Chroma, intensity of color. Kopia, an imitation or reproduction.
Following the calming voice of a mother’s stern advice, a disturbing military procession begins with a metronome of chanting that overpower the whispers of Saint Chroma’s introduction. While layers of sound ramp up to a melodic outburst that define a generation’s paranoia and frustration.
Tyler, The Creator’s eighth album “Chromakopia” is a vulnerable discussion of the confusion young adults face while maturing in a world unconducive to growth. Saint Chroma is a masked character taken on by Tyler that permits him to freely contemplate his growth into the artist he is today.
Distinctive in sound, it’s easy to identify his music. Tyler sampled early 2000s hits like “Get Buck” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” layering them with beats from Nguni tribe vocals and old ‘70s tunes to accompany his aggressive sound.
The album is narrated by his mother. The warnings, affirmations and advice she gave Tyler while growing up are used as transitions to guide the listener through the album. Her voice acts as a focus.
Each song dives into Tyler’s observation of his life and the decisions he has made but in a way that resonates with fans. At 33 years old, he speaks on the difficulties of trying to appease the demands of family tradition during a shift in what younger generations desire from life.
Materialism and fame are believed to overshadow the necessity of family values and are used as an attack on young people. And while that idea isn’t denied by Tyler, he argues that tradition and pressure have driven young people away from growing up.
His mother’s advice from the beginning to end of “Chromakopia” urges Tyler to never trust anyone and instead live life for himself by never allowing another person to “dim his light.” However, the pressure from the world to grow up contradicts the advice given to be an individual.
This is a commonality for his fans and myself. As a child, I was told to be who I wanted to be. Individuality was taught to be important and that being different is what made me unique. As I got older, it was integral that I make decisions dedicated to what I wanted from life.
But as I’ve grown up, all I’ve felt is ridiculed by the world for not becoming who it wanted me to be. Daily, I submit to the American Dream, stressed for my future and barely making it by.
In the album, paranoia has become reality, walking with heads down hoping not to step out of line by making a simple mistake that will dictate the rest of our lives.
Tyler tells listeners to take the mask off, meaning to stop portraying oneself inauthentically. “Chromakopia” is specific to Tyler’s life but is heard as a personal album created for whomever listens. Each track exposes a difficulty Tyler has faced that many in his generation can connect with.
Tyler leaves listeners with his mother’s advice of finding one’s light from within. Contemplation of life is important, but to overanalyze and critique the decisions previously made only blocks growth.
Take the past and use it to be better, to redefine yourself without leaving who you were behind. Growing up doesn’t have to mean regret because of what others believe. It is taking each milestone, whatever it may be, and utilizing it as a foundation to who you are.
