tones to vibrant colors, sometimes showcasing the rapper in a mask and military garb. In these visuals, he appears to lead a group of men into a shipping container marked with the album’s title, which he then detonates. Other scenes depict him pushing through a crowd, encountering an overly enthusiastic fan, and rapping atop a military aircraft while a mysterious masked figure lurks within.
Speculation surrounded the interpretations of these visuals, with theories suggesting the album might introduce a new persona, potentially inspired by a character from the classic children’s book “The Phantom Tollbooth.” However, the masked approach seems to serve as a diversion from the idea of an alter ego. Lyrically, “Chromakopia” unfolds as both straightforward and deeply personal. Notably, the album does not credit its guest artists, including Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino, on streaming platforms, indicating an intention to maintain a focus on the album’s introspective themes.
The lyrics delve into the pressures of fame, as expressed in tracks like “Noid” and “Rat Tah Tah,” which convey an underlying distrust of everyone from Tyler’s financial advisors to his fans. There’s also a confident rebuttal to his detractors in “Thought I Was Dead.” Yet, the album primarily addresses the anxieties that plague individuals in their 30s, particularly regarding lasting relationships, parenthood, and career fulfillment. These poignant questions contribute to a sense of unease throughout the album.
The unsettling nature of “Chromakopia” is evident in its sometimes contradictory lyrics, which fluctuate between self-promotion and deep self-doubt. For instance, in “Tomorrow,” Tyler projects a carefree spirit only to later reveal a sense of profound emptiness. The track “Judge Judy” begins with a conventional sexual narrative before concluding with a dark twist, while “Like Him” explores paternal abandonment, ultimately incorporating a message from Tyler’s mother acknowledging her role in his familial disconnect.
Musically, the album exhibits a similar volatility as it transitions between diverse sounds. For example, “Noid” features heavy distorted guitars that cut abruptly, creating a disconcerting atmosphere alongside backing vocals from Willow Smith. The album also blends minimalist beats with lush harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys, folky acoustic elements, and retro R&B sounds disrupted by sharp drum patterns. The diverse array of gasps and other vocal expressions creates an intense auditory experience throughout.
Ultimately, the album concludes with a track titled “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved tension. In it, Tyler grapples with feelings of uncertainty and contradictory aspirations for the future. “Chromakopia” emerges as a project steeped in confusion and flux, capturing an enthralling yet exhausting experience for its audience.