REVIEW: CHANCE THE RAPPER'S 'COLORING BOOK' IS MODERN GOSPEL-RAP MAGIC
Chance The Rapper's music career began when he famously got suspended from high school for possession of marijuana and decided to make a mixtape. Now 23, Chance's distaste for music labels has led to his three solo mixtapes all being released for free, his success prompting the Grammy awards to consider a 'free music category'.
'Coloring Book' is fundamentally Gospel. Cleverly a-political, this album manages to instill spirituality in all the tracks.
'All We Got' featuring Kanye West hits the ground running with it's religious themes. 'No Problem' blends Chance's vocals with choir backing. 'Summer Friends' breathes with soothing, almost 'nursery rhyme' vibes, now with synthesised male backing vocals.
Chance got us groovin like
'Smoke Break' is my personal favourite. His style in this song has a strong Kanye West influence, discussing how tries to balance time between his girlfriend, baby, career and homelessness initiatives. "I used to pass her the smoke/She used to laugh at my jokes/You pat my back when i choke". An avid drug user, Chance claimed his previous album Acid Rap was "about 30 to 40 percent LSD". We all hope durry muncher Chance can find time for his bae.
In all, congrats on Chance for making such a fun and diversely spiritual mixtape whilst not being dictated by any major labels.
Stream the full album below.
PLAYBACK RATING: PLAY ONCE/ PLAY AGAIN/ DON'T PLAY
