Who is Chroma The Great? Decoding Tyler, the Creator's new alter-ego for 'Chromakopia'

Tyler, the Creator's Chromakopia is currently streaming on all major streaming platforms, boasting featured appearances from artists like Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Daniel Caesar, Sexyy Red, GloRilla, and more.

The project offers 14 records and a complete runtime of 53 minutes, with the limited edition vinyls offering two bonus tracks; Mother and Thought I Was Dead (feat. Playboi Carti).

Much like his previous projects, Tyler introduces fans to a new alter ego on Chromakopia. Publications like XXL suggest this persona, "Chroma The Great," may be inspired by the fictional music conductor from Norton Juster's "The Phantom Tollbooth" novel.

Tyler, the Creator's discography reflects a history of using alter egos as vessels to explore darker, and often traumatic, themes in his music. Below is a breakdown of all the personas brought to life in the rapper's previous projects.

1) Dr. TC

• Tyler, the Creator's alter ego and pseudo-psychiatrist, who first appeared on his debut mixtape 'Bastard,' released on December 25, 2009, reflecting an inner guiding presence.

2) Ace

• Ace acts as a manifestation of Tyler's most deprived thoughts and feelings, first appearing on 'Bastard' during the rapper's therapy sessions with Dr. TC.

3) Wolf Haley

• Wolf Haley, a character designed as an idealized version of Tyler, appears as the protagonist on the rapper's debut studio album 'Wolf'.

4) Sam

• Appearing as the primary antagonist on Tyler's debut studio album 'Wolf,' Sam represents emotions of suppressed trauma, anger, and angst.

5) Chur Bum

• First appears on Tyler's third studio album 'Cherry Bomb,' reportedly acting as a manifestation of his mental health issues.

6) Flower Boy

• Flower Boy appears to be a vessel for Tyler, the Creator's positive attitude, as evidenced by the upbeat production on his fourth studio album 'Flower Boy'.

7) IGOR

• IGOR, a character that allowed Tyler to delve into themes of love, relationships, and heartbreaks, appears as the protagonist on the rapper's fifth studio album 'IGOR'.

8) Tyler Okonma or Tyler Baudelaire

• Tyler Baudelaire appears to be a mirrored version of Tyler on the rapper's sixth studio album 'Call Me If You Get Lost,' depicting an individual who enjoys materialism, status, and wealth.

All of these alter egos appear together in the music video for SORRY NOT SORRY, which was released during to rollout for Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale in 2023.

In the music video, viewers also catch a slight glimpse of an individual wearing a general's uniform, presumed to be Tyler' Chroma The Great, who greets the audience walking into theatre.

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Comparing Chroma The Great and Tyler, the Creator's personality

Norton Juster's 1961 novel, The Phantom Tollbook, centers on the story of a young boy named Milo, whose life takes an exciting turn after he discovers a magic tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. During his journey, Milo encounters a music conductor named Chroma The Great.

Chroma was responsible for directing a "color orchestra" that controls the sunrise and sunset. As per the novel, without him and his orchestra, the world would be void of any color.

Chroma The Great is described as being a patient individual, devoted to his color-coded music book, teaching the protagonist lessons on self-discipline, taking chances and accountability.

The official cover art for Norton Juster's 1961 novel "The Phantom Tollbooth" (Image via Amazon.com)

Following the release of Chromakopia's first visualizer, St. Chroma, fans began speculating that Tyler, the Creator had likely based his new persona on Chroma The Great.

However, while Juster's fictional music conductor is nurturing and teaches Milo valuable lessons, Tyler's representation of Chroma The Great presents as a militant leader indulging in erratic and violent actions, as seen in the Chromakopia teasers.

The album's title likely draws from Chroma's association with color, while "Kopia," meaning "copy" in Polish, hints at his persona's ability to control and manipulate his music. Tyler, the Creator's new militant persona seemingly allows him to tackle themes like death, abortion, maturity and success, in a manner not previously seen in prior projects.

The first trailer for Chromakopia presented as a teaser for St. Chroma, was notable for being color-graded in sepia tones, hinting at the darker nature of his album.

In the video, Tyler, dressed in a general's uniform and wearing a mask, can be seen leading a group of followers into a large shipping container before detonating everybody inside.

With the explosion the entire video bursts into color for the first time, fans get a look into the bright green colors that are heavily associated with Tyler's new project. While the video transitions into color, Daniel Caesar's vocals can be heard delivering an uplifting performance on St. Chroma's hook, singing:

"Can you feel the light inside? / Can you feel that fire? (Can you feel it, can you feel it? Oh) / Oh, fire (Can you feel it, can you feel it? Ooh, oh), fire"

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Tyler, the Creator will launch his "Chromakopia World Tour" on February 5, 2025, with supporting acts from rappers Lil Yachty and Paris Texas.