A triumphant return from the Chicago lyricist…
15 · 08 · 2025
For rap enthusiasts, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. Fresh releases from revered collaborations like Clipse are showcasing the depth that veteran artists can tap into, revitalizing expectations along the way. However, few anticipated new content from Chance the Rapper. ‘STAR LINE’ marks his first album since 2019 and his initial music project of this decade. If fans viewed his previous record ‘The Big Day’ as indicative of his downturn, ‘STAR LINE’ flips that narrative – it is remarkably strong, featuring some of his finest work and pushing both himself and his audience to new heights.
The high points are plentiful. ‘No More Old Men’ features a fantastic collaboration with Jamila Woods, as the two create profoundly soulful poetry over a jazz-influenced beat. ‘The Negro Problem’ offers a bold exploration of Black American identity, intertwining generational trauma to uncover the essence of pursuit. ‘Back To The Go’ is an outstanding partnership with Vic Mensa, while the smooth Joey Bada$$ track ‘The Highs & The Lows’ brings a touch of that luscious Golden Age funk to the instrumentals.
With 17 tracks spanning 78 minutes, ‘STAR LINE’ is a rich experience from beginning to end. The album showcases his versatility, although some elements – such as the sluggish ‘Tree’ featuring an out-of-practice Lil Wayne – may not resonate as strongly. However, there’s more than enough substance to overshadow any shortcomings.
‘Letters’ highlights Chance at his spoken word finest, leading into a tight, outstanding conclusion. ‘Speed Of Light’ oscillates between ethereal sounds and a pulsing heartbeat, creating a magnificent, three-dimensional musical piece; ‘Pretty’ delivers a raw, captivating performance, and ‘Just A Drop’ merges clever, enlightening wordplay from Chance with stellar production from Jay Electronica.
Concluding with R&B verses from Jazmine Sullivan, ‘STAR LINE’ is a joyful comeback. Surpassing expectations, its high points can easily compare to Chance the Rapper’s seminal early works – ‘Acid Rap’ and ‘Coloring Book’ – while still reflecting the maturity of an evolved artist. “What happens when a star doesn’t burn?” Chance poses – a revitalized supernova, ‘STAR LINE’ serves as a guiding light in life.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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