Saint Chroma saves us from an extensive drought of authenticity and creativity. This is one of many personas introduced to us by artist Tyler, The Creator’s in his 8th studio album, “Chromakopia.”
Releasing the album on Oct. 28, Tyler displayed his hope for listeners not just to stream music but to actively listen to the body of work and stop passive listening. After previewing his disapproval of releasing music on weekends in his 2023 interview with Nardwuar, it’s no surprise that he delivered this album on a Monday morning.
According to dictionary.com Chroma means “the purity of a color or its freedom from white or gray.”
Tyler is known for his constant nonconformist ways of breaking social “norms” in the music industry. Tyler hints at defying theses norms in his first album teaser with a video titled St. Chroma. Set in a grayscale world, Tyler’s masked alter ego St. Chroma marches with many following behind him leading them into a trunk which he precedes to blow up and bring back the vivid colors of the dull grayscale world. The blast of color possibly refers to his interruption of the standard pattern or duplication often shown in the industry or, in this case, the white and black plainness of the world and bringing the livelihood and originality back to music.
With its unexpected announcement and many surprising features, “Chromakopia” adds to the collection of albums that doesn’t disappoint in living up to the hype that is brought when Tyler creates new projects.
“Chromakopia,” sets audience with 14 tracks that navigate the fears of maturity, aspects of love and self-exploration with Tyler.
The album starts with “St.Chroma”, “Rah Tah Tah” and “Noid” which set the tone for the album and includes inspiring words from Tyler’s mother in “ St.Chroma”.
”You are the light/It’s not on you it’s in you/Don’t you ever in your life dim your light for nobody.” Tyler often touches on how his mothers encouragement and support helped him achieve a lot in his career.
The album continues with beautiful captivating vocals featured by artist Teezo Touchdown in “Darling, I,” and familiar references in “Judge Judy.”
Tyler then touches on deep topics such as abortion in “Hey Jane” which refers to a real company that provides abortion-related healthcare services. The breakdown of lyrics helps bring additional awareness to woman based healthcare especially since the reversion of Roe v. Wade. Tyler dives into give us both possible perspectives of males and females in similar situations and switches through both throughout the song giving meaning and value to both points of view.
”It ain’t no one to defend me/I got a mini version of myself livin’ in me/You pullin’ out your hair/I walk around in a frenzy/I’m feelin’ the resentment any time you get near me/My body has a clock and I don’t know where the end be/Emotions is throwin’ around like a frisbee.”
While in “I Killed You,” Tyler discusses the hatred and neglect black people have towards their hair and trying to satisfy standards.
“I gotta work, I gotta eat/If they see you on top of me, I gotta leave/b**ch I killed you/Your natural state is threatening to the point that I point at myself and self-esteem/Takin’ you out, It’s not a game/Feel ashamed, so we straightened you out/Without a doubt, b**ch, I killed you.” These lyrics express the journey of having type 4 hair and the emotional rollercoaster it can present you with.
On “Take Your Mask Off,”Tyler mentions how many people including himself will mask themselves in characters to get away from the shame of just being themselves. The track includes alluring vocals from Daniel Caesar and LaToiya Williams.
“Chromakopia” ends with a personal favorite “Balloon” with an impressive feature from Doechii being an all around feel good song. The album ends beautifully with final track “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.”
Tyler continues to be an influential figure and a jack of all trades in this expressive album and leaves us all with something to reflect on from our journey in “Chromakopia.”
