As a young black man in his 20s, I think its so hype to be able to connect with a much older white man over some art in the form of music. This is fire! Thank you for this sir!
I’ve seen people say this is Tyler’s mr morale, but I think it’s his Life of Pablo. Torn between the two worlds of the excess is of fame and settling down, in the midst of a mental crisis, they both made experimental opuses detailing their lives at the current moment.
@@abrahamgimenez6410 mr morale is like if Kanye took five years to get his mind right and then made a critique of the things that led him to the place that Pablo was born from
AVAA, the sun rising throughout the video was such a nice detail. I feel like tyler rlly broke out of his "mask". Usually his albums have him creating different characters but here he is just himself. Very honest, very raw and very himself. Imo it rlly connects with his video for sorry not sorry
Specially considering that one of the last songs he released was "Sorry not sorry", the last song on CMIYGL the estate sale, and the music video features all of the Tyler's personas getting killed by himself
I'm so glad that there's someone else who immediately got the 'heroes' reference. this album is mindblowing. it is such a beautiful journey, a love letter to music. this album makes me feel joyful to be alive, and makes me to want to tell every family member and friend I have tell I love them. it's a masterpiece.
Chromakopia closely resembles Chromatopia, a book by David Coles that explores the illustrated history of color. Expanding on the idea of Chromakopia representing various expressions of life through color, the name could also offer a deeper reflection on Tyler’s own history-both his personal relationship with color and his experiences as a man of color.
Funny thing about this - Tyler mentions color a lot in his interviews. He likes that versatility and that dynamic aspect of music and self expression. Idk if it was him - but he mentioned at some point being able to see color at times. Maybe it was figurative though. But yeah he’s a definite artist.
AVAA, 100% agree that all the women are representative of his mother and the "Tyler"'s (on the tracks discussing his relationship with women, as I do think Take Your Mask Off is about Tyler, the Creator) are representative of his father. Makes "Like Him", which is already a great song, much more powerful. Tyler is not only, through his eyes, becoming like his father, but he sees his father's actions as his own inevitable future, furthering the feeling of being "boxed in" emphasized during the rollout.
Wow i did not make the connection between “Call me if you get lost” and “I hope you find your way home” 😲😲😲 Love your vids. Havent seen anyone else do deeper analyses than you. AVAA
I respect this channel so much, the way he can make a topic feel educational and entertaining with such little editing and great explanation. You don't see it much at all.
This is why they need to pay good teachers and non-tenured professors more (not saying Skye is not tenured I don't know), but this combination of educational/entertaining is not be accident - dude has likely been honing this skill for many years
AVAA! Halfway through listening and just had to say that I totally agree with your assessment of the "never trust a bitch" lines in noid, And I thought it's super telling that those lines line up with the Mr. Morale reference shot in the music video. In addition to your point about this being a bit of a fake out to be directed later I think the attitude reflected in these lines is extra interesting in contrast with Mr. Morale, where Kendrick is reckoning with his failures as the man/husband/father that he already is, but Tyler is more exploring why he hasn't chosen that path for himself. Like Kendrick knows that's what he wants and is realizing the things he needs to change to live up to that responsibility, Tyler isn't sure that's what he wants. And while Kendrick struggles to control his demons and his lust but I never get the impression that he struggles to trust his wife or that he doesn't want that commitment, while Tyler is struggling with trust and commitment in and of themselves. And I think that also speaks to how Mr. Morale is such a good benchmark for other artists to strive for. If the goal of TPAB was to save the world, then even TPAB failed at that, but Mr morale trying to save the world by turning inward means every attempt by another artist to "make the next Mr. Morale" is gonna lead somewhere new and interesting cause the mission is really just to look deep inside yourself in the context of the world around you, and everyone is gonna find something different inside themselves
I realized you are like the David foster Wallace of music discussion. There is one main line and subnotes within subnotes that end up being longer than the main story. I love it.
AVAA 42:17 secure attachment and monogamous attachment are not inherently mutually exclusive, the presupposition that the pursuit more then one connection being indicative of a lack of maturity is just a projection of bias which you acknowledged. Just felt interesting to have a track that identified non monogamous relationships being healthy and valid rather then evil lol
yeah, in the context of Igor and CMIGYL and their heartbreak and tumultuous relationships, I thought Tyler accepting an intentional and consensual non monogamous life (especially in the spoken ending lyrics) was the maturing this album was about. I couldn’t help but think oh good for him
AVAA This album is like the Big Steppers disc of Mr. Morale. Honest, open, earnest, but still maturing and still holding on to some of the issues he admits to have. Now we wait for his Morale disc, that post therapy hit, it's gonna be a truck.
AVAA!! The lighting is such a vibe, I always felt like the hours before the sun comes out is the perfect scenery for more clear headed meditative thinking. Either that or it stems from sleep deprivation. This album was incredibly hard hitting for me, it's been a treat to hear everyone dissecting this fantastic piece to bits. Not just dissection, but talking about how it makes them feel from their own personal experience. Wonderful video thank you for continuing to make this wonderful content.
36:54 I would say the mother is kind of an antagonist in the Story, as the album is mostly about her and the expectations and advices she forced on tyler through his life which he then later in life suffered of with feeling the pressure that was put on him. Although Tyler, of course, still loves his mom, as he has shown many times. Btw, just on a site note: I think the biggest themes the album follows are dealing with pressures and expectations of his his mom, society, and himself. Talking about how he feels that he needs to fit an image that his mom and everyone else and himself bestow upon him. Also, I think the remark of him feeling conflicted about his sexuality and religion is very interesting. And the feelings of having a family and his dad he doesn't know are important too in that regard. I hope you get the point I want to get across.
AVAA!! The single word you were looking for that describes everything you've said about "Sticky" is..... RATCHET ! If you're some other person of color, giving someone space to get "ratchet" is an amazing thing! It allows us to freely express and release tension. Get wild and close with eachother! Its a ratchet song for sure, but it's exactly the things you've described. Great work!!
First time commenter, love the channel, great takes as always. Picking up on your point about French culture and masks - when I first saw the album sleeve art I was reminded of the mask that Christiane is made to wear in George Franju's 'Eyes Without A Face' (1960). Maybe this is a reach, but Christianne's face is disfigured in a car accident and her surgeon father tries and fails to restore it, which seems to fit with the car motifs and fatherhood themes in the album.
AVAA, wonderful analysis of a beautiful album Skye :3 i'm really interested to see how this album will live in Tyler's catalogue going forward. 28:39 PROFESSOR SKYE IS A GAMER????
I'm gonna miss when you return to recording indoors cause I just love how the scenery looks and the background sounds are never a problem for me, especially with that beautiful gradual sunrise, AVAA!
About Balloon, there's a depth to it that I don't think many people found, that could just be me, but I think it is worth discussing. It is a song of self-affirmation, an ostentation of one's own way of life and sexuality. About how money or items don't inherently make you great, and about never stopping being themselves. It's very interesting to see this song at the end of an album exploring so much fragility and introspective questions, as it contradicts that flow at a surface level. Melodically too, it is bubbly, colorful and artificial in a way the other songs were not. This song could be taken as Tyler saying that despite all of these questions he's still really proud of how he "turned out" and the comfort he finds in living his own exotic lifestyle; it could be about him putting the mask back on, reveling in this lifestyle he's used as he's not ready to face his desires to settle down; it could be a fake bravado, like a frog filling their air pouch to scare a predator, to scare away those who want to use him and push his own fears away (thanks to Mother for making me make the connection here). The song could be called Balloon because a balloon represents partying and celebration, because a balloon eventually sags away after being filled, how colorful and attention seeking balloons are and how fragile those things can be and how they go along with the wind, wherever it blows to new places. But I believe that most of all, it is the key song making the loop Tyler likes to make in his albums work. That introspection Tyler showed in this album, that emotional maturity he is building up and the changes those bring don't occur instantly, and Tyler will be living his life thinking about these things, moving on and then thinking about them again later until it resolves. No matter how he airs out his thoughts, they will keep coming back, fill his mind again, like a balloon, until he finally acts on them definitively. What he's doing, he says to himself: "DON'T STOP" His own ruminations "DON'T STOP" and he'll indeed keep going, despite his uncertainties that were discussed earlier. So in my mind, it is a very good closer, going from that state in Balloon to showcasing his growth and that he's acknowledging his own personal journey into going "home" to St. Chroma and back to the album just makes sense to me.
tyler has always been the most inspiring artist for me and this video helped inspire me even more so. great vid! also it was a relief hearing that tylers mom saying that one thing about him was weird af lol
Thank you for this. I appreciate your courage to step into these nuanced arenas while also having the humility to pass the mic when necessary. You're filling an important space and building bridges between various enclaves. 💯 Keep up the great work. (I do now wish Dilla made a Disco Donuts tho. That would be so 🔥)
Professor Skye! I know this is an older project, but I’d love to see you do a video on Standing on the Corner’s Red Burns. It’s narrative is very layered and would greatly benefit from your analysis
the first minute of this video was so validating because I had the EXACT same revelation about this album yesterday. Fantastic job as always professor! ❤
Such a great video as always, I cannot get enough of the deep and beautiful places your mind goes. Thank you for aiding in me opening up my ways of thinking.
I love this Ocarina of Time comparison, it makes the most sense since that game is about growing up as well, and coming into ones "hero" position in life. ty prof AVAA
AVAA! You hit us with the ATKAA fingerspelling this time--you almost had it! I'm definitely going to have to re-listen to this one again; the first few times I was so blown away by the production I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics
AVAA good sir! The analysis, the bells, its been great to find this space, and also discover new spaces of analysis through your recommendations. Been pondering this new Tyler album for a while and your video gives more food for thought! The rising sun is a nice touch too
I’m glad I watched this after I made my video lol. Great review. And what reality did I slip into to where I’m casually watching your video and I get shouted out. 15 year old me is dancing. 31 year old me feels pressure. Respect.
I know, it is always a funny thing watching other people analyze things that you are planning on analyzing. so stressful. So, I usually wait until after and then watch fearing that they already said something I just published! And I’m going to keep shouting you out because your work is really good.
I don't know if it was on purpose but starting in the black and eventually the sun coming up and color coming in was so cool! (I haven't watched the video yet)
AVAA, noticing the sky turn from dark to a warm early morning over the course of the video as you covered the album, your analysis brings light to the world
This is so thought through and insightful. even if it all would be wrong, it would still be entertaining to watch. Also from a non native speaker: This is some serious translation although I understand all the words, but the context you're giving opens up a much bigger picture to me
AVAA Skye. You are truly talented at what you do. Its extra special that you can do what you do what juggling the other life responsibilities that you do x
I saw Fantano and Justin talk about how if we're still doing the Big 3, J Cole has lost his spot and Tyler has taken it. The more I think about this argument, the more I think it's right.
AVAA!!! You killed me with the tape on your Donda album. "How much more black could this be? And the answer is none. N9ne more black" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great video as always. Love watching the sky gradually light up as the vidro played
Im glad I don't know about this Judge Judy person. It made the song really different to me because I didn't have the nightmarism image of whaever it is you imagined in my head.
Finally made it through Chromakopia, this was so hard for me. It’s the first time I ever thought an artist experienced a life similar to mine and it made me cry.
AVAA - My desire to listen to Donda immediately after this album feels justified, haha. Question. Are you doing a video covering your favorite albums of the year?
These videos are fantastic. I rarely find channels I watch lately, but I found this one as I was just getting into this phase where I'm really passionate and curious about music as a whole. Hearing passionate discussion and analysis of music is always so inspiring to me. Love these videos, love this album.
Avaa I think the album cover is a nod or inspired by David Lynch’s eraser head which also has fatherhood and paternal themes. Themes and symbolism of paranoia is also in there too. Interesting movie . The features were amazing. When I heard SBQ I screamed actually. I love Him. I like Tyler’s message in this. It’s very real and he definitely took that mask off. I loved that message the most. I’m in my thirties and I don’t know what the hell im doing and my mask is still very much on. Idk how to take it off. Very relatable and bombastic album. I still think blue lips need to win album of the year and get all the Grammys.
AVAA I was wondering how "I killed you" fit with the themes of the album as well and then I remembered a line from "Take your mask off" where he talks about losing his hair, so i think it ties in with the aging theme. In regards to killing his hair while he was young and now it's at the point where he has aged past the point where he can fully appreciate it. This might also be directly related to the cover and the hairstyle having that awkward part in the middle. Just a thought, it might be a stretch
I've been waiting for your breakdown man!! Before I watch, this is what I believe. I believe all songs before Take Your Mask Off, are him with his mask on. Falling in love with multiple women. Getting a girl pregnant. Feels linked to his 'hair'etage. Then messes around with 'Judy'. Then even deeper with Sticky. He speaks of his sexual immorality (we all have it to a degree) and unmatched confidence. I think the first 2 verses of Take Your Mask Off are a diss track to other artists, but the last verse is Tylers diss track on himself. He faulted other people for their errors, then self reflected on his own character. Then we have songs after 'TYMO', that are very very family driven. He is open about his internal battle between sexual immorality and his desire to have a family. Acknowledging he can't have both but calls himself selfish for wanting to still party. Its an album of 'watch the party die - kendrick' but in the way of the personal struggle. Beautiful all the way around.
I’ve listened to Tyler since his first project and OF. He’s grown so much since then and I wish people would see that more. People evolve and grow this should be our collective goal. I love him because it’s like I grew up with him. I was a shit head as a kid for my lack of better words and now I listen to him and relate even more.
AVAA was so excited to hear your analysis of this album and it didnt disappoint! only place i think you missed a bit is on discussions of "Darling, I", i think your own biases get in the way a bit. i agree that the album overall is about maturing, but i think maybe youre putting too much emphasis on heteronormativity and "maturing = marrying a woman and having children". from a queer perspective this album does feel like its wrestling with those ideas, and attempting to find a new way forward that works for Tyler. narrowing the concept of finding Home down to having a nuclear family i think dims the scope of what he's actually saying on this (awesome) album. don't think it invalidates your analysis tho! just somethin to chew on
Y’know what, I suspected that this album was from multiple perspectives, such as his mom’s on Hey Jane. When I got to Like Him.. I supposed it was him questioning/doubting his ability to handle the responsibility of a child & family or follow in the footsteps of this “ghost”. It’s gonna take more listens to really understand this album, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless.
AVAA, coming back to rap after a three year hiatus, where i felt the soul of the music was missing, is more satisfying than i could’ve imagined. Invocation by Common is the theme of this resurrection for me
Please please please, give an answer for this question… Why are there devil horns on the font that is on the title and throughout the promotional designs??? AVAA
AVAA prof! I wanna play devils advocate for people comparing this to Mr morale in terms of vulnerability. Has Tyler not been above the industry standard of vulnerability in the past? I mean Flower Boy, Igor, even on wolf he had Answer. I think he’s a better writer and producer now so he’s doing a better job communicating these themes (or colors ig lmao) This is def a change from call me if you get lost. but I’d call it a more polished and mature return to form than a complete left turn. Maybe I’m missing something I’ve only listened twice so far.
AVAA pt 2 (shorter i promise) pharrell also talks about his production style in terms of trynna create "sticky moments", and this song is chock full of em, so in addituon to everything you said about the word sticky its also reffering to 'heres your super catchy, feature packed, pharrell style banger, eat up'
AVAA I’ve always compared Tyler to Bowie so thank you for helping further codify that. Queer icon, pushes the boundaries of how masculinity is perceived, constantly reinventing themselves, love to embody different personas/characters, purely singular presence, wide eclectic musical tastes, etc.
honestly this album made me so curious about how a collab between Tyler and RM would sound like, after hearing his album 'right place, wrong person' and this one i can't help but think that a collab between them would be life-changing fr
Certain parts about owning the Ferrari/material side of things while yearning for connection remind me a lot of Kanye and Kudi's "welcome to heartbreak" AV!
![The Complete Story of Destiny! From origins to Shadowkeep [Timeline and Lore explained]](/img/1.gif)
As a young black man in his 20s, I think its so hype to be able to connect with a much older white man over some art in the form of music. This is fire! Thank you for this sir!
You didn't have to say "much" 💀
@@rhysdenno5993lol 😂. Why do you care how he expressed himself and words used. Picking on someone because they did write like how you would is silly
@@Richbarbie1 I think they were joking about how it makes us feel old being around the same age as the prof lol
@@Richbarbie1 It's funny that not only did you miss the joke but your comment is actually so self applicable I can only chalk it up to projection.
@@vitalepitts I am bored. Who are you? Boy bye 👋🏾
I’ve seen people say this is Tyler’s mr morale, but I think it’s his Life of Pablo. Torn between the two worlds of the excess is of fame and settling down, in the midst of a mental crisis, they both made experimental opuses detailing their lives at the current moment.
It’s so chromakopia
It could be both if u listened to the album enough.
Why can’t it just be both?
Mr. Morale is kinda similar to Life of Pablo so yeah
@@abrahamgimenez6410 mr morale is like if Kanye took five years to get his mind right and then made a critique of the things that led him to the place that Pablo was born from
AVAA, the sun rising throughout the video was such a nice detail. I feel like tyler rlly broke out of his "mask". Usually his albums have him creating different characters but here he is just himself. Very honest, very raw and very himself. Imo it rlly connects with his video for sorry not sorry
He said he had to wear a mask of himself to be honest.
Specially considering that one of the last songs he released was "Sorry not sorry", the last song on CMIYGL the estate sale, and the music video features all of the Tyler's personas getting killed by himself
I'm so glad that there's someone else who immediately got the 'heroes' reference. this album is mindblowing. it is such a beautiful journey, a love letter to music. this album makes me feel joyful to be alive, and makes me to want to tell every family member and friend I have tell I love them. it's a masterpiece.
Same, sometimes I believe I always go back to Bowie as a default, too hahahaah
Mind blowing? Really?
Guys let’s throw out the word masterpiece one more time for the fans in the back
Chromakopia closely resembles Chromatopia, a book by David Coles that explores the illustrated history of color. Expanding on the idea of Chromakopia representing various expressions of life through color, the name could also offer a deeper reflection on Tyler’s own history-both his personal relationship with color and his experiences as a man of color.
And The Phantom Tollbooth
There’s a conductor named chroma who conducts in colors
That’s what hype beast said
Funny thing about this - Tyler mentions color a lot in his interviews. He likes that versatility and that dynamic aspect of music and self expression. Idk if it was him - but he mentioned at some point being able to see color at times. Maybe it was figurative though. But yeah he’s a definite artist.
AVAA, 100% agree that all the women are representative of his mother and the "Tyler"'s (on the tracks discussing his relationship with women, as I do think Take Your Mask Off is about Tyler, the Creator) are representative of his father. Makes "Like Him", which is already a great song, much more powerful. Tyler is not only, through his eyes, becoming like his father, but he sees his father's actions as his own inevitable future, furthering the feeling of being "boxed in" emphasized during the rollout.
It's a long shot but I'm guessing judge Judy was about his grandma ,he said she passed away from Cancer on lone
Wow i did not make the connection between “Call me if you get lost” and “I hope you find your way home” 😲😲😲
Love your vids. Havent seen anyone else do deeper analyses than you. AVAA
I respect this channel so much, the way he can make a topic feel educational and entertaining with such little editing and great explanation. You don't see it much at all.
You see this at school
This is why they need to pay good teachers and non-tenured professors more (not saying Skye is not tenured I don't know), but this combination of educational/entertaining is not be accident - dude has likely been honing this skill for many years
Its literally like you're sitting in a classroom.
@@champadin1755 what does being tenured change
@@bugrasevinc9696 they get paid a ton more and have insane job security
AVAA! Halfway through listening and just had to say that I totally agree with your assessment of the "never trust a bitch" lines in noid, And I thought it's super telling that those lines line up with the Mr. Morale reference shot in the music video. In addition to your point about this being a bit of a fake out to be directed later I think the attitude reflected in these lines is extra interesting in contrast with Mr. Morale, where Kendrick is reckoning with his failures as the man/husband/father that he already is, but Tyler is more exploring why he hasn't chosen that path for himself. Like Kendrick knows that's what he wants and is realizing the things he needs to change to live up to that responsibility, Tyler isn't sure that's what he wants. And while Kendrick struggles to control his demons and his lust but I never get the impression that he struggles to trust his wife or that he doesn't want that commitment, while Tyler is struggling with trust and commitment in and of themselves.
And I think that also speaks to how Mr. Morale is such a good benchmark for other artists to strive for. If the goal of TPAB was to save the world, then even TPAB failed at that, but Mr morale trying to save the world by turning inward means every attempt by another artist to "make the next Mr. Morale" is gonna lead somewhere new and interesting cause the mission is really just to look deep inside yourself in the context of the world around you, and everyone is gonna find something different inside themselves
I realized you are like the David foster Wallace of music discussion. There is one main line and subnotes within subnotes that end up being longer than the main story. I love it.
AVAA Professor! St.Chroma is Tyler's best opening song in my opinion. It had me floating.
AVAA 42:17 secure attachment and monogamous attachment are not inherently mutually exclusive, the presupposition that the pursuit more then one connection being indicative of a lack of maturity is just a projection of bias which you acknowledged. Just felt interesting to have a track that identified non monogamous relationships being healthy and valid rather then evil lol
I came here looking for this comment.
What does AVAA mean?
yeah, in the context of Igor and CMIGYL and their heartbreak and tumultuous relationships, I thought Tyler accepting an intentional and consensual non monogamous life (especially in the spoken ending lyrics) was the maturing this album was about. I couldn’t help but think oh good for him
AVAA=Awesome Video As Always @@jeffbrown-hill7739
AVAA! I like how the video starts in the dark while the sun gradually rises. Even if it’s not really intentional I find it comforting.
AVAA
This album is like the Big Steppers disc of Mr. Morale. Honest, open, earnest, but still maturing and still holding on to some of the issues he admits to have. Now we wait for his Morale disc, that post therapy hit, it's gonna be a truck.
AVAA!! The lighting is such a vibe, I always felt like the hours before the sun comes out is the perfect scenery for more clear headed meditative thinking. Either that or it stems from sleep deprivation.
This album was incredibly hard hitting for me, it's been a treat to hear everyone dissecting this fantastic piece to bits. Not just dissection, but talking about how it makes them feel from their own personal experience. Wonderful video thank you for continuing to make this wonderful content.
I love these videos so much. It’s so many more layers I think about and apply to the art I consume. That’s the best way to enjoy it!
Professor Skye is just different 😂. His comprehension is just out of this world. He gets things before I even process them😅
I'm so glad you pointed out how goddamn epic the Thong Song is.
AVAA. I appreciate your thoughts and was also happy to hear multiple shoutouts to ABSAFCKNLUTELY’s channel. She gave you a mention today also.
AVAA, I finally listened to Chromakopia this week. "Like Him" prob hit the hardest for me, and "Balloon" following up was pretty hilarious.
Always love the in depth analysis as always
AVAA Prof Skye. “I want them to find their way home” literally brought tears to my eyes. Thanks as always for the analysis prof! 🙂
AAVA didn't expect to stay engaged in a over hour long vid about one subject but this was cool
Very excited to hear you talk about this albums feminism! It struck me right away
36:54 I would say the mother is kind of an antagonist in the Story, as the album is mostly about her and the expectations and advices she forced on tyler through his life which he then later in life suffered of with feeling the pressure that was put on him. Although Tyler, of course, still loves his mom, as he has shown many times.
Btw, just on a site note:
I think the biggest themes the album follows are dealing with pressures and expectations of his his mom, society, and himself. Talking about how he feels that he needs to fit an image that his mom and everyone else and himself bestow upon him. Also, I think the remark of him feeling conflicted about his sexuality and religion is very interesting. And the feelings of having a family and his dad he doesn't know are important too in that regard.
I hope you get the point I want to get across.
I've been waiting for this man, thanks! Can't wait to dive into the video tonight after work.
AVAA!! The single word you were looking for that describes everything you've said about "Sticky" is..... RATCHET !
If you're some other person of color, giving someone space to get "ratchet" is an amazing thing! It allows us to freely express and release tension. Get wild and close with eachother! Its a ratchet song for sure, but it's exactly the things you've described. Great work!!
First time commenter, love the channel, great takes as always.
Picking up on your point about French culture and masks - when I first saw the album sleeve art I was reminded of the mask that Christiane is made to wear in George Franju's 'Eyes Without A Face' (1960). Maybe this is a reach, but Christianne's face is disfigured in a car accident and her surgeon father tries and fails to restore it, which seems to fit with the car motifs and fatherhood themes in the album.
AVAA, wonderful analysis of a beautiful album Skye :3 i'm really interested to see how this album will live in Tyler's catalogue going forward.
28:39 PROFESSOR SKYE IS A GAMER????
I'm gonna miss when you return to recording indoors cause I just love how the scenery looks and the background sounds are never a problem for me, especially with that beautiful gradual sunrise, AVAA!
About Balloon, there's a depth to it that I don't think many people found, that could just be me, but I think it is worth discussing.
It is a song of self-affirmation, an ostentation of one's own way of life and sexuality. About how money or items don't inherently make you great, and about never stopping being themselves.
It's very interesting to see this song at the end of an album exploring so much fragility and introspective questions, as it contradicts that flow at a surface level. Melodically too, it is bubbly, colorful and artificial in a way the other songs were not.
This song could be taken as Tyler saying that despite all of these questions he's still really proud of how he "turned out" and the comfort he finds in living his own exotic lifestyle;
it could be about him putting the mask back on, reveling in this lifestyle he's used as he's not ready to face his desires to settle down;
it could be a fake bravado, like a frog filling their air pouch to scare a predator, to scare away those who want to use him and push his own fears away (thanks to Mother for making me make the connection here).
The song could be called Balloon because a balloon represents partying and celebration, because a balloon eventually sags away after being filled, how colorful and attention seeking balloons are and how fragile those things can be and how they go along with the wind, wherever it blows to new places.
But I believe that most of all, it is the key song making the loop Tyler likes to make in his albums work. That introspection Tyler showed in this album, that emotional maturity he is building up and the changes those bring don't occur instantly, and Tyler will be living his life thinking about these things, moving on and then thinking about them again later until it resolves.
No matter how he airs out his thoughts, they will keep coming back, fill his mind again, like a balloon, until he finally acts on them definitively.
What he's doing, he says to himself: "DON'T STOP"
His own ruminations "DON'T STOP"
and he'll indeed keep going, despite his uncertainties that were discussed earlier.
So in my mind, it is a very good closer, going from that state in Balloon to showcasing his growth and that he's acknowledging his own personal journey into going "home" to St. Chroma and back to the album just makes sense to me.
tyler has always been the most inspiring artist for me and this video helped inspire me even more so. great vid! also it was a relief hearing that tylers mom saying that one thing about him was weird af lol
You’re out there quite literally putting in that fantastic video essay work before the dawn breaks, thanks!
AVAA my favorite music content creator
Thank you for this. I appreciate your courage to step into these nuanced arenas while also having the humility to pass the mic when necessary. You're filling an important space and building bridges between various enclaves. 💯 Keep up the great work. (I do now wish Dilla made a Disco Donuts tho. That would be so 🔥)
I actually see this album being a continuation of Flower boy
AVAA the production on this album is masterful.
AVAA. Take Your Mask Off made me cry when I listened to it for the first time. This entire album is just so personal I can't help but love it.
AAVA! Loved the use of the bells to exemplify every theme, it's clever use of your kids toys for sure. That green is not green tho let's talk about it
Professor Skye! I know this is an older project, but I’d love to see you do a video on Standing on the Corner’s Red Burns. It’s narrative is very layered and would greatly benefit from your analysis
Great review General Kenobi
AVAA!!! Another banger. Cheers Prof. Skye
the first minute of this video was so validating because I had the EXACT same revelation about this album yesterday. Fantastic job as always professor! ❤
Such a great video as always, I cannot get enough of the deep and beautiful places your mind goes. Thank you for aiding in me opening up my ways of thinking.
I love this Ocarina of Time comparison, it makes the most sense since that game is about growing up as well, and coming into ones "hero" position in life. ty prof AVAA
AVAA! You hit us with the ATKAA fingerspelling this time--you almost had it! I'm definitely going to have to re-listen to this one again; the first few times I was so blown away by the production I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics
AVAA good sir! The analysis, the bells, its been great to find this space, and also discover new spaces of analysis through your recommendations. Been pondering this new Tyler album for a while and your video gives more food for thought!
The rising sun is a nice touch too
Probably my favorite video of yours yet. Loving your work
i love the lighting! i love the analysis and analogies made! AVAA sir professor skye :-)
I’m glad I watched this after I made my video lol. Great review. And what reality did I slip into to where I’m casually watching your video and I get shouted out. 15 year old me is dancing. 31 year old me feels pressure. Respect.
I know, it is always a funny thing watching other people analyze things that you are planning on analyzing. so stressful. So, I usually wait until after and then watch fearing that they already said something I just published!
And I’m going to keep shouting you out because your work is really good.
I don't know if it was on purpose but starting in the black and eventually the sun coming up and color coming in was so cool! (I haven't watched the video yet)
YES SKYE FREE PALESTINE this is like the first time i hear you talking about it
Amazing Prof., one of your best reviews! I especially loved the parallelisms with Bowie and Kendrick :) AVAA
AVAA, noticing the sky turn from dark to a warm early morning over the course of the video as you covered the album, your analysis brings light to the world
This is so thought through and insightful. even if it all would be wrong, it would still be entertaining to watch. Also from a non native speaker: This is some serious translation although I understand all the words, but the context you're giving opens up a much bigger picture to me
AVAA Skye. You are truly talented at what you do. Its extra special that you can do what you do what juggling the other life responsibilities that you do x
One minute in and you've already given me such an obvious perspective that I haven't considered yet. This is why I love your Analyses.
Excellent review, excellent props, excellent background, excellent use of the word secretion. Fantastic stuff!
I saw Fantano and Justin talk about how if we're still doing the Big 3, J Cole has lost his spot and Tyler has taken it. The more I think about this argument, the more I think it's right.
AVAA!!! You killed me with the tape on your Donda album. "How much more black could this be? And the answer is none. N9ne more black" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great video as always. Love watching the sky gradually light up as the vidro played
Your CMIYGL analysis was my first exposure to your channel. This feels like coming full circle. Thanks for all these years of great videos
Just started watching and your theory was exactly what I took away from the album, so hearing another person say that made me a lil ecstatic lol
the mixing feels so vintage and fuzzy I love it
AVAA You never disappoint
This is a tiny note but I love the mentioning of "Home" concept.
Love your video as always
Im glad I don't know about this Judge Judy person. It made the song really different to me because I didn't have the nightmarism image of whaever it is you imagined in my head.
This is so cool, I love seeing your album analogies❤
AVAA! Recording as the sun goes up is nasty work 🔥🔥🔥🔥
AAVA this art is so needed in todays world, 2024 YEAR OF MUSIC
Finally made it through Chromakopia, this was so hard for me. It’s the first time I ever thought an artist experienced a life similar to mine and it made me cry.
AVAA - My desire to listen to Donda immediately after this album feels justified, haha. Question. Are you doing a video covering your favorite albums of the year?
These videos are fantastic. I rarely find channels I watch lately, but I found this one as I was just getting into this phase where I'm really passionate and curious about music as a whole. Hearing passionate discussion and analysis of music is always so inspiring to me. Love these videos, love this album.
Avaa
I think the album cover is a nod or inspired by David Lynch’s eraser head which also has fatherhood and paternal themes. Themes and symbolism of paranoia is also in there too. Interesting movie .
The features were amazing. When I heard SBQ I screamed actually. I love
Him.
I like Tyler’s message in this. It’s very real and he definitely took that mask off. I loved that message the most. I’m in my thirties and I don’t know what the hell im doing and my mask is still very much on. Idk how to take it off.
Very relatable and bombastic album.
I still think blue lips need to win album of the year and get all the Grammys.
I’ve never been more passionately focused on a video until professor Skye drops
Hell yea this guy is based af, new subscriber
This album was a journey that I want to keep revisiting and take everyone you know with you
AVAA I was wondering how "I killed you" fit with the themes of the album as well and then I remembered a line from "Take your mask off" where he talks about losing his hair, so i think it ties in with the aging theme. In regards to killing his hair while he was young and now it's at the point where he has aged past the point where he can fully appreciate it. This might also be directly related to the cover and the hairstyle having that awkward part in the middle. Just a thought, it might be a stretch
Gracias por hacer los videos, son buenísimas.
I've been waiting for your breakdown man!! Before I watch, this is what I believe. I believe all songs before Take Your Mask Off, are him with his mask on. Falling in love with multiple women. Getting a girl pregnant. Feels linked to his 'hair'etage. Then messes around with 'Judy'. Then even deeper with Sticky. He speaks of his sexual immorality (we all have it to a degree) and unmatched confidence.
I think the first 2 verses of Take Your Mask Off are a diss track to other artists, but the last verse is Tylers diss track on himself. He faulted other people for their errors, then self reflected on his own character.
Then we have songs after 'TYMO', that are very very family driven. He is open about his internal battle between sexual immorality and his desire to have a family. Acknowledging he can't have both but calls himself selfish for wanting to still party. Its an album of 'watch the party die - kendrick' but in the way of the personal struggle.
Beautiful all the way around.
I’ve listened to Tyler since his first project and OF. He’s grown so much since then and I wish people would see that more. People evolve and grow this should be our collective goal. I love him because it’s like I grew up with him. I was a shit head as a kid for my lack of better words and now I listen to him and relate even more.
The colors of Chacras too... Thank's always for good reviews... (Deep ones... sometimes too deep...)
AVAA I cried at 24:00. Hits close to the heart for me.
AVAA was so excited to hear your analysis of this album and it didnt disappoint! only place i think you missed a bit is on discussions of "Darling, I", i think your own biases get in the way a bit. i agree that the album overall is about maturing, but i think maybe youre putting too much emphasis on heteronormativity and "maturing = marrying a woman and having children". from a queer perspective this album does feel like its wrestling with those ideas, and attempting to find a new way forward that works for Tyler. narrowing the concept of finding Home down to having a nuclear family i think dims the scope of what he's actually saying on this (awesome) album. don't think it invalidates your analysis tho! just somethin to chew on
Y’know what, I suspected that this album was from multiple perspectives, such as his mom’s on Hey Jane. When I got to Like Him.. I supposed it was him questioning/doubting his ability to handle the responsibility of a child & family or follow in the footsteps of this “ghost”. It’s gonna take more listens to really understand this album, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless.
AVAA man awesome analysis! Also i cant believe youre not a fan of Igor thats his best album to me!
why did you put that image in my head?
55 seconds in and I'm already so happy I prioritised clicking this thumbnail over everything else 😮💨
AVAA, coming back to rap after a three year hiatus, where i felt the soul of the music was missing, is more satisfying than i could’ve imagined. Invocation by Common is the theme of this resurrection for me
Please please please, give an answer for this question…
Why are there devil horns on the font that is on the title and throughout the promotional designs???
AVAA
AVAA prof! I wanna play devils advocate for people comparing this to Mr morale in terms of vulnerability. Has Tyler not been above the industry standard of vulnerability in the past? I mean Flower Boy, Igor, even on wolf he had Answer. I think he’s a better writer and producer now so he’s doing a better job communicating these themes (or colors ig lmao)
This is def a change from call me if you get lost. but I’d call it a more polished and mature return to form than a complete left turn.
Maybe I’m missing something I’ve only listened twice so far.
AVAA pt 2 (shorter i promise) pharrell also talks about his production style in terms of trynna create "sticky moments", and this song is chock full of em, so in addituon to everything you said about the word sticky its also reffering to 'heres your super catchy, feature packed, pharrell style banger, eat up'
AVAA the one video I need on this album. I’d be lost without it
AVAA! I’ve been patiently waiting for everyone’s opinion on Chromakopia and I was well rewarded
Awesome awesome. Love from Finland.
AVAA I’ve always compared Tyler to Bowie so thank you for helping further codify that. Queer icon, pushes the boundaries of how masculinity is perceived, constantly reinventing themselves, love to embody different personas/characters, purely singular presence, wide eclectic musical tastes, etc.
Great Analysis!! 🤯🤯🤯
25:38 took me a while, but I finally caught the lore 😂 AVAA
Wait what is the last A? It’s “awesome videos always?”
you living your truth just like tyler big man
def look up to you
AVAA!! Another banger prof🙏
honestly this album made me so curious about how a collab between Tyler and RM would sound like, after hearing his album 'right place, wrong person' and this one i can't help but think that a collab between them would be life-changing fr
Certain parts about owning the Ferrari/material side of things while yearning for connection remind me a lot of Kanye and Kudi's "welcome to heartbreak" AV!