Tyler, the Creator takes his ‘mask off’ in new album
By Jay Roberson
“You are the light // It’s not on you, it’s in you,” are the first two lines in “St. Chroma,” Tyler, the Creator’s opening track for his new album, “Chromakopia,” that released Oct. 28. Tyler reinvented his sound and sprinkled inspiration from his past in his new tracks.
Not only does Tyler create beats that force you out of your seat to dance, but he delves into more serious topics, like the woman’s right to choose in “Hey Jane” and how to find yourself in “Take Your Mask Off.”
“St. Chroma” opens the album with a feature from Daniel Caesar. The steady drum rhythm almost sounds like marching. The chorus repeats, “Can you feel the light inside? // Can you feel that fire?” Tyler uses his mom, Bonita Smith, as a narrator at the beginning and end of the song, adding more depth to his own personal experiences in stardom and finding his passion for music.
Another track that dissects Tyler’s inner workings is “Noid,” where he opens up about his paranoia. A spectacular chorus opens the song with “Paranoid” as the drums lead into the lyrics. He says, “I can’t even buy a home in private // Home invasions got my brothers dyin’ // Notice every car that’s drivin’ by // I think my neighbors want me dead.” He explains how his anxiety is the result of having his privacy invaded as a celebrity.
In “Darling, I,” featuring Teezo Touchdown, Tyler gives us a look into his sexuality, explaining how he doesn’t necessitate romantic relationships. Tyler says, “At least I felt somethin’ if I ain’t find the one // Nobody could fulfill me like this music s— does // So I’ll be lonely with these Grammys when it’s all said and done, c’mon.” This song is accompanied by soft strings and electric synths, making it a more relaxed track in the album.
Throughout “Hey Jane,” Tyler deals with conflicting feelings regarding a pregnancy scare and becoming a father. He says, “But, hey, Jane, who am I to come b—- and complain? // You gotta deal with all the mental and the physical change // All the heaviest emotions, and the physical pain // Just to give the kid the man last name?” Tyler doesn’t know what he wants, but he supports Jane’s choice over everything he wants. Tyler says, “Look, Jane, it’s your choice at the end of the day // Just know I support either way, no pressure.”
My personal favorite was “Take Your Mask Off,” a more lighthearted but truthful song highlighted by subtle piano and bass. Tyler says, “Since a kid, you knew somethin’ was up // Had you thinkin’ God would hate you so you covered it up // Gotta hide how you live, what you really enjoy.” In these specific lines, Tyler talks about how many religious people use homophobia to hide their true guilty pleasures. The chorus chants, “And I hope you find yourself // And I hope you find yourself // And I hope you take your mask off.”
“Tomorrow” provides a deeper message to the audience about Tyler’s struggle with aging and creating a family. He says, “My mother’s hands don’t look the same // These jet black strands are turning gray // I’m gaining weight, I’d rather rest // The thought of children, it brings me stress // Because time is changing.” As Tyler gets older, he feels the pressure to adapt to societal norms, like having kids and settling down, but he knows this isn’t what he wants.
In “Like Him,” Tyler sings about his absent father while a beautiful piano melody plays in the background. He says, “I don’t know where he is // Mama, I’m chasin’ a ghost // Do I look like him? (Like what?)” Smith takes on a heavy role in this song, coming to terms with the fact that she may have been the reason Tyler’s father wasn’t present.
The final song on the album, “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” reflects on Tyler’s journey to finding himself. Smith appears again to close the album by saying, “I’m proud of you, bro // Like, you just never cease to amaze me, like, you just — // There’s no words right now how I feel // Do your thing, just keep, keep shinin’.”
Tyler, the Creator’s new album is simultaneously deep and emotional while still making music that gives the listeners something to dance to. He ensured there was a perfect balance between his older music styles and new, experimental topics and instrumentals, freshening up his sound.
Jay Roberson is a senior English and secondary education major