If you've never heard of Chance the Rapper, it's about time for you to become "enlightened." I'd like to take a moment before raving about his new album, and to show you the true character of Chance the Rapper. Chancellor Bennet, aka "Chance the Rapper," was born and raised in the South Side neighborhood of West Chatham in Chicago. Chance the Rapper's experiences growing up on the city's South Side has affected his music in a variety of ways. Chance has taken it upon himself to brighten the reputation of our city. In 2014, Chance the Rapper and Mayor Rahm Emanuel participated in an anti-violence campaign called #SaveChicago. #SaveChicago was a social-media event which aimed to stop the violence in the city. Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to share his message and to tell everyone to put the guns down. #SaveChicago helped Chicago go 42 hours without a single homicide, which is extremely rare for this city. Again in that same year, Chance the Rapper won the award for Outstanding Youth of the Year, given to him by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. If you still don't have any desire to listen to his music, then I suggest this article may not be for you.
Chance the Rapper is a lyrical genius and a rapper with morale. His second album, "Acid Rap," is what truly launched him into the spotlight. "Acid Rap" was actually the album that caught my attention. Jamming in my car to "Favorite Song" or "Coco Butter Kisses" will always be a fond memory that I'll have with my friends. The genre of music that Chance the Rapper specializes in is called Acid-Rap. Acid-Rap is a more creative and artsy form of traditional rap music. It seems that Chance has saved his best for his new, self-produced mixtape titled "Coloring Book."
"Coloring Book" features many famous rappers and prominent celebrities within the music industry. To name a few of the A-list celebs he's been featuring: Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Justin Bieber, Jeremih, Young Thug and Lil Yachty. It is being exclusively streamed on iTunes, yet Chance the Rapper released the album himself. For an artist to release an album all on his own says a lot. First off, it means that they were not influenced or coerced into writing songs for a label or corporation. Chance the Rapper does what Chance the Rapper wants to do. He has no boss telling him how to rap or sing, besides himself. In my opinion, his songs are more relatable and I can hear every single word he says. Chance the Rapper has more talent than egoism, and I think that truly shows in his work. His lyrics aren't just about his flashy life or how many women he may sleep with. They're about the things going on in his daily life, and the interactions he has with God and close ones.
My two favorite songs in "Coloring Book" would have to be "All We Got" and "No Problem." "All We Got" is the first song on the mixtape and provides a great intro to the rest of the album. It features the one and only Chicagoan, Kanye West and the Chicago Children's Choir. It features a jazzy opening followed by the opening verses:
"This ain't no intro, this the entrée. Hit that intro with Kanye, and sound like André" -- "All We Got"
"No Problem" features Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. "No Problem" has more of a gospel sound to it, with background singers providing most of the background noise and harmony. It uses an upbeat melody and beat to its advantage, giving the listener a boost in mood. Chance the Rapper always has a way of changing the mood of his listener, by connecting with the listener through his intricate lyrics.
According to Daria Malkowski, 18, of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, "His music is just different... I feel so connected to him because he raps about things we go through. It's not like sex, drugs, money. It's more like real life and his lyrics are just dope." This seems to be a common opinion of Chance the Rapper throughout the Chicagoland area.
If you have not had the "chance" to check out his new mixtape, then I strongly urge you to give him a try.
