"Like Him" by Tyler, The Creator: A Haunting Reflection on Identity and Absence

By Haziq Asyraf Tyler, The Creator's "Like Him" from Chromakopia stands out as an emotionally charged and contemplative tune. The song begins with a minimalist piano melody and gradually evolves into a layered blend of percussion and distorted guitars, reflecting Tyler's increasing emotional stress. The sound is modest but purposeful, enabling the lyrics to sink in organically. The song opens with a raw, unfiltered meditation on Tyler's likeness to his absent father, punctuated by spoken word from his mother, Bonita Smith, setting the tone for what becomes a deeply emotional trip. Tyler's songs examine his conflicted connection with the concept of a parent he never actually knew. He asks, "Do I look like him?" —a striking refrain that conveys both desire and uncertainty. Tyler describes his father as a "ghost," demonstrating how absence can still leave a presence, as seen in the mirror, mannerisms, and even emotions handed ...