Ever since the first announcement of Tyler the Creator’s new album, people have been analyzing and theorizing about it, including me. I couldn’t stop talking about it, with friends, online, to my mom, everywhere. From who will be featured to upcoming shows, it has been impossible to avoid on the internet.
On October 28, Tyler, The Creator released his 8th studio album, Chromakopia. The album focuses on themes of his childhood. After a listening party in LA, he said to the audience, “No one knows anything about me from before, like, 17.” This album is about his childhood and growing up in LA, along with including a lot of short snippets of Tyler’s mom giving him life advice. This theme is so sweet, and is so well executed. I love the addition of his mother, it gives some personal connection with the tracks. With hidden features from Lil Wayne, Daniel Caesar and more, this project has been on repeat.
One of my favorite songs is track three, “Noid.” It’s about feeling watched, paranoid about your surroundings as a celebrity, with lines like: “Someone’s keeping watch / I feel them on my shoulder.” With backing vocals from WILLOW and the chorus sung by Paul Ngozi, this track scratches my brain so good. The instrumentals are perfectly mixed in with WILLOW’s voice, creating a smooth and satisfying sound which I adore.
Another track I really enjoy is track four, “Darling, I” featuring Teezo Touchdown. This song is so upbeat. It’s about a journey with love while being committed to something else you’re really passionate about, “Nobody could fulfill me like this music s*** does / So I’ll be lonely with these Grammys when it’s all said and done.” This song was the first one to really catch my attention. The vocals are so incredibly good. Before this, I had never really listened to Teezo, but now I’m in awe with his vocals specifically. They’re so smooth and almost angelic in a way. Teezo and Tyler are an amazing duo when it comes to singing. Everything about this track I love. The lyrics, instrumentals, everything.
Track eight, “Sticky,” has got to be the most memorable song of the album. With features of GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, Sticky has been highly talked about since its release. I love their verses. Each person has a different sound, while still fitting the vibe of the track itself. GloRillas vocals go with this track especially nice. Her flow is so satisfying, no awkward moments within her verses at all. By far my favorite part of the song.
A lot of people have had a lot of different opinions on whether this album was worth all the hype it originally got, but I think it was. I really adore the story behind the album, and all of the songs were enjoyable and fun. Tyler is an incredible storyteller, and Chromakopia was no exception. I highly recommend you give it a listen, as you won’t be disappointed.
