Tyler, the Creator’s seventh album, CHROMAKOPIA, takes an honest and personal look at his life, where he puts his strengths and struggles under the spotlight.
Tyler talks about the highs and lows of fame, the loneliness that comes with success, and his challenges as he grows.
This album doesn’t try to give easy answers or wrap everything up neatly.
Instead, it looks closely at life’s messy and complicated parts—joy, pain, growth, and everything in between.
Let’s explore this bold and emotional journey, where Tyler opens the door to his world and shows us what it’s like to live with chaos and clarity.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA, explores personal topics like family, fame, and growing up while still being creative and unique.
- The album combines wild, energetic sounds with deep, honest stories, making it one of his most personal works.
- Tyler’s mom, Bonita Smith, adds her wisdom and voice throughout the album, helping to connect its emotional themes.
Tyler, the Creator’s Journey: CHROMAKOPIA
It’s not like we expected much less, but Tyler outdone himself with CHROMAKOPIA.
It is raw, chaotic, and personal, filled with deep emotions conveyed in his signature bold style.
The album feels like Tyler is opening the door to his mind and giving us a front-row seat to his fears, struggles, and growth.
Although you could view it as messy, it feels just as cohesive—filled with tracks that make you think, laugh, or even feel uncomfortable.
Tyler himself said this album needs more than one listen to really get it.
And that makes complete sense.
With each play, you notice more meaning in the lyrics or a hidden gem in the production.
This isn’t the kind of background music—it’s a full-on experience that demands your full attention.
Opening the Chaos: “St. Chroma” and “Noid”
The album starts with “St. Chroma,” and from the first note, you know you’re in for something special.
Daniel Caesar’s gospel-like vocals create a powerful start, and then Tyler comes in softly, almost whispering, with the message: “You are the light.”
You can hear the confidence and vulnerability, which shows the two sides of who Tyler is.
Next up is “Noid,” a song that feels like paranoia turned into music.
Tyler talks openly about the fear that comes with fame—fans who cross boundaries, constantly feeling watched, and the sense that danger could be around the corner.
It’s unsettling, and that’s exactly the point.
The track’s eerie beat, with a sample from the Ngozi Family, gives it a thriller-like atmosphere that mirrors Tyler’s everyday fears.
Deep Feelings in “Hey Jane” and “Like Him”
Now, let’s talk about “Hey Jane.”
This track is one of the most personal on the album.
It’s about an unplanned pregnancy, and Tyler doesn’t hold back.
He’s honest about his fears—losing his freedom, not being ready to be a dad, and feeling completely overwhelmed.
His verse is raw, almost uncomfortable, as he admits, “I’m dead inside.”
But then we hear from Jane’s perspective, and her story is just as emotional.
She’s scared too—worried about her future, her body, and what people will think—but there’s a quiet strength in her voice.
By the end, there’s no big answer, just two people trying to figure things out.
And this is a scenario that’s more than common among humanity, so it strikes a chord with the masses; even if you haven’t been through this personally, you probably know someone who has.
Another incredible track is “Like Him.”
This one hits hard because it’s about Tyler, the Creator’s dad.
For years, Tyler has been open about his anger toward his absent father.
But in this song, his mom reveals something surprising: his dad actually wanted to be in his life.
That revelation shakes everything up.
And understandably, Tyler is experiencing an influx of emotions—he’s confused, questioning everything he thought he knew.
It’s a raw moment that shows how complicated family relationships can be.
Bonita Smith’s Guiding Role Throughout the Album
Speaking of family, Tyler’s mom, Bonita Smith, is all over this album.
And interestingly enough, her voice is a guiding force throughout.
She provides wisdom and heartfelt confessions, serving as the emotional backbone of CHROMAKOPIA.
Her advice appears in tracks like “St. Chroma” and “Take Your Mask Off.”
She reminds Tyler (and us) to embrace who we are and not let the world dim our light.
But she also opens up about her own regrets and struggles, especially in “Like Him.”
Her honesty makes the album feel even more personal as if we’re getting a glimpse into Tyler’s upbringing and the lessons that shaped him.
High Energy in “Sticky” and “Rah Tah Tah”
While CHROMAKOPIA has plenty of emotional depth, it wouldn’t be a Tyler album without some chaotic, fun tracks to balance things out.
And boy, does he deliver.
“Rah Tah Tah” and “Sticky” are perfect examples.
These songs are wild, energetic, and just fun to listen to.
“Sticky” is especially memorable, featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne.
It’s bold, fast-paced, and packed with clever lines that’ll have you hitting repeat just to catch them all.
Tracks like this remind us that even when Tyler explores heavy themes, he knows how to keep things exciting.
Growth, Reflection, and “Take Your Mask Off”
One of the most powerful songs on the album is “Take Your Mask Off.”
It’s a soulful, introspective track that feels like Tyler is looking in the mirror and letting us listen in.
In a nutshell, the song is about embracing your true self, flaws and all.
Bonita’s voice appears here again, reminding Tyler that he doesn’t need to wear a costume to be loved or accepted.
And as you can expect, Daniel Caesar’s feature on this track adds even more emotion.
Together, they create a song that feels like a turning point—not just in the album but also in Tyler’s personal journey.
The Big Finish: “I Hope You Find Your Way Home”
The album ends with “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” and it’s the perfect closer.
The track feels reflective, almost like Tyler is writing a letter to himself.
He looks back on his mistakes, his growth, and everything he’s learned along the way.
And the outro is simple but powerful.
Tyler repeats, “The light comes from within,” like a mantra.
It’s a reminder that no matter how messy life gets, we all have the strength to keep going.
Why CHROMAKOPIA Is a Pivotal Album in Tyler’s Career
At its heart, the new Tyler, the Creator album CHROMAKOPIA is about growing up and figuring yourself out.
And it resonates with most of us in the best of ways.
Tyler doesn’t try to act like he has all the answers, and that honesty is what makes this album so relatable.
It’s raw, emotional, and sometimes chaotic—but that’s what makes it real.
Longtime fans and first-time listeners will find something to connect with here.
So, give it a listen (or a few) because each time, you’ll notice something new.
You won’t regret it.
