Chromakopia: Like Him

Tyler the Creator has released his latest album ‘Chromakophia’,  which didn’t fail to  captivate his audiences. The latest album, which marks a significant milestone in his music career, explores his creative process, future endeavors, and perspectives on the music business. Tyler, who is well-known for his unique aesthetic and work that transcends genres, explores the ways he has changed as an artist and what influences have shaped his most recent projects. The piece touches on both personal and professional achievements, giving his fans a better understanding of his artistic career. You can anticipate hearing candid remarks about his music, style, and future goals, understanding his growing influence as a cultural trendsetter. 

Although each song on the most recent album is noteworthy in its own way, “Like Him” by Tyler the Creator, and featured artist Lola Young, is the one that truly stands out. The song has been seen trending on a lot of social media platforms, TikTok in particular. People seem to be moved and resonate with Tyler's new song, but the question is why? What makes this song stand out from the rest?

Tyler the Creator’s “Like Him” is a short yet meaningful reflection about his relationship with his father, who is not present. Tyler has mentioned his father in previous albums and songs considering him as a “deadbeat” father. The song emphasizes a sense of longing and unresolved emotions as Tyler wonders over whether he looks and acts like his father. As Tyler struggles with how his father’s absence has affected his identity and sense of self, the song's minimal lyrics and muted tone highlight the emotional gravity of this question. The complexity of familial relationships and the pursuit of understanding and connection are made clear by this moving event.

The song starts with Tyler’s mom telling a young Tyler he resembles his absent father physically. This puzzles Tyler as he is being compared to a stranger, so he spends his childhood “chasing a ghost,” searching for the presence of someone who was never there. As the song progresses, “Like Him” consists of behavioral traits that he might’ve inherited from his father along with physical resemblance. As he ages, Tyler starts to recognize his own flaws in relationships and his fear of becoming a father. It makes him desperately wonder if he is truly like his father and questions his mother regarding it. Even with all of his accomplishments, he maintains a deep-seated fear that he might end up like his father. He fears that he might end up like the person that left him when he was a child. “I don’t like him” is Tyler’s devastating response to his own question; he cannot stand the idea of becoming into the ghost he chased as a kid. But the ending part of the song marks a significant turning point in Tyler’s mindset as his mothers confession at the songs conclusion that his father desired to be in his life all along, which forces Tyler to accept the possibility that his father was most likely a decent man and to forgive him for any grudges he may have had. 

The song became an instant hit because it resonated deeply with many listeners once it was released. Its message goes beyond the particular event, even though it mainly conveys the suffering of growing up without a parent present. The song also speaks to people who could feel emotionally distant or absent from their fathers even when they are physically there. But that’s not the only reason why the song became so popular. Another reason why this song became so popular is because of the ending segment of the song, the confession Tyler’s mother made. The plot twist she revealed-that Tyler’s father had intended to be there all along-shocked many people. Because Tyler’s mother had prevented his father from being involved in his life, some think that she is at fault. Many people are curious about Tyler’s feelings after learning that his father wanted to be in his life despite the fact that he held a great deal of hatred towards him. Is Tyler’s mother in the wrong? Did she make the right decision?