Tyler the Creator – Chromakopia

Tyler’s an interesting character. I couldn’t and still can’t get into his earlier stuff when he was really pushing the limits during his horror-core phase, confused about his sexuality, masculinity, identity, and stirring shit that has left a stain. Yet he’s done some growth, owned his shit, and redeemed himself. Tyler’s redemption arc is one of the most iconic pop twists. Yet what lingers now is a weird fan base of those that were into that (mostly hyper masculine white bros), kids that didn’t know about it and being recently shooketh, and folks who have forgiven.

I’ve written before about Tyler being Bowie-esq. Tyler had contemplated this being his last album and disappearing from music for awhile. Then stopped doing the Noid character sharing the costume carried the weight of the feelings and thoughts during the making of the album and not wanting to feel that now.

Listening to this album takes me right back to the concert, still one of the best shows I’ve seen. It’s been 1 year since Chromakopia dropped with the vinyl finally released to celebrate the anniversary. The packaging and design is top notch as one would expect from Tyler. It’s spread across two discs (grumble...two discs...grumble). Admittedly the 2 discs means the bass on this is +++.

It’s a highly personal album and is best heard in full. Ultimately, Chromakopia is a love letter to his past, home town, and blackness. Reflecting on his personal growth, it’s to those he loved, hurt along the years, to the little confused kid, and an insight into the toll of fame on one’s mental health, all woven together by narration of his mother Bonita through sound bites "taking a bunch of shit….told me as a kid”.

This album was a grower after being in love with Igor for so long. But now it’s up there with my favourite albums.

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