★★★★★
The city of Chicago has produced another Hip Hop star. Chance the Rapper broke out into the scene in 2012 with his mix tape Acid Rap. The mix tape was a sensation receiving multiple awards from around the country, including a nomination at the 2013 BET Hip Hop music awards for best mix tape. This new popularity has opened a lot of doors for Chance, such as collaboration projects with the Social Experiment, Childish Gambino, and most famously Kanye West. Through all the fame and the hype Chance the Rapper seems to have made his mark again with his new mix tape, Coloring Book. Chance proved that he was the people's rapper by releasing this new mix tape for free in the spring of 2016. Just looking at the set list we can see some impressive features on the project. Artists Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Justin Bieber all appear on the album, looking to add something special in their own regard. We can see this in the first track of the mix tape, “All We Got”. The song starts out with some fantastic trumpet play that we hear in the background throughout the song. This isn't new for people who listen to Chance religiously, but it still provides something unique to the beat. Chances lyrics, mixed with a featured sound by Kanye, is all balanced extremely well by background vocals from the Chicago Children's Choir. The end result is a fantastic song that pays homage to his family, life, and religion. “No Problem” follows this great opener with a stellar track of its own. Featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, Chance produced a powerful song taking a jab at the big record companies who are trying to interfere with his music. With a catchy hook and in your face lyrics, it is no surprise that “No Problem” is a bright spot on the mix tape. Chance incorporates some gospel-like music into the album as well. “Blessings” is a slower song and more serious. The hook talks about him praising the God above until he leaves this world. It's a song of appreciation, and thanking god for the life he is able to live every day. Paired with a melody that makes you nod your head, “Blessings” is a deep thank you to something bigger than himself. Chance continues with religion in his other song “How Great”. This is Chances personal favorite on the album, saying that it stemmed from the passing of his grandmother a couple of weeks earlier. The seemingly gospel intro that starts the song was sung by his own cousin Nicole. The lyrics are neat and his enunciation seems to cut right through you. Its the type of song that you listen to and can feel the emotion through the speakers. My favorite song of the whole tape, however, is “Finish Line/ Drown”. The first part is upbeat and incredibly catchy. You can't help but sing it in your head. A fantastic hook brought to us by T-Pain follows through both parts. The song is then slowed down in the second half called “Drown”. Here were given time to reflect on the song as a whole. Other songs that are definitely a must hear are “Juke Jam” (with Justin Bieber), “Same Drugs”, and “All Night”. Through and through Chance the Rapper has delivered a powerful, fantastic, and deep album for free. There's a reason why Chance is receiving so much attention today, and this album is proof he deserves it.