On May 12, 2016, the world was given a precious gem. Contrary to popular belief, this gem wasn’t found in an ancient ship ruin in the depths of the ocean. It was Chance The Rapper's "Coloring Book", an energetic, featured artist jam-packed 14-song mixtape. "Coloring Book" incorporates gospel with dope instrumentals to ultimately raise listeners spirits. Here are seven reasons why we should all love this new project.
1. It makes us appreciate mixtapes.
Similar to his other projects, Coloring Book is Chance's third official mixtape. That's right, Coloring Book is not an album. For years now, Chance has put out his own sound untouched by record labels and big businesses. This is a remarkable feat because, in this day and age, many talented artists go unheard and unknown because they refuse to sign with a label. Chance, however, has remarkably stayed afloat in the game. Artists and listeners across the globe can all agree on how talented Chance truly is. From Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz to Kirk Franklin to Noname, the features on Coloring Book show how multi--faceted his mixtapes are. His mixtape helps breaks down the stigma of "bad music" that the word mixtape usually brings to mind for some listeners. As a result, listeners can come to an agreement that all mixtapes need love, whether Chance is the artist or not.
2. To take pride in where we’re from.
People are always going to talk about where a person is from. Whether it be concerning their area's poverty rate to the crime statistics, there will always be something said. Often times, people tend to glamorize popular cities like Los Angeles or New York City, leaving their own hometowns in the dust. Why? Perhaps some may believe that their towns aren't not cool enough or that they're simply just boring. Coloring Book encourages listeners to take pride in where they're from, no matter the location. From crooning about a Chicago tradition in "Juke Jam" to praising his community in "Angels", Chance constantly shouts out his hometown Chicago. All should take his lead and love their cities!
3. It makes you want to be happy.
From symphonic instrumentals, Donnie Trumpet's talented horn ringing loud and clear and Chance's positive metaphor-rich lyrics, you can’t help but feel insanely happy with Coloring Book blasting. Grab your crew and sing your heart outs to "No Problems". Don't forget to remind yourself give your pastor and grandmother a hug while listening to "How Great".
4. It’s made for all types of audiences.
Whether it be the college students searching for motivation, the 'hoodtrepeneur,' or the budding Christian who wants to listen to good music without feeling like their religion is in jeopardy, Coloring Book is for us all. This is a mixtape that you can play in front of your parents AND friends without feeling sorry. The positivity Chance exudes throughout his tracks are inspiring to all ages. Grab your loved ones and jam.
5. The production makes you want to close your eyes and dance.
No explanation needed, everyone should turn Coloring Book on, feel the vibes and GROOVE.
6. He takes you to Church, whether you’d like to be taken or not.
This tweet by the wonderful @onlineva explains reason number six perfectly. This isn’t your mother yelling for you to get up and fix your face on a Sunday morning. Instead, it’s inviting beats in collaboration with stellar verses. Mashups of popular artists over gospel songs that many of us have grown up listening to. Turn up "Blessings" and get your life. Chance inspires us all to take a deep breath and have faith in our own way.
Finally, 7. Chance makes you appreciate the power of music.
Chance is a phenomenal rapper and his music continuously brings together a variety of audiences to celebrate music. The diversity of the songs in Coloring Book are engaging and fun. There's seriously something for all to enjoy. That is powerful. You can keep up with Chance and his activity on his website Chance Raps.
For anyone reading, I hope that this article encourages you to continue listening to Coloring Book. I hope that encourages you to share this gem with others. I hope that it encourages you to get out of the lines of the margins people have drawn for you.
