Chromokopia (2024): Tyler, the Creator’s newest decisive hit
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
On Monday, Oct. 27, 2024, Tyler, the Creator released his eighth album, Chromokopia (2024), and with it came a flurry of spectacular songs that you need to listen to— many of which diversify themselves in the genre, but all of which offer something for every type of listener!
Tyler Okonma —the man behind the alias Tyler, the Creator— has had a long-standing history of controversy within the media, especially regarding his music. This figure will say and do anything that comes to mind and do it unabashedly; one instance that comes to mind is his song “Tron Cat” on his album Goblin (2011). Even so, as time has passed, the collective ethos has come to understand the power and validity behind this creator’s work and the reasoning behind many of his incredibly noteworthy bits of discourse.
Chromokopia (2024) is Tyler’s return to the spotlight after CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST (2021) and Igor (2019), which garnered the artist a large amount of mainstream appeal through various songs’ “pop” sound and catchy/relatable lyrics. Tyler continues this formula with this latest album and delivers what many deem his best album to date— recency bias or not. With that said, though, why are people setting Chromokopia (2024) apart from other Tyler albums? What sets this release apart outside of music critique generalities (i.e., featured artist lineup, melody/sound, and time spent crafting the project)?
Well, using this source —another University newspaper— as an example, many claim what sets this album apart is the time spent working on it and the amount of devotion Tyler put into it. When I say devotion, I mean the hours dedicatedly spent crafting every element of the song, emphasizing the lyrical journey this album intends to take its listeners on: a lust, passion, loss, identity, and wisdom-filled journey. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily set the album apart from the generalities listed above —though it certainly does make each time you listen feel more enjoyable— it solely forces one to look deeper than what’s present at auditory value; we must look at the story that propelled this album into being— though that’s not necessarily what everyone feels best.
The story behind this album, which catalyzed its creation, was revealed in the songs “St. Chroma” and “Like Him:” The changes age has had on the man, who is now reflecting on his identity and entire life. In other words, he is employing the meditative act of creative nonfiction to reflect on his being, his role in the public ethos, and his familial unit— which has informed everything else. By allowing himself the platform to express himself unadulterated, Tyler could remedy himself through his muse: Music. Though that makes this album out to be something not for everyone and solely meant to facilitate grandiose bits of reminiscence during your daily college affairs, that is not the case. This is an album with something for everyone, regardless of how much they enjoy Tyler’s rapping or his fascinating beats and audio clippings.
The best way to experience this album is to listen to it, regardless of the mass waves of talk circulating the topic. Without any room for question, one side of the equation will tell you that this is a masterpiece worth nothing but praise. In contrast, the other will say the opposite and get into how they feel Tyler has become “overhype” because of his mainstream notoriety. Even so, the best way to decide where this album truly lies in your eyes is by giving it a full listen and examination —and remember, it’s okay to disagree with what the majority online says— if such applies.
You can listen to Chromokopia (2024) on all streaming platforms —Apple Music, Spotify, etc— right now and stream the music videos for the album on YouTube!