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USA Today
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Chance the Rapper makes a truly sensational comeback with 'Star Line'
If you take away anything from Star Line, Chance the Rapper's first major project since 2019's polarizing The Big Day, it's that the Chicago hip-hop dignitary's signature "And we back!" has never meant more than now. The juxtaposition of The Big Day and Star Line is impossible to miss. The former gave Chance a victory lap for the ages after 2016's rainbow comet-strike of Coloring Book, the commanding capper on his holy trilogy from the mixtape movement built by 2012's 10 Day and 2013's seminal Acid Rap that confirmed his superstardom. The Big Day came from an artist who knew he'd won the marathon and was ready to expand his reach past the DatPiff faithful. This was the Chance who saw his dreams come true, who rose to be his Chi-town idol Kanye West's heir apparent on "Ultralight Beam" and saw then-President Barack Obama put "Acid Rain" on his 2016 summer playlist. His first formal album played like a playlist for a wedding reception, with its audience largely confused as to whether or not it was invited. For some, it was Chance joyfully embracing his golden status in the mainstream, with features ranging from Gucci Mane and Lil Durk to Randy Newman and Death Cab for Cutie. It was harmless fun. However, The Big Day's evident "bigness" saw the project get a bad rep from day-one Chance fans, turning against its unexpectedly bubbly spirit, its braggadocious shout of newlywed love from a guy at the top of the world. No longer was this the scrappy Lil Chano from 79th; he was Chance the Rapper, Grammy winner and rap titan. That album largely eschewed some of the paranoid smoke-session angst of Acid Rap and the soulful surcharge of Coloring Book for poppier fields. The Big Day came out less than a year before the COVID-19 pandemic, and you wonder if the album had come out a year later if it would've gotten the Ted Lasso treatment as a perfectly fine piece of already-ran pop culture amplified to balm the masses against the harshest 2020 had to offer. Alas, not to be. Six years passed since Chance celebrated The Big Day, and August's Star Line affirms that he's been through some stuff. His divorce from Kirsten Corley and his recent travels to nations like Jamaica and Ghana play a pivotal role in the thematic journey on which Chance takes his listeners, one where he provides wisened, battle-tested introspection of self, people and globe of the likes he never has in his explosive career. Star Line recaptures the sonic excellence and lyrical ambition of Coloring Book while providing a more world-weary foundation on which he builds some of his most striking homilies. Chance has never let go of his mixtape days' refusal to let go of childlike wonder amidst his loss of innocence, but Star Line finds a more mature beauty in tumultuous life experience. From the start, we hear some of the crispest delivery Chance has unleashed in his career on "Star Side Intro," a crash-course in an artist who has learned hard lessons and come out of them stronger. Sure, we get the Chance features we love, the clever wordplay and pop culture references, but this also affirms a Chance the Rapper ready to fight because he's had to fight, ready to take on what life throws at him. "Put on that full armor; learned that from my mama," Chance sings right after warning the world that he's not messing around with his music any longer. It's one of the best songs of his career, a pitch-perfect sailing through an artist who seems to have come out better on the other side of tragedy and self-exploration. The rest of the album carries that unabashed, humbled willingness to dig deeper, to speak out against injustice, to rage against the machine, to love himself again and surrender to the effervescent mystery of the cosmos in faith without sacrificing the defiance on which he forged his many talents. "Ride" glides like a cruise to better places that brings out a show-stopping guest verse from legendary Chicago outfit Do or Die, while the gut punch of "No More Old Men" laments the violence that curbs generations and makes a wonderful world smaller and more finite. "The Negro Problem" gives Chance his answer to Kendrick Lamar's "The Blacker the Berry" and Jay Z's "The Story of O.J.," a fiery examination of the Black experience gripped by oppression. "Back to the Go" mournfully studies a life in turmoil and heavily hints to post-marriage soul-searching, while 2022 single "The Highs & The Lows" fits well within the gallery of balancing life's best and worst moments. "Space & Time" plays like a heartbreaking sequel to "Same Drugs" and gives the album its most chillingly romantic sojourn, as you can imagine a reflective Chance the Rapper, edified by his life's recent ups and downs, sitting on the bow of a ship amidst the Aurora Borealis and contemplating while giving himself the forgiveness he needs to sail on to more prosperous waters. You feel the rush of wind in your hair and the leap of faith into the unknown. The album isn't afraid to lighten (and light) up. "Tree" is an Acid Rap-coded ode to rolling a joint to deal with life's stresses with a delightful Lil Wayne feature. The foreboding Ennio Morricone Untouchables piano key clacks and rat-a-tat delivery on "Drapetomania" should make its ways to the club sooner than later. BabyChiefDoit rolls in on that song for a breakout verse that should help translate his TikTok rap success to bigger notices very soon. Star Line's back nine pays homage to his Francis and the Lights days ("Link Me in the Future"), reunites Chance with beloved collaborators (Young Thug on "Gun in Yo Purse," Jay Electronica on "Just A Drop," BJ the Chicago Kid on "Speed of Light") and flips the temple tables on Chance's righteous-angriest song to date, "Letters." That song fire-and-brimstone sermon against the hypocrites of corrupt Christianity from someone sitting in the pews and seeing it firsthand. "Just A Drop" plays as Chance's most outward Gospel song since Coloring Book's "How Great." Also, make sure not to skip out on "Pretty," which will almost assuredly cement itself as a hidden gem. It's a reminder to highlight self-love punctuated by a haunting, OVO-influenced sample of DeBarge's "All This Love" that dances around like a refracted kaleidoscope against the modern Sound Wall. It's a song that could be mistaken for vanity, instead coated in healing humility. The album's emotional undercurrent is twofold. Part of it comes from Chance breaking his heart open and showing us what he's lived through, what it's taught him and how he wants it to shape him. Part of it comes from the fact that, after more than half a decade, we have Chance the Rapper back right where he belongs. Those who hold the Chicago rap legend near and dear can take heart that Chance has returned to full form. Those college dorm Acid Rap listens and sweltering summer 2016 Coloring Book car listens weren't in vain. If you loved those albums, you guard them with all your might. For an artist that has never struggled to synthesize something profound out of nostalgia, Chance the Rapper honors how deeply folks hold his mixtape era and how much it meant with Star Line. Chance the Rapper's latest project is an extraordinary comeback from a generational force. It's heads-and-shoulders one of the best rap albums of 2025 (and one of the best albums, period), a year already marked with a phenomenal Clipse reunion, a couple of sensational Alchemist collaborations and standout projects from Tyler the Creator, JID, Open Mike Eagle and Playboi Carti. It's a radiant reminder of Chance's breathtaking abilities. Sure, this Chance the Rapper may not focus in on the same precious mischief that reflected on the love of his grandma on "Sunday Candy" or growing up way, way too fast on "Cocoa Butter Kisses." However, the heart of who Chance the Rapper is has never been clearer on Star Line. It's the monumental vessel that brings him back home. "And we back," indeed.
Gulf Weekly
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Musical introspection
American artist Chancelor Johnathan Bennett aka Chance the Rapper drops his long-awaited album Star Line tomorrow. The project tackles personal change and life lessons and marks the artist's return since his debut release The Big Day (2019), themed on his wedding that year. It drew harsh criticism from fans on social media, who considered it a downgrade from its preceding mixtapes. The artist has since divorced his wife and Internet personality Kirsten Corley. In an interview, Chance said the new album is inspired by his trips to Jamaica and Ghana and attending various art fairs around the world. 'Going to Ghana, reconnecting with a lot of my family, going through relationships changing, getting divorced – there are a lot of things that happened between my last project and this day,' he said. 'I think the sounds, production-wise, if they're not super experimental, they're based on some of the Black music that was influential to me throughout my childhood or through my travels.' According to the artist, he was also inspired by Black Star Line, a shipping and passenger company that was started in 1919 by Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey for people of African descent. 'I was really inspired by his work and some of the ideas and opinions that he had, on us all being one people. So when I came to Ghana for the first time in January, I was already inspired by Marcus Garvey and Garveyism. I learned a little bit of family history regarding Garveyism and how it connected to their faith,' Chance added. 'Garveyism' refers to the body of thought and organisational activities associated with the namesake activist. The album also marks a reunion between Chance and illustrator Brandon Breaux, who has created artworks for all of his other projects (except The Big Day).
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Chance the Rapper's big comeback tour is about to take over North America
Chance the Rapper is gearing up to reconnect with fans across North America as he launches a 15-date concert tour this autumn. Titled And We Back, the tour will take place in September and October and marks his first large-scale run of shows in several years. The announcement has sparked excitement among followers who have been waiting for his return to the stage. The journey begins on 26 September in Houston at the Bayou Music Centre, setting the tone for what is expected to be a lively and celebratory series of performances. From there, Chance will head to New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Toronto, and Washington D.C., before returning to his hometown of Chicago for a highly anticipated stop. West Coast audiences will see him in Phoenix, San Francisco, Highland, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, where the final show will take place at the Hollywood Palladium on 20 October. The timing of the tour aligns with the release of Star Line, Chance's first album since 2019's The Big Day. Scheduled for release on 15 August, the record features Tree, a collaboration with Lil Wayne and Smino. While the album will be an important milestone in his career, the tour is expected to serve as a celebration of his music both old and new, giving audiences a chance to hear fresh tracks alongside his most popular hits. With shows booked at standout venues including The Fillmore in New Orleans, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York, and the Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago, fans can expect an atmosphere that blends the intimacy of club performances with the energy of major festival sets. Tickets are expected to be in high demand, reflecting the anticipation surrounding his return. Online, excitement is already building as fans share their plans to see him live, ready to welcome back one of hip hop's most uplifting performers.
Axios
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Chance the Rapper returns with first new album since 2019
Chicago hip-hop star Chance the Rapper is releasing a new album. Why it matters: The Grammy Award-winning artist has grown to become the city's unofficial poet laureate and his generation's Studs Terkel, representing Chicago through his journey to stardom. The latest: "Star Line" will drop on Aug. 15. Chance reconnected with illustrator Brandon Breaux to provide the artwork for the new album. Zoom out: It's been six years since Chance put out "The Big Day," with songs like "Handsome" featuring Megan Thee Stallion and "All Day Long" featuring John Legend. What they're saying: Chance spoke about making new music at an intimate album listening party at the Adler Planetarium on Thursday as part of Airbnb experiences during Lollapalooza weekend. "The most challenging part was probably just life," Chance said. "We have so many different things that we got to do, and different roles that we got to play, not just to keep ourselves alive, but also to be a team player for other people in your life." Context: Chance arrived on the national scene with his 2016 debut album "Coloring Book," for which he won the Grammy for Best Rap Album. The album was the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy. Chance has resisted the lure of major record labels, staying independent and releasing music on his own. Zoom in: Lil Chano was already well-known to Chicago music fans from his wildly popular mixtapes like " Acid Rap" and his collaborations with Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment and the Save Money Crew. The young artist practically grew up in the spotlight, starting his career at after-school programs at Harold Washington Library and Young Chicago Authors, impressing with his razor-sharp words, wit and charm. Between the lines: His words and music tell stories of his local experiences, which range from getting suspended from school, growing up on 79th Street, becoming a father, and now, touring the world. "I want people to understand me," Chance said about the new album. "Some people make it because they want to be heard or seen. Even if you don't necessarily agree with me, I want to be understood." The bottom line: Chance has always brought his fans into his world, sharing his reflections and experiences. "Star Line" continues that journey.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why are Venetians mad at Jeff Bezos? Giant banner unfurled in city ahead of his wedding demands he pay more taxes
As Jeff Bezos prepares for a luxurious wedding in Venice, activists have crashed the party. Venetians publicly and loudly voice their displeasure with growing citywide protests, triggered by the couple's extravagant event. In the midst of Venice's ongoing battle with overtourism, residents are objecting to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's lavish wedding, claiming it is disruptive. Why are Venetians against Jeff Bezos' luxurious wedding? A massive banner of the billionaire was unfurled on Monday in St. Mark's Square, urging him to pay higher taxes. Locals are unimpressed with rising living costs and overtourism, as per a report by Newsweek. Ahead of Jeff Bezos' $15-20 million wedding in Venice, Greenpeace and "Everyone Hates Elon" activists displayed a banner demanding that he pay more taxes. Locals are frustrated because billionaires like Bezos crowd the city with events that benefit only a wealthy few, making life difficult for ordinary Venetians. Live Events Although the city and regional officials who approved the wedding claim that it will boost the city's reputation and economy, locals who are already dealing with excessive tourism and growing housing expenses are dubious. Will protests disrupt The Big Day? According to Marta Sottoriva, an activist with the group "No Space for Bezos," "life is getting increasingly difficult in Venice," reported Newsweek. This weekend, the demonstrators intend to interrupt the wedding by plunging into the canal's waters, claiming that the groom is the target of their ire rather than the ceremony. They contend that Bezos is the third richest man in the world and that he has amassed his fortune by taking advantage of workers and resources. "It's a protest against Bezos; he's not welcome in Venice," she stated. ALSO READ: Ariana Grande amplifies AOC's call to impeach Trump — fans say she should be deported; what is her descent? What do the activists want? The massive wealth of Bezos, which demonstrators claimed should be taxed more than it is now, is the main focus of the new banner that was unveiled in St. Mark's Square on Monday. "Jeff Bezos can afford to close half a city for days on end just to get married, while governments struggle to pay for public services and discuss difficult decisions. This is a clear indication that billionaires like Bezos ought to pay wealth taxes," a representative for Everyone Hates Elon told Newsweek in a statement. There are more billionaires than ever before, while regular people find it difficult to make ends meet. There is a clear correlation between their increasing wealth and our struggles. Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate, and human activity and climate change are causing Venice to sink. Protesters are demanding equitable, inclusive regulations to stop billionaires from avoiding accountability. Greenpeace activist Clara Thompson contends that the true problem is a flawed system that lets billionaires avoid paying taxes while everyone else is forced to pay the price. According to reports, Bezos pays a 1.1% true tax rate, despite being the second-richest person in the world after Elon Musk. FAQs Why are the Venetians upset about Jeff Bezos' wedding? They argue that it only benefits a wealthy few and puts a strain on the city, which is already dealing with overtourism and rising costs. What are the activists demanding? Increased taxes on billionaires like Bezos, arguing that it is unfair that ordinary people bear the economic burdens.
