Grammy Award-winning rapper Tyler, the Creator performed a surprise short concert in Boston, at Lovejoy Wharf on top of the Converse store Oct. 31.

This show came just three days after the Oct. 28 release of his eighth studio album, Chromakopia. The album has since debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 charts. This was the second of three pop-up concerts he held following the release of the album, the first in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 29, and the third in Brooklyn, New York, Nov. 2.

Tyler announced the concert, titled “30 Minutes of Chromakopia” on his Instagram story on the morning of Oct. 31, scheduled for 3-3:30 p.m. for $5.

The Converse store had a green semi-trailer on the roof with “Chromakopia” written on the side, and a small statue of Tyler in front of the store’s entrance. Once the concert began, the rapper climbed up a ladder on the side of the semi-trailer wearing an all-green outfit and a brown mask while the intro to the album’s first song, “St. Chroma,” played.

Tyler performed on top of the semi-trailer for about 30 minutes, dancing on top of it and bantering with the audience about their Halloween costumes. He performed most of the songs on Chromakopia. Moments such as Tyler’s slam poetry rendition of his verse on “Thought I Was Dead,” his rapping fellow rapper GloRilla’s verse on “Sticky” and the removal of his mask while performing “Take Your Mask Off” were met with loud cheers.

Tyler ended the concert with the album’s final song, “I Hope You Find Your Way Home,” and thanked the crowd for their support of his recent release. He also commented on some of the backlash that has come with the success of the album. Tyler specifically referenced fans of singer Taylor Swift resurfacing his old music, which was known for its extreme vulgarity.

“I want to thank all of y’all for listening to the album. I didn’t expect it to be what it is, this s— is crazy, I got Swifties all mad at me with their racist a— — bringing up old lyrics, b—, go listen to ‘Tron Cat,’ I don’t give a f— hoe. They’re gonna bring out the old me,” he said.

After the concert ended, the Converse store opened to sell merchandise. This included a new exclusive Chromakopia-themed version of Converse’s Chuck 70 shoe for $125.

Tyler will be back in Boston July 8 and 9, 2025 for his Chromakopia tour at TD Garden.

This article appeared in print on Page 4 of Vol. LVIII Issue VII, published Nov. 18, 2024.