Chance the Rapper returns with first new album since 2019
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Chance the Rapper at the PUBLIC's Met Gala after party in May. Photo: Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images
Chicago hip-hop star Chance the Rapper is releasing a new album.
Why it matters: The Grammy Award-winning artist has grown to become the city's unofficial poet laureate and his generation's Studs Terkel, representing Chicago through his journey to stardom.
The latest: "Star Line" will drop on Aug. 15.
- Chance reconnected with illustrator Brandon Breaux to provide the artwork for the new album.
Zoom out: It's been six years since Chance put out "The Big Day," with songs like "Handsome" featuring Megan Thee Stallion and "All Day Long" featuring John Legend.
What they're saying: Chance spoke about making new music during his Airbnb Experience in Chicago, an intimate album listening party at the Adler Planetarium during Lollapalooza weekend.
- "The most challenging part was probably just life," Chance said. "We have so many different things that we got to do, and different roles that we got to play, not just to keep ourselves alive, but also to be a team player for other people in your life."
Context: Chance arrived on the national scene with his 2016 debut album "Coloring Book," for which he won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.
- The album was the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy.
- Chance has resisted the lure of major record labels, staying independent and releasing music on his own.
Zoom in: Lil Chano was already well-known to Chicago music fans from his wildly popular mixtapes like "Acid Rap" and his collaborations with Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment and the Save Money Crew.
- The young artist practically grew up in the spotlight, starting his career at after-school programs at Harold Washington Library and Young Chicago Authors, impressing with his razor-sharp words, wit and charm.
Between the lines: His words and music tell stories of his local experiences, which range from getting suspended from school, growing up on 79th Street, becoming a father, and now, touring the world.
- "I want people to understand me," Chance said about the new album. "Some people make it because they want to be heard or seen. Even if you don't necessarily agree with me, I want to be understood."
The bottom line: Chance has always brought his fans into his world, sharing his reflections and experiences. "Star Line" continues that journey.
What's next: Preorders are now available. Chance already released "Tree" featuring Lil Wayne and Smino in July.