5 Standout Tracks from Chance The Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’
Chance The Rapper continues to prove to the music industry that independent artists can have success without signing to a label. I became interested in young Chance after hearing Childish Gambino speak so highly about the MC in an interview a few years ago. In my mind, if Childish Gambino thinks you’re a dope artist, then you’re a must listen! Chance released his long-awaited third project Coloring Book on Thursday night and it was well worth the wait. Chance secures his mastery at blending elements of hip-hop, jazz, big band, pop, and gospel all while being joined by a star-studded cast. The 14-track project features booming tracks with Kanye West, Jay Electronica, Lil’ Wayne, Justin Bieber, and more! As my weekend soundtrack and possibly all through summer, here are five of my favorite tracks from Coloring Book:
All We Got (feat. Kanye West & Chicago Children’s Choir)
Chance enjoys collaborating with fellow Chicagoans and since he teamed up with Kanye West on The Life of Pablo, it’s only right for the two to join forces again on this opening track. The righteous sound they shared on “Ultralight Beam” continues with praise-and-worship on “All We Got.” Can’t deny the insane horns from Donnie Trumpet blasting through the speakers on this one. Donnie and Chance previously collaborated on the Social Experiment’s Surf released last year. However, the hook by Kanye is what brings the song all together, “This is all we got / Music all we got, got, got /So we might as well give it all we got.” Music is therapeutic, brings people together, and feeds the soul, so if music is all we got, then I’m here for it!
No Problem (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz)
Lil’ Wayne and 2 Chainz join the Chicago MC on this banger as all they all believe to not cross them the wrong way. Zane Lowe premiered the song on Apple Music’s Beats 1 Radio and NOISEY are calling at “the song of the summer.” A smash radio record indeed as Chance shows he can run in the same circles as hip-hop elite and the floating hook is a catchy sing-a-long that embodies the rappers’ stance on life and the industry.
Juke Jam (feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio)
Chance and the Biebs are back at it again with another fire collab! Justin recruited Chance for their “Confidant” collaboration from his second album Journals. With a musical chemistry so organic, Justin returned the favor as he sprinkles his vocals on “Juke Jam.” Probably my favorite track on the album simply because it slows down the vibe of the album’s flow. The mellow sounds of soft piano keys and acoustic guitar rifts makes it the ideal song to play at a lounge or just hanging with bae. After all, Chance and the Biebs sure know how to put listeners in the mood!
Smoke Break (feat. Future)
Chance teams up with Atlanta rapper Future on this smooth track produced by up-and-coming Bay Area producer GARREN. Sometimes people just need to slow the day down, relax, and take a smoke break. Chance has previously stated in interviews how he wants to kick the habit of smoking, however you don’t have to be a smoker to feel the vibe of this song.
Finish Line / Drown (feat. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname)
Gospel is one of the prime elements to round out this album as Chance masters so well with organs, trumpets, and full choirs. It’s the type of song that makes you believe that everything will be alright as long as you pray. Just listen to T-Pain sing on the hook, “All my days I prayed and prayed and now I see the finish line.” He then goes into “Drown” where he teams up with Kirk Franklin for a second time. We first heard the two make magic on Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam” and they share their love for the gospel like no other.
If you’ve never heard any of Chance’s previous material, I suggest taking a good listen to Coloring Book, and then go back to hear 10 Day and Acid Rap. The year of music for 2016 has been a great one so far and Chance just released one of the best albums of the year.
