This past Saturday, Chance the Rapper was the musical guest for Saturday Night Live’s last show of the year. This was Chance’s third appearance on SNL. The number three has been significant for Chance the Rapper this year. He released his third mixtape, Coloring Book, this year. He was ranked number three on Rolling Stones’ list of Best Albums of 2016 only behind David Bowie and Beyoncé and he recently won his third award at the Soul Train Music Awards. In a nutshell, 2016 has been Chance’s year and I believe that this is only the beginning.

A couple weeks before his performance, Chance posted on Twitter stating that he has a goal of performing all of his songs from his mixtape at least on television. His first song was “Finish Line/ Drown”. He is dressed in his signature overalls, this time bright red. As I’m watching the performance, I feel nothing but joy. I’ve come to realize by watching so many of his performances that he makes the audience want to smile by the energy that he emits. The song is moving along well and then all of a sudden Noname walks out. She is another up and coming Chicago rapper that is featured on the track. Just when I thought the performance couldn’t get any better she shows up and I just about flipped. Whenever they’re on a song together it seems so effortless and well put together and the performance was no difference.

Chance’s second song was “Same Drugs”. This song in particular is one that I wanted to see performed. It is so beautifully written and his playing of the piano adds a nice touch to presentation of the song. There were a few mess ups lyrically but overall the performance was still a good one.

Chance the Rapper has to be my favorite artist out right now and as I have watched his career over the past few years develop, he has consistently been creative and innovative with his music. From his infectious performances to his dedication to his hometown of Chicago it’s hard not to want him to succeed. This year he has garnered many blessings. He has been a standout artist and his star can only get brighter from here.