Rapper and producer Tyler, the Creator has been busy this past week. On the 16th of October, the “See You Again” rapper posted a mysterious video titled “St. Chroma,” teasing a similarly mysterious project named “CHROMAKOPIA.” Shortly after the short video, Tyler, the Creator posted a cover art featuring himself wearing a mask — of himself — with bold green letters spelling out “CHROMAKOPIA.” The new album is his seventh studio album, set for an October 28 release via Columbia Records, and is available for preorder.
As is customary of Tyler, the Creator’s works, the album’s cover art states that all songs in the album are written, produced, and arranged by Tyler Okonma — the rapper’s government name. Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar has since posted on his Instagram Stories, confirming he “did some vocals on this” and stating excitement for fans to hear the whole record.
“CHROMAKOPIA” is also Tyler, the Creator’s first new music since the widely acclaimed “Call Me If You Get Lost” released in 2021. After the short “St. Chroma” clip, Tyler has also posted the music video for the album’s first single, “Noid” — also directed by himself — notably featuring an unhinged Ayo Edebiri early in the video, and a chorus sampling Zambian band Ngozi Family.
What to expect from “CHROMAKOPIA”
In “Call Me If You Get Lost,” Tyler does nostalgia his own way by revisiting past “eras” of his career, from the disturbingly violent lyricism of the “Yonkers” days to the flowery, soulful beats and strings of “Flower Boy” and Grammy-winning “IGOR.” Suffice it to say, fans and critics can never be too sure what to expect from the rapper, both musically and conceptually. To his credit, Tyler has always been unapologetic about doing what he wants with his releases.
What we can certainly expect from “CHROMAKOPIA” is a slew of adrenaline-pumping live performances from the rapper. In a previous post, we highlighted Tyler’s ability to put on a live show of wacky proportions. Part of his “Call Me If You Get Lost Tour” in 2022, the show featured performances from Vince Staples and frequent collaborator Kali Uchis. Of course, the rapper also upped the ante from his usual live stages with fiery pyrotechnics, dynamic set-pieces, and constant audience engagement.
Other things to watch out for upon the release of “CHROMAKOPIA” are the artists Tyler may be collaborating with on the record. While Daniel Caesar is confirmed, fans on social media and around the Internet have claimed to hear Tyler’s long-time pal and fellow ex-Odd Future member Frank Ocean in the background of the “St. Chroma” video. Aside from potential collaborators, it’ll also be worth keeping your eyes peeled for accompanying fashion statement pieces Tyler will be showing off. So far, we know that the double-hawk-like hair and Tyler-facemask are likely staples of the “CHROMAKOPIA” era, but fans can expect a lot more fashion releases from the entrepreneurial rapper.
Tyler, the Creator’s fashion ventures
Aside from taking on an auteurist approach to his career, Tyler, the Creator is also a loudly fashionable artist. While he’s certainly past his snapback and Supreme days, most Tyler fans would know the rap collective Odd Future (Wolf Gang Kill Them All) he started in 2007 was also primarily an apparel storefront featuring clothing and accessories designed by Odd Future members, including Tyler himself. Since confirming the rap collective’s hiatus in 2020, Tyler has gone on to expand his fashion and merchandising ventures elsewhere.
Part of his penchant for fashion, of course, is his love for eyewear. The rapper enjoyed the meme-worthy “tiny sunglasses” trend back in his Supreme and Odd Future pink donut days. Still, he has also been spotted wearing eyeglasses from various brands, designer and otherwise. Tyler has been seen wearing the thin wire-framed Ray-Ban RB 6496 eyeglasses at events and for stage performances, and part of his line of eyewear shares the chic silhouette of the thick-framed Prada PR A03V, complete with the tortoise colorway. Iconically, the rapper also made headlines in 2020 for buying a pair of sunglasses off an innocent passerby in New York City.
Post-Odd Future activity, Tyler has gone on to release his own collection of eyewear under his GOLF le FLEUR* brand. This included the 100% acetate sunglasses called the Sunseeker, a rectangular-framed pair of shades with a gold foil-stamped logo retailing for $250. The le FLEUR* eyewear collection also includes the Prada-like Bel-Air sunglasses that come in black and tortoise colorways, as well as wireframe eyeglasses similar to the Ray-Bans the rapper was spotted wearing. A thicker-framed, acetate eyeglasses variant is also available on the brand’s website, compatible with prescription lenses.
Today, the le FLEUR* catalog includes scents and pastel-colored apparel fit for polo and cycling. Fans can also find similarly pastel-colored shoes called Darryl Chucks (in collaboration with Converse), fitted caps, silk scarves, an acetate hair pick, and a GOLF le FLEUR* branded nail file. Also, part of the “Call Me If You Get Lost” pastel-traveller concept is the release of le FLEUR cardholders, luggage and luggage tags, and passport sleeves. As such, fans can potentially expect apparel, merch, or eyewear inspired by the upcoming “CHROMAKOPIA” era.
Upcoming Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
While we’ll have to wait for further updates and collab hints for “CHROMAKOPIA,” fans will likely see a sneak peek into the rapper’s new era at the upcoming Camp Flog Gnaw Festival. Tyler recently revealed the festival lineup with a poster on social media. The 10th edition of the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival is set for November and is set to feature Playboi Carti, Erykah Badu, André 3000, Faye Webster, Blood Orange, and more. Hardcore fans of Tyler and the usual suspects can also expect original Odd Future buddies Earl Sweatshirt, Syd, Left Brain, and Mike G to make appearances. Daniel Caesar, who has confirmed involvement, is also part of the carnival lineup.
Held annually since its beginnings in 2012 — bar 2020-2022 — the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival is a cultural music and hip-hop gathering akin to Coachella. Of course, true to how Tyler likes doing business, the rapper fully curates the festival and carnival. On the official Camp Flog Gnaw website, fans can join a waitlist for the passes, which include carnival rides and VIP benefits for higher-tiered tickets. There’s also a 2-day unlimited carnival pass add-on for fans to play unlimited games and win prizes from Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, GOLF, and more associated brands.
