Tyler Okonma, better known as Tyler, The Creator, released his album “Chromakopia” Monday at 6 a.m., straying from the traditional route of dropping music Friday at midnight. The album’s rollout and its concept were out of the norm for the modern hip-hop star.
Okonma has long been known for his new twist on rap and hip-hop after entering his career in music. “Chromakopia” is his most honest work to date, addressing things from Black hair to the fears of fatherhood and celebrity worship.
Following a teaser Oct. 16, Okonma announced the release date of the album just 12 days later. Additionally, he offered fans the chance to watch him “lip sync and walk around on stage” in Los Angeles for just $5. The album cover’s outward appearance takes the form of a dystopian military look, with black, grey and dark green aesthetics.
“Chromakopia" opens with “St. Chroma” a track featuring Daniel Caesar. It opens with a chant of the album’s name, with the sounds of marching to the first track’s beat. It is a powerful opening to the album, setting the tone early on.
The first five songs of “Chromakopia” all seamlessly blend into each other for a transition effect between songs. Although the album is heavy on rap, especially in songs like "Rah Tah Tah,” “Sticky” and “Thought I Was Dead,” the album also slows the pace on songs like “Hey Jane” and “Judge Judy” to address worldly and timely issues.
“Hey Jane” has already captured a lot of attention online, as it is seemingly titled after the abortion pill of the same name. The song’s lyrics touch on pregnancy and the fears of becoming a father. Okonma creates a back-and-forth dialogue between himself and another woman, discussing the choices they would have to make and whether or not they want to make them.
“Sticky” has been a clear standout on the album, especially having three features with GloRilla, Sexxy Red and Lil Wayne. The song is setting itself up to be a popular one with its upbeat track and high danceability.
“Noid” was the lead single for the album and continues gaining traction as another popular track. The song digs into celebrity privacy and the fear of being “paranoid” while being in the public eye and under a microscope in society,
“Take Your Mask Off” has a second appearance from Caesar. The song taps into taking off the mask of a personality and being oneself free from societal pressure. It resonates deeply with Okonma’s personality as a whole, reflecting the untraditional actions taken for the rollout of the entire album.
Another moment many listeners have caught onto was Okonma’s callback in “Judge Judy” to his own song “DOGTOOTH,” repeating the popular lyric, “She could ride my face I don’t want nothing in return, her body count and who she f— ain’t never my concern.”
Okonma also has released dates for The “Chromakopia” World Tour, which will last from February 2025 to September 2025 and include the talents of Lil Yachty and Paris Texas.
Okonma’s “Chromakopia” is an intense and different approach for the rap and hip-hop artist who has taken the modern age by storm. With an equal balance of rap lyrics with creative bars, references and songs addressing issues and agendas in certain communities, the album is already topping charts and starting a global conversation.
Score: 4/5
