By Thea Postalakis
Tyler Okonma, widely known as Tyler, the Creator, released his eighth album, CHROMAKOPIA, on Oct. 28, 2024. As with his previous projects, Tyler uses a protagonist—this time, St. Chroma—to guide the album’s narrative. Much like his past alter-egos, including Wolf Haley and Ace, St. Chroma embodies Tyler’s personality and struggles, bringing his story to life.
CHROMAKOPIA is an intimate and deeply personal album, with Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith, serving as a guiding voice of wisdom throughout many of the tracks. The opening song, “St. Chroma,” begins with an inspiring quote from Smith: “You are the light / It’s not on you, it’s in you.” Paired with Daniel Caesar’s soulful refrain, “Can you feel the light inside? Can you feel that fire?” the track delivers an uplifting message of perseverance and self-belief.
The album’s raw emotion is unparalleled compared to Tyler’s earlier work, signaling a new level of vulnerability. One standout track, “Hey Jane,” addresses the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy. The song’s inspiration has sparked speculation among fans—some believe it reflects Tyler’s own experiences, others think it’s about his mother, and some link it to the reproductive health platform Hey Jane. Regardless of its origin, the track underscores Tyler’s willingness to open up and highlight a globally relevant issue.
Another significant track, “Like Him,” explores Tyler’s long-discussed relationship with his absent father. In earlier songs like “Answer” from Wolf, Tyler expressed frustration and longing for his father’s presence. However, in “Like Him,” his mother reveals a startling truth: she was the one who pushed his father away, despite his desire to be part of Tyler’s life. The revelation adds a poignant layer to Tyler’s story, resonating with listeners who share similar experiences with fractured parental relationships.
CHROMAKOPIA is a passionate and introspective album, fueled by Tyler’s reflections on his past and the universal struggles many people face. His growth as a songwriter and storyteller is evident with each release, and fans are already eager to see where he goes next.
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