Every single feature on Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia, ranked
Tyler, the Creator truly embodies his title. He not only creates music, but he also produces unique and unconventional music videos, runs a fashion brand called Golf Wang, and brings together a diverse group of musical artists to work on his projects, all of which combine to create an expansive Tyler Musical Universe.
The artists he worked with really shine on his new album, Chromakopia, which was released yesterday. While streaming platforms don’t credit any collaborations, the tracks feature a variety of voices, from subtle backing vocals to standout guest verses that steal the show. Here’s a breakdown of Tyler’s well-known musical friends who contributed to Chromakopia, highlighting those who leave the strongest impression.
14: Frank Ocean (not present)
Even though there were murmurs on the internet suggesting that Ocean might make a rare appearance, we were left empty-handed. Is that really unexpected? For the past few years, Ocean’s fame has mostly relied on speculation about new music, which has never come to fruition. There's always the next opportunity.
13-9: Willow Smith, Teezo Touchdown, Solange, Santigold, Baby Keem
Many of the features on this album are quite subtle, almost unnoticeable. Artists like Willow Smith, Teezo Touchdown, Solange, and Santigold appear on different tracks, contributing a few background vocals—a fleeting "ooh" here, an "aah" there. You really have to listen closely to catch them. Still, these ambient voices add a vibrant, lived-in feel to the album and enhance the reflective nature of much of Tyler's lyrics. A special mention goes to Baby Keem, who makes a notable appearance with a perfectly timed "huh" during "Like Him," just as the music drops out before a long synth solo.
The Canadian singer-songwriter plays a more prominent role than the other background vocalists in Chromakopia, providing smooth and enticing vocals during the choruses and outros of tracks like “St Chroma,” “Take Your Mask Off,” and “Tomorrow.” This addition brings a refreshing touch of laid-back style to the music.
However, the top spot for backing vocals has to be awarded to Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover. He surpasses Caesar with his doo-wop-inspired singing, even incorporating a classic “dum dum dum” tune in the ending of “I Killed You.” Someone needs to dress this guy in some flashy flared pants right away!
We have our first real guest verse on the list, and it’s a standout. Mr. Q delivers a lively, energetic flow on “Thought I Was Dead” that matches the track perfectly. His message is commendable: instead of hitting up parties, he’d prefer to spend his time playing golf until the money is all settled. If only we could all think that clearly.
Bonita Smith isn't just an emerging artist you haven't heard of – she's actually Tyler's mother. Staying true to the classic rap style of spoken-word interludes, she’s featured to share some (at times serious) advice with him. Her messages mainly revolve around encouraging Tyler to trust his instincts and not let others influence him. She tells him things like, “Never dim your light for anyone” (“St Chroma”); “Be cautious and don't rely too much on accountants” (“Noid”); and “You can be yourself without pretending” (“Take Your Mask Off”). On the flip side, her admonition to “always use protection” in “Hey Jane” seems a bit contradictory to her desire for a grandchild in “Tomorrow.” But that’s a discussion best left between mother and son.
We’re diving into the first of three standout features on “Sticky.” Located right in the heart of the album, this track definitely shines. With chanting and a slightly off-key whistle layered over a powerful bassline, it’s impossible not to notice. Tyler embraces a sense of sexual liberation, rapping, "I don’t care about pronouns, I’m that guy and that girl.” The song takes it to another level with a fast-paced series of guest verses, starting with GloRilla, who unleashes some intensely fierce lines. This track is certainly on its way to becoming a classic.
The lyrical genius from New Orleans makes a short yet outstanding appearance in "Sticky." Almost every word in his lines rhymes, and it’s delightful to hear "discombobulation" featured in a rap track. At 42, Wayne may be considered one of the older artists in the scene, but it only takes him 12 seconds to prove that he's still very much at the top of his game.
Right at the end of one chorus, just before her verse begins, Sexyy Red exclaims, “it’s Sexxy!”—like a playful Bat-Signal that signifies she’s about to command attention in this track. And she truly claims the spotlight with a delivery that stays on point, even with her thick, relaxed slur. “I don’t fight for my respect, bitch, I fight for dick,” she declares, as if anyone would ever expect her to hold back. Her verse, along with the others, transforms “Sticky” into a contemporary rap ensemble piece: instead of a group of guys competing to show off over an endless beat, we experience something as lively and audaciously playful as a bar fight at a drag show.
The “Sticky” verses are not just excellent; they create something greater together. In “Balloon,” Florida rapper Doechii easily stands out on her own. Her verse is wonderfully eccentric—she calls herself a “swamp bitch” and mentions strolling around New York “barefoot.” It’s full of charm and boldness when it comes to sexuality. Towards the end, her voice shifts into a deep growl as she oddly yet brilliantly praises the “airboat,” the vehicle with a large fan used for moving through swamps. This growl echoes Nicki Minaj’s performance in Kanye West’s “Monster,” another track where a female rapper captivated listeners on a standout album with her intense presence. Chromakopia showcases Tyler, the Creator as an artist at the height of his career, while Doechii’s verse in “Balloon” clearly marks her growth as an emerging talent.
