Chance The Rapper Explores Past, Present, and Future With Four New Singles
Last night, Chance The Rapper, released four new songs, just ahead of his performance on Saturday at his Special Olympics after party. While it wasn't the full album that was initially hinted at in his interview with Greg Kot, it is a cohesive collection of music, all of which are set in the present, influenced by his past, and eyeing the future.
The first song, "I Might Need Security" samples a comedy show with the same title staring Jamie Foxx and lists several reasons why Chance might need to add some new bodyguards. He calls for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's resignation, for starters. "And Rahm you done I’m expectin' resignation An open investigation on all of these paid vacations for murderers."
Chance also calls out Crain's and The Sun-Times before revealing his acquisition of the Chicagoist, a local blog covering news, events, and entertainment. This business move could be in response to the Chicago Sun-Times article from March 2017 in which writer Mary Mitchell criticized Chance over a child support dispute.
"65th & Ingleside", the last song on the playlist appears to be about Chance and his relationship with new fiancé, Kirsten Corley. On the 4th of July, Chance proposed to Kirsten. The title comes from the intersection where the couple used to live. The ups and downs in their relationship, before Chance elevated to a super star, are evident in the song.
"I was sleeping with you every single night, but I was still tryna act single right".
Chance reminisces on being broke before the touring days with Childish Gambino. The 2012 Camp Tour was the start to their long lasting friendship and many other collaborations between the two.
"Then one day Donald took me on tour. Young broke Chano ain’t broke no more".
Vic Mensa’s intimate show at The Vic Theater
Vic Mensa has grown not only in age before our eyes but also in character. Mensa fans witnessed his coloring, playful attitude in Kids These Days to his more critical thinking side in There’s Alot Going On. Mensa definitely has a lot going on.
We caught Mensa at The Vic Theater as he makes his move through his There’s A lot going On tour. Mensa will soon join Justin Bieber on a Europe tour. The Southside rapper is rooted in Chicago which made his show a bit more personal.
We caught Mensa’s incredible performance at Lollapalooza were he used riot police guards to help him magnify the messages in "There’s Alot Going On". Mensa brought the same riot police at The Vic to enhance his bold statements. This was clear with his performance of 16 Shots. Dedicated to Laquan McDonald, 16 Shots depicted McDonald’s senseless killing from the hands of the Chicago Police Department. Mensa brought his to life showcasing an otherwise not talked about issue.
Mensa with an arsenal of support of talented rap peers to choose from, Mensa brought out rising star Joey Purp. Purp joined Mensa in their joint record 773. Another Chicago favorite Purp was met with roars of applause.
Mensa brought it back with his record Down On My Luck. Mensa from his successful debut mixtape Innanetape, has not looked back in classic records. On the tail end of the show Mensa performed UMad, his first major collaboration with Kanye West.
Mensa closed off the night with his record There’s Alot Going On his most personal record to date. With his forthcoming full length album his first since signing with Roc Nation were sure to expect the best from Mensa.
Setlist:
- Danger
- Free Love
- New Bae
- Liquor Locker
- Down On My Luck
- Shades of Blue
- 773 (with Joey Purp)
- Holy Holy
- Wolves
- UMad
- There’s A lot Going On
