Road to the Grammys: Ranking the Featured Tracks on Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, the Creator has always been true to himself, his art, and uniquely telling his story, and “CHROMAKOPIA” is where that vision fully comes together. The album marked the biggest streaming week of his career and the largest sales week ever, just four days after its release. “CHROMAKOPIA” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, fueled in part by a feature list that sparked widespread curiosity about the album’s new sound.
To honor Tyler’s five Grammy nominations, we’re ranking the tracks with features on “CHROMAKOPIA.”
Sticky featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, & Lil Wayne
No one expected a song featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Lil Wayne on the same track. The guest verses aren’t long, but each one adds something the song needed. Once it dropped, the internet ran with it, and the moment took on a life of its own. Who else could bring those three together besides Tyler? Nobody.
Balloon featuring Doechii
Can we give it up for the way he flipped that Uncle Luke sample? Anyone else might’ve turned it into a twerk anthem, but Tyler uses it as motivation to keep doing you. And when Doechii comes in, she understands the assignment, matching his flow and the song’s message perfectly. Chef’s kiss.
Thought I Was Dead featuring ScHoolboy Q & Santigold
This track reminds me of an underground A$AP Mob record before they blew up. The video is just as raw as the song — Tyler directed it himself and dropped it just hours before the album. The chemistry between him and Q is electric. We need that collab project ASAP.
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Darling, I featuring Teezo Touchdown
On “Darling I,” he and Teezo hit you with a line you’ll remember for life right in the opening: “Whatever you do, don’t ever tell a b*tch you love her; if you don’t mean it, don’t tell her.” No lies here, the whole song is them speaking their truth on love and monogamy.
Like Him featuring Lola Young
This song hits different because, in the Black community, it’s not uncommon for a mother to call out the traits their kids get from their fathers, especially the negative ones. It captures the emotions of a mother and child who long for a two-parent family but are figuring out how to make it work together. Lola’s vocals layered on his add the perfect amount of depth and harmony.
