Tyler, the Concert

By Astrid Fabinski

Photos courtesy of Hadley Graf

Tyler, The Creator’s Denver show was hype to say the least. In the fourth show of his CHROMOKOPIA tour, Tyler put on an impressive performance full of hits, new and old. Following a stellar performance by the opening band Paris Texas and a mediocre display from rapper Lil’ Yachty, Tyler performed the opening half of his new album, followed by the popular tracks from most of his other albums before returning to and finishing Chromokopia. During his performance, Tyler solidified himself as perhaps one of the greatest performers and artists of our time, but most importantly he established himself as a brand. Unlike a lot of modern artists, Tyler is able to harness his image and style in a way that is both unique and attractive. You could tell immediately from walking into the venue, with the massive wall of bright green “CHROMOKOPIA” shipping containers, and later from the living room-esque setup in the center of the pit that Tyler’s performance would be full of life and vigor.

Tyler did not disappoint. The second half of his show, where the rapper retreats to the center stage, was infused with an energy that is uniquely “Tyler.” Changing into his GOLF WANG streetwear from his more sinister CHROMOKOPIA mask and playing his hits on a record player, Tyler performed his heart and lungs out, all with a fun swagger. From “Igor” to “GOBLIN,” he flipped through a bin of his own records and played them as if giving them a nostalgic relisten, letting the audience follow along. This segment was overall tamer and more relaxed than the preceding and following segments, but that didn’t stop the crowd from getting riled every time a new song started. The energetic performance ramped up again when Tyler returned to the main stage via a catwalk over the pit, performing “Sticky” above the crowd.

Returning to the main stage, Tyler went even further during the finale, playing the expected crowd pleasers, “See You Again,” “New Magic Wand,” and “Balloon.” He wrapped up the concert with a solemn and fitting “I Hope You Find Your Way Home.” Every song Tyler played made the concert worthwhile, but even still the “Balloon” performance blew the rest out of the water, being the most energetic song of the night with perhaps the best light performance as well. Overall, this concert was one of the best I’ve personally seen. I certainly think it’s safe to say that Tyler, the Creator is truly “the biggest out of the city after Kenny.” That’s a fact now.