One of the most highly anticipated albums of the year, Chromokopia, dropped on October 28th. Excitement for the album was fueled by early song snippets, hints of music videos, and even a Chromokopia-themed truck touring the USA. While many fans speculated about potential contributions from artists like Frank Ocean, the final album featured unexpected collaborations with art- ists such as GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Doechii.
Campus Reactions: Love It or Hate It?
We took to campus to gauge the general consensus, and opinions varied widely. Some students hailed it as Tyler’s best work, while others felt it was overhyped. Joseph Yung, ’25, praised the album, while Peter Lin, ’26, criticized it, saying “Chromokopia has some of the worst songs I have heard from Tyler.”
Even specific tracks sparked mixed reviews. For example, George Murphy, ’25, liked the song “Sticky” but wasn’t a fan of “Balloon.” Regarding Doechii’s feature on “Balloon”, George remarked, “She has never been my favorite, and [‘Balloon’] didn’t change my mind.”
It remains to be seen whether these strong reactions are due to recency bias or if the album’s reputation will evolve over time.
A Departure from Tyler’s Previous Works
Fans noted a distinct shift in Chromokopia compared to Tyler’s earlier albums. In Igor, Tyler explored the stages of a relationship—from infatuation to heart-break—while wrestling with themes of jealousy and self-worth. In Call Me If You Get Lost, he took listeners on a journey through luxurious experiences and complicated relationships, reflecting on the tension between love and material success.
In Chromokopia, Tyler tackles deeper themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance as he navigates adulthood. The album confronts his complicated relationship with his estranged father, questions of fatherhood, and reflections on Black identity. For example, in the song “Like Him,” Tyler addresses his past resentment toward his father, show- ing growth from his earlier track “Answer,” where he placed blame on his father for his struggles.
A Bold, Transformative Step
Musically, Chromokopia blends hip-hop, jazz, and African-inspired sounds, combining introspective storytelling with vibrant, genre-spanning production. While some fans appreciate this evolution, others were surprised by the album’s focus on fam- ily dynamics and cultural pride over the rebellious energy of Tyler’s earlier work. Overall, Chromokopia is seen as a daring and transformative step in Tyler, the Creator’s career. Whether you love it or are still on the fence, the album invites listeners to reflect, grow, and embrace a new side of an artist who continues to evolve.
