This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Arianna Nahim. Find her on Instagram at @ariannanahim. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
“You are the light. It’s not on you, it’s in you. Don’t you ever let anyone in your mother******* life dim your light for nobody,” is the opening line to Tyler, the Creator’s new album, “CHROMAKOPIA.” The album has come in with a slamming 85 million first day streams. This is no surprise however considering Tyler’s merit as an artist. The colorful 2017 album, “Flowerboy,” and 2021’s hypnotic project, “IGOR,” are just a couple of the albums that made Tyler’s new album an unsurprising success and imaginative project Tyler is known for. What sets this album apart though is what seems to be Tyler, the Creator’s newfound maturity that translates in his work. But what finally pushed Tyler over the ledge to this new phase of his life? Could it be a reflective era after the years of extreme stardom? Or could it be the revelation he would learn in his early 30s that has redefined not only his music but who he is. Let’s dig into the raw and artistry that is: CHROMAKOPIA.
A Parental Influence
Throughout the album her voice echoes words of wisdom, encouragement, and even a shocking revelation. This revelation that listeners learn through the standout song, “Like Him,” where his mother reveals that his father, who he had assumed to have abandoned him, did want to be a part of his life. In a vulnerable moment between mother and son, his mother admits that it was an immature decision to cut his father out of his life. Over and over the chorus rings, “Do I look like him?” This is a question many don’t realize is a privilege to know the answer to. The song is undeniably a Tik-Tok favorite. How do we know this? Well, when an album has a popular song that specifically sticks out to Tik-Tok users the song is an overnight top audio. For this song in particular there are a couple of trends. The first is to create a slideshow comparing your face with your fathers with the song singing, “Do I look like him?” The second is on the more creative side. Tyler is a true creative so it’s no wonder his fans have a taste for creativity as well. In this trend Tik-Tok creators use the song to highlight fictional characters who also have complex relationships with a parental figure.
“Like Him,” not only defines a pivotal moment in Tyler’s adult life but redefines one of the main driving factors of his artistry through music. One of Tyler’s most popular songs, “Answer,” released in 2013, unpacks the feelings of abandonment, rejection, anger, and sadness, Tyler has had towards his father for being absent in his life. With this new information for Tyler and his listeners it shows in reality how feelings and situations are not permanent. There is always the possibility that with time our viewpoint of a situation is reframed. For Tyler, with the knowledge of this new information, it seems fans have an inside scope on dealing with what is no doubt a conflicting situation. From “Answer,” to “Like Him,” longtime fans especially are watching Tyler go through a newfound understanding towards his parents, something that many can relate to. It’s learning that your parents are not just your parents, but their own humans also experiencing life for the first time. With that realization, anger turns to empathy.
A Response to Stardom
While they are two different artists, Chappell Roan and Tyler, the Creator are doing something very similar with their extreme influence. These are two musicians who have an extremely large following because of their immense popularity and success. Roan has become infamous for calling attention to the inherent creepiness of being a celebrity. When people see a celebrity there’s an entitlement that many fans approach the interaction with. They feel like because of their support that means they have the right to converse and photograph with what is a complete stranger. Both Roan and Tyler have now responded to their feelings towards fans who regularly cross boundaries. With the rise of social media this makes this a new kind of struggle with parasocial relationships becoming even more common.
“Noid,” feels like the diary entry of an individual who feels the world’s eyes on them and can’t escape. Throughout the song, Tyler repeatedly expresses the unease he is constantly under. As a public figure his life, especially it seems the details he wishes to keep to himself, are constantly being shoved under a microscope. It’s like he is always being watched, the luxury of privacy has been unfairly exchanged for success. This is a feeling many artists relate to and with major celebrities now speaking their truth on the matter society is seeing the reinvention of the expectations for a celebrity. The public does not need to know where they live, where their family works, or even their real name if they wish. What’s important is what they chose to produce to the world.
As usual, Tyler has put out a project that is reflective and challenges the status quo. Tyler isn’t afraid to produce work that is dripping with originality and that’s what works so well for him. He’s an innovator with the passion and vision to successfully carry out consistently successful albums with distinctive storylines and directions, making every album a separate, yet equally enjoyable experience. “CHROMAKOPIA,” is no different. There is a rawness that the project seethes with, coupled with the classic Tyler boldness the album is a must listen.
What’s on the top of your CHROMAKOPIA ranked list? Let us know in the comments below!
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