Three years ago, a rapper from Chicago released one of the most well-known and respected works of rap in history: Acid Rap. Chance the Rapper is a Chicago-based rapper that has recently came out with his third album named Coloring Book. This was probably one of the most anticipated works of music I had ever looked forward to. Now without further adieu, here's a 20-something's review on Coloring Book.
1. All We Got (ft. Kanye West & Chicago Children's Choir)
"All We Got" is the first track of the album, and an amazing opening/intro as well. It's easily a great summer anthem that features slices of Kanye (another extremely talented rapper from Chicago). All We Got opens with Chance talking about his beautiful "baby mama" and how he wants to make her his fiance (actually crying here) and his beautiful baby daughter. She's from Houston just like "Auntie Yonce." Easily one of my favorites on the whole album. Final Rating: 8/10
2. No Problem ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz
The second track is easily another party favorite; with another amazing choir in the background, Chance, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz flawlessly came up with another party banger. Another favorite on the album. Final rating: 7/103. Summer Friends (ft. Jeremih & Francis & The Lights)
"Summer Friends" is a song that you can cruise down LSD and just blast without knowing every single word. Does that make sense? Basically it's chill enough to listen in peace, but rad enough to blast amongst you and your crew. Final Rating: 6/104. D.R.A.M. Sings Special
I don't know how to feel about this one fam; a lot of Coloring Book is filled with gospel chants and religious-themed tracks, but this one befuddles me. It seems to be a reprise or something, but I'm just not digging it. Final rating: 3/10
5. Blessings (feat. Jamila Woods & Byron Cage)
Blessings was debuted on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and you better believe I had my face pressed up against the TV that night. Again, another religiously-centered track, and very jazzy and has a touch of blues to it. This version of Blessings is intense. Final rating: 6/10
6. Same Drugs
"Same Drugs" is the one that broke the camel's back for me; this was the track that absolutely made me bawl my eyes out. I knew there would be at least one of those on this album, and Same Drugs is the one for me. Basically speaking of how you and said person aren't the same together anymore, and that really got to me. This is absolutely my favorite track on the entire album. Final Rating: 10/10
7. Mixtape (ft. Young Thug & Lil Yachty)
Mixtape is definitely a trap anthem; not my forte but still pretty rad at a party. Final Rating: 5/108. Angels ft. Saba
Angels was released a little while ago and still stays at one of my all time favorite songs; the music video gives me chills and the lyrics are beautiful and Chance is just perfect. Has that come across yet? Final rating: 9/109. Juke Jam (ft. Justin Bieber & Towkio)
Juke Jam is definitely a jam for the bedroom. While being featured, Justin still brings his sexy aesthetic to the table for his second track alongside Chance. Juke Jam is beautiful, sexy, sad, emotional and angsty all at once. Definitely another favorite. Final rating: 8/1010. All Night (ft. Knox Fortune)
"All Night" featuring Knox Fortune is another party anthem or a cruising downtown in the middle of summer anthem. Also one to get distracted with while doing makeup for a night out. Final Rating: 9/10
11. How Great (ft. Jay Electronica & My cousin Nicole)
Another gospel anthem and another track I was a bit distracted by. Distracted in a way in which there's just too much going on: the gospel choir and odd pauses and just too much for me. Sorry, fam. Final rating: 2/10
12. Smoke Break (ft. Future)
"Smoke Break" seems to be everyone's favorite track on all of "Coloring Book," and I definitely see why, even though it's not one of mine in the least. Future's touch definitely give it the trap vibe that it deserves, and has great taste, just not one of my personal faves. Final rating: 5/1013. Finish Line Drown (ft. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname)
"Finish Line Drown" is a great bookend to the end of the album; it starts off with his signature line of "We back, we back!" It just seems like a great kick-back anthem and just sweet vocals from Eryn Allen. While not being the last track, it's a good opening for the end. Final rating: 6/10
14. Blessings 2
"Blessings 2" is the final track on "Coloring Book" and I do not think he could have ended it any better. He speaks of his rising fame and his thankfulness to God. It's basically his manifesto to where he is now and I couldn't be prouder to have this overtly talented man rise from my home city of Chicago. Kudos to you Chance; you've opened up a whole new world of hip-hop/rap to me. Final rating: 9/10
