“STAR LINE”
Chance the Rapper reconnects with fans and roots through his latest album
People are saying Chance is back—but we don’t think he ever left. Yes, he’s back in the sense of being in the public spotlight with hot new music, but what many people might not know is everything he’s been up to since dropping his last album, “The Big Day,” more than six years ago, and before that, his 2016 project “Coloring Book.”
If you’re an avid Chance listener, you know “The Big Day” was considered a flop in the public eye, while “Coloring Book” was quite the opposite. In between those projects and leading up to his latest release, Chance was busy on a number of different projects, including dropping some singles.
In an interview with “New Rory & Mal,” Chance dove into the intricacies behind “STAR LINE,” which dropped on Aug. 15.
Chance also shared in the interview some of what he’s been up to, including hosting intimate listening experiences with fans called “Writing’s on the Wall.”
For “Writing’s on the Wall,” Chance would bring about 80 people into a room with big subs and visuals, where he’d play music from “STAR LINE” and connect with fans on a deeper level.
“It really puts you inside the music,” said Chance in the YouTube interview when talking about the experiences he curated.
Fans also had the opportunity to share letters, drawings, and stories with Chance about their connection to his music. They were able to write and create art in real time while enjoying the sounds and connecting through a unique, shared experience.
Beyond that, Chance has been collaborating with museums and artists, working alongside (and being inspired by) artists like Vic Mensa, taking trips to Ghana, where he has roots, and even putting on a music festival for 52,000 people in Ghana. All of this brought him back to his grassroots style and tied into the major themes of “STAR LINE:” literary references, connection to his roots, connection to faith, and, of course, an abundance of historic music references and appreciation for the game.
He’s also been quietly building this album for years, noting in the interview that some of the songs have been alive since 2021.
All of this proves Chance the Rapper never “left,” he’s been consistently creating, experimenting, and curating incredible community-driven experiences for his fans.
After a few listens, “STAR LINE” is definitely living up to the hype. It’s a well-rounded project that flows as a true album. Too often, artists drop records that feel like 17 unrelated singles. Chance delivered a cohesive project that tells a story through 17 interconnected tracks.
From the cosmic theme woven throughout the album, to the real-life challenges handled with grace, to the intentional features, if you’re a Chance fan, “STAR LINE” definitely deserves a spot in your playlists.
Want to see “STAR LINE” live? Get tickets here.
