A Bold Exploration of Identity and Creativity
Tyler, The Creator’s Chromakopia is a kaleidoscopic journey that pushes boundaries in music, identity, and storytelling.
Tyler’s latest offering is a vivid and proud statement of queer identity within the hypermasculine context of hip hop. But it is also so much more: from the outset, Chromakopia cleverly announces itself as a playful yet pointed exploration to themes of gender, sexuality, gangster archetypes and personal growth.
Musically, Tyler’s DNA is unmistakable throughout the album: sporadic use of up-tempo rap interspersed between a sort of psychedelic version of choir and falsetto vocals.
But far from rendering the album stale or predictable, Chromakopia darts incredibly, and impressively from one genre experiment to the next – in doing so cementing Tyler as both an incredible narrative artist and an elite rapper, his voice a versatile instrument.
Standout Tracks
In terms of boldness, Noid is a standout, unleashing an amazing sample: Nizakupanga Ngozi by Ngozi Family, sung in the African Chichewa dialect. Rather than limiting the use of the sample to a barely recognizable snippet, Tyler lets its brilliance rip…and only after its had its time in the sun does he bring in his own distinct but congruous part to the track (which personally I thought had a bit of a Lenny Kravitz feel).
Darling, I is Tyler‘s take on classic West Coast hip-hop, with a sprinkling of circa early-naughties Pharrell-production vibes. (Fact checking this point, I just learned that it actually samples the Snoop Dogg track, Drop it Like It’s Hot, feat Pharrell, and according to this article in Clash Music is inspired by the sound of Pharrell’s band the Neptures — so absolutely no coincidence there!).
My personal favorite track is Balloon feat Doechii, a 26-year-old signed as the first female to Top Dawg Entertainment (whose talent includes Kendrick and Schoolboy Q), who delivers her verse in a way reminiscent – and arguably as powerfully – as Nicki Minaj’s verse in Monster on Kanye’s 2010 album, ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’.
Themes
The universal, human condition
Tyler tells stories from many perspectives throughout the album. At times he explores his own existential crises, wondering whether he should let the “light dim”, and rest on his success, settle down. He also inhabits the character of others, including women, describing experiences like having mixed feelings about pregnancy and postpartum struggles.
The album oscillates between intimate confessions and grand statements — a little like the common struggle we as humans have balancing ego and self-esteem — as Tyler ponders fame and fortune; family; and the tension between societal expectations, and our own personal experiences and sense of self.
In praise of women
In opening with a maternal soundbite — “You are the light, don’t you ever dim” — Tyler signals a recurring theme for the album of gratitude for the supportive women in his life.
Next level norm challenging
Thematically, Chromakopia challenges norms at every turn. Aside from Tyler morphing into various characters, he and his collaborators often interrogate societal archetypes, like that of the gay man. In the track Balloon, Tyler and Doechii pair up to interrogate what it means to be queer, and the spectrum sexuality exists on: “If he is gay, then I am gay, and we are nouns” raps Doechii. It’s tongue-in-cheek. It’s incisive. AND it’s also really celebratory…quite the feat.
Conclusion
Aside from being an incredible album musically, Tyler’s considered and brave exploration of identity, experience and personal progress is an artistic feat that transcends the music. By cleverly intertwining perspectives, he dismantles the notion of otherness — reminding us that everyone faces challenges, no matter who or what we are — and also prompts us to reject traditional, strict molds and instead embrace fluidity of identity and sexuality.
Thankfully, if Tyler’s contemplation in Take Your Mask Off is anything to go by — where he asks and then answers emphatically in the affirmative, “Do I keep the light on or gracefully bow out?” — we can look forward to a lot more progress out of this this amazing artist in the years to come.
