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| Cover art for Chance The Rapper's "Coloring Book" (obviously edited by me) |
Once again, a throwback review, I know, I'm being lazy just throwing out reviews from years past, but I figured, might as well get them out there before they aren't seen by anyone.
Anyway, the following is a review I did around the same time I did the Kendrick Lamar 'untitled unmastered' throwback review. This time, I focused on the future grammy winning mixtape 'coloring book', which did get overrated by critics, but when it came out, at the time, I actually liked the sonic direction chance took, even at the expense of rapping.
However, I will say that since "Coloring Book" dropped, it hasn't necessarily aged that well in my view, but upon reviewing my 2016 review of "Coloring Book" I'd say my thoughts are still valid for the most part.
Anyway, we're going to go back in time to a 2016 Joseph S... and here...we...GO!
Chance The Rapper. If you’re reading this, odds are you probably have heard of him from 1 of 2 things. The 1st thing would be for his project called “Acid Rap” released back in 2013 that became a hit among the internets and quickly gained Chance a fan base as well as attention from the music industry. The 2nd thing would be for his feature on critically acclaimed rapper’s album Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo”. On top of being a standout feature on the first track as well as being one of the few rappers who actually got to spit a verse on TLOP. Chance spit what was arguably the best verse on the entire album. (TLOP wasn’t exactly praised for it’s lyrical prowess) So, when it was announced that Chance would be following up his beloved last project “Acid Rap” with another mixtape, expectations and hype went through the roof. Every few weeks or so the internet would get new tidbits of information for the then titled “Chance 3” project. And sooner than later, Chance delivered a project, on Apple Music no less (well, for at least 2 weeks, according to some reports) and yeah, let’s see what Chance has in store for us this time around…
1. All We Got (feat. Kanye West & Chicago Children’s Choir) – Starts off with some nice trumpets. Chance brings the hype on the 1st verse as his voice gets louder and more epic as he’s rapping about his daughter and his child’s mother. The beat is booming and getting more hype, oh man! this is getting good…wait…KANYE! WHAT THE FUCK? Kanye just derailed what could’ve been a great track for the 2nd time this year (the 1st time being on FSMH Pt. 1, I will forever cringe at that “bleached asshole” line). Kanye completely derails this song with an auto tuned hook that literally sounds like it was jammed into the song (just had to get that “featuring Kanye West” credit didn’t you Chance?). The hook does not transition smoothly at ALL from Chance’s verse. Kanye does some additional crooning at the end but it’s too late. Kanye’s hook ruined what could’ve been a fantastic opener to a highly anticipated project. It was like going 120+ MPH in a really fast car and then having to break unexpectedly to avoid crashing. Just completely kills the momentum that was built up. And why couldn’t you spit a verse Kanye? Chance spit a verse for your album, hell, Chance damn near out rapped Kanye on his whole entire album (except for the song “No More Parties in L.A.” Kanye’s 2nd verse on that song is the best verse on TLOP. Good thing Kanye decided to keep the singles he released for TLOP on TLOP or Chance would’ve easily taken the “best verse” award away from Mr. West, on his own album no less.) Cut out Kanye’s parts and you have an A1 song. Unfortunately, Kanye is on a good chunk of this song, so cutting Kanye out would completely butcher it. For what’s it’s worth, Chance did his thing but Kanye absolutely crashed the entire song into a brick wall with his forced sounding, auto tuned hook that doesn’t even sound good. Next track…
2. No Problem (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) – I really need to give “Collegrove” a listen one of these days. Chance is handling the hook on this one (Thank God, can you imagine 2 Chainz making another “Problem” type hook? lol [For reference see his hook on the song: “Fuckin’ Problems” with Drake & A$AP Rocky]) and yeah Chance makes a pretty catchy refrain. Chance’s verse is pretty forgettable though.
“IF ONE MORE LABEL TRY TO STOP ME”
“ITS GON BE SOME DREAD HEAD NIGGAS IN YA LOBBY!“
Is a very catch and memorable refrain (which is technically just part of the hook, but it’s like a pre-hook to the actual hook lol).
And as for 2 Chainz, he spits my favorite verse of the 3 on this song. Although Wayne does an exceptional job on his verse (I thought he was gonna sound wack on here, so glad I was wrong) Chainz sounds way more in tune with the beat. Like the beat gives off a “I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to have made it” vibe and 2 Chainz’s verse exemplifies that the most. While Wayne’s verse is technically alright. Wayne just doesn’t sound like he cares, like he was in the studio like “This is a cool song. Let me spit my verse and do some ad libs and go home.” while Chainz was like “Wow, I really fuck with this beat, I may not have the most technically proficient verse. But I’m gonna makeevery. word. count. and you gonna FEEL this shit!” and that’s what it boils down to. You (or at least I was) feeling the emotion more in 2 Chainz’s verse rather than Wayne’s. Good overall song though. Definitely a highlight on the album. Should’ve been the opener to the album too.
3. Summer Friends (feat. Jeremih & Francis & The Lights) – I don’t know who Francis & The Lights are but they do a fucking fantastic job on the intro of this song. It just sounds so soulful (don’t you agree? lol) and is really uplifting, wish it would’ve lasted longer. It’s incredibly short. (Isn’t ALL great music too short though? lol) Anyway, the beat is low key and was meant to obviously take a backseat to Chance’s lyrics. Chance reminisces on his past and it’s very pleasant. While Francis & The Lights croon in the background Chance ponders losing his friends in the “summer” cause summertime is usually a time where a lot of young people get killed where he’s from (Chicago, Illinois). Jeremih comes through and adds to the pleasantness of this song as well, but honestly, his contribution wasn’t needed. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t really add anything to the song, like the song would not have been incomplete without Jeremih’s part. Not to mention his part is short as fuck, so you can easily overlook Jeremih if you’re not paying attention, but yeah, I fucks with this song, just something to chill out too. Would make great background music as the beats, lyrics and overall feel of the song isn’t too intrusive but’s it’s still kicking in a very low key sort of way. Another good track.
4. D.R.A.M. Sings Special – Wow, D.R.A.M. is underrated. He sounds great on this interlude. The beat, melody and overall production are fucking phenomenal. I dig it, short and sweet. D.R.A.M. needs more exposure, it’s a shame Drake stole his song and retitled it “Hotline Bling” and went on to have one of the biggest hits of 2015, but that’s for a different post on another write up.
5. Blessings (feat. Jamila Woods) – There are 2 tracks titled “Blessings” on “Coloring Book” so I will abbreviate this “Blessings” as “B1” and the other “Blessings” at the end of the project as “B2”. Got it? “B1” for this track “B2” for the last track. Anyway, how is this song? Honestly? Not too bad. It really feels like another interlude, which isn’t a bad thing. This song definitely gives off a “Sunday Candy” type of vibe (the same singer who was prominent on that song is also featured on this song, although she is not listed on Apple Music’s official track listing of the album for some reason). This song was made for those lazy Sundays where you don’t wanna go to church but still want to get your praise on, but still want to keep it Hip Hop. If that’s you, then THIS song is for you! It’s more moody if anything, “moody” in this context meaning, being in a more positive mood, you wouldn’t want to listen to this song while you’re sad (or maybe you would, cause it’s happy sounding and it would uplift you and…nevermind). Chance doesn’t spit anything noteworthy on here though. There’s a Donnie Trumpet reference, but that’s about it. “B1” is really just music to have on in the background as you do other things. The song is take it or leave it for me. I don’t mind hearing it, but I don’t have to hear it, ya feel me? There’s no urgency in this song, it’s justthere. BUT I do like this song for what it is. A cool, lazy-Sunday-praise song.
6. Same Drugs – Feels like an extension of the previous track, but this time the subject matter focuses on him and a metaphorical acquaintance not doing the same “Drugs” anymore (Drugs being a metaphor for various things he doesn’t share with this metaphorical person anymore). Another interlude track disguised as an actual track. Chance, I like you, you can sing, and you’ve got some vocal chops that don’t sound terrible. But you’re Chance The Rapper where the lyrics at son? Where ya bars at? If you were Chance The Pop/R&B Singer/Rapper like say, one Anderson .Paak is, then yeah, you can away with tracks like this, but you’re not. You’re [In Young Thug’s voice] “Chance the motherfucking rapper” let’s hear some rapping man! I know, it’s cool to have nice sing along songs once in a while, but it’s getting to be too much now. This song isn’t bad, but like I said it feels like an extension of the previous track which I liked but it’s not urgent for me to hear these songs. They’re cool, for what they are…but (I hate to sound like one of those “Keep it Hip Hop” assholes but fuck it) Chance, you need to take it back to rapping, as your name entails.
7. Mixtape (feat. Young Thug & Lil Yatchy) – Speak of the devil! Look’s who’s featured on this track! Lol, I’m just kidding. Finally, a change in momentum on “Coloring Book”. The hook is nice, and the beat is alright, literally the definition of an “alright” beat, not bad. Chance spits a verse and I don’t know what he’s talking about (something about how he likes his women tall and shit and women who can “really play ball” which, I personally am not into, as I want a woman, not a God damned NBA point guard, but I digress). But I do know Chance’s hook is pretty damn catchy, it’s pretty nice. Now, as for Young Thug, he’s flowing his ASS OFF. I seriously couldn’t listen to any Young Thug song and see the appeal, but WOW Thugger got me rewinding his verse and shit. That shit was awesome! For me, Young Thug has the best feature on “Coloring Book” simply for showing me the appeal that is “Young Thug”. Now as for this Lil Yatchy, I’ve heard terrible things about him, he can’t rap, he retarded, he’s a retard rapping lol. But yeah, his verse is pretty good, nothing amazing but not terrible either. The auto tune borders on annoying but thankfully the auto tune is not too prominent on his voice. Solid overall track though. And a favorite of mine.
8. Angels (feat. Saba) – I can see why this would get released as a single. The song is very happy-go-lucky, feels like it was made to be played in the daytime while driving to the beach or some shit. Saba’s hook is great, but only for the steel drums that come in while he’s singing his hook. Pretty nice. Will I be personally be replaying this? No. But once again, I can see the appeal and I liked it for what it was. Not bad.
9. Juke Jam (feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio) – Bugatti Biebs coming through once again on his Hip Hop features. Seriously, dude had one of the best verses on Travis Scott’s “Rodeo” album last year and I don’t even like that album lol. Anyway, the best part of this song is Bieber, hands down, when he goes
“We’ve got so much history baby, maybe”
“Maybe you and I were meant to be”
“Maybe I’m crazy”
it’s too fucking nice
This track feels like a spiritual successor to “Summer Friends” except slower and more modern sounding. Nice overall track through and through. Chill beat and chill verses. But once again…Chance! WHERE THE RAPS AT?
10. All Night (feat. Knox Fortune) – What’s with the hate toward this song? This isn’t atrocious in the least bit, as I was lead to believe. Is it the greatest dance nightclub type track ever? Hell no. But this shit is cool. Knox Fortune’s hook is catchy, and that “fart on the seat line” would be cringy to me but I’ve been traumatized by “bleached asshole” so really, nothing phases me anymore when it comes to corny and cringy lines. The track is short as well (only 2 minutes and 22 seconds) so it doesn’t overstay its’ welcome. Not a bad track at all. I know this phrase is getting repetitive to some but I don’t know how else I’m supposed to describe how I’m feeling: “I liked this song for what it was.” (Quoting myself because I can, dealwithit.jpg). It’s just a cool wanna be club dance track.
11. How Great (feat. Jay Electronica & My cousin Nicole) – Wow, the beginning vocals are fucking beautiful. Seriously, if you don’t feel these vocals, you aren’t human. Shit hits the soul man. Even if you don’t mess with the religious subject matter at least appreciate the music prowess and power in this gospel choir’s vocals. Shit makes you wanna go to church and do this. A real, definite highlight on this album. My favorite track on this album as well. It’s better than Kanye’s Ultra Light Beam in my opinion. The raw power in this gospel choir’s vocals are unmatched by anything in ULB. Both tracks are fantastic though, the gospel influence really shines through on here however. When Chance finally comes through, he is actually…spitting? What? Chance The Rapper is rapping? Outrageous! Lol yeah, I wanted more rapping Chance, less singing Chance. Chance drops some really memorable lines on here such as
“My village raised ’em a child, come through the crib and it’s bustin”
“You meet anyone from my city, they gon’ say that we cousins”
and
“My dream girl’s behind me, feel like I’m James Early”
“The type of worship make Jesus come back a day early”
Chance’s verse then abruptly ends and the track goes silent for a couple seconds. And then all of a sudden everyone’s favorite “Best rapper that never was” Jay Motherfuckin’ Electronica comes through and lends a verse to Chano the Rappo. And well? He absolutely kills it, knocks the shit out of the park. Easily the best verse on “Coloring Book”. I have a feeling Jay Elect just hides for one year to deliver his annual verse and then goes back to writing his one yearly verse for the next year. Cause every time he’s featured on a track he delivers his verse flawlessly with enlightening rhymes about vast, complex subjects such as history, racism and religion. It’s pretty bittersweet how good this guy is, but we still can’t get a debut album from him. Oh well, I guess I can go listen to “Eternal Sunshine” (Jay Elect’s only official project that garnered him all this buzz in the 1st place) for the millionth time.
12. Smoke Break (feat. Future) – I wish the subject matter was more meaningful than “we deserve a smoke break” cause musically? This is a very melodic track, which is a good thing in this context. The hook is the best thing about this song. And Future sounds very soulful on this song. Like he’s actually harmonizing and using his vocals while rapping, it reminded me of him on his song “Codeine Crazy” (My all time favorite song by Future). It’s a cool song. Wish Chance would’ve placed the hook at the end of the song one more time instead of an outro though. Also, Chance does more flowing than actual rapping on this song. Ya lacking rhymes Chance! I thought you were Chance The Rapper not Chance The Harmonizer/Person who occasionally rhymes.
13. Finish Line / Drown (feat. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname) – The 1st half “Finish Line” feels like Chance took a leftover theme song from one of those sitcoms like “Full House” that aired on American television back in the 1990s and flipped it and made a heavily influenced gospel hip hop song. The track is upbeat and happy. The hook is infectious and a real highlight of the song. Shoutout to T-Pain who never lost his vocal talent but rather just lost his popularity in the mainstream. Chance’s verses do deal with interesting subject matter but the verses don’t stand out or isn’t as easily as memorable like Noname’s verse on the second half of the track
“Drown”.
Speaking of “Drown” Noname is the female Jay Electronica, she was supposed to release a project called “Telephone” to capitalize on her buzz surrounding her features on popular artist’s records but sadly the project, according to her is “never dropping” which is a damn shame, as she has some serious rhyming ability. The rest of the track after Noname’s verse feels like a “Finish Line Part 2”. The only part that lives up to the song title “Drown” comes from Noname herself and then the song switches back into being “Finish Line 2: Electric Boogaloo” The song is okay overall, but I’m not going back to it anytime soon.
14. Blessings (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – B2 is way better than B1 in my humble opinion. The production allows Chance to get intimate with the listener as Chance spits heartfelt lines about his life so far. Chance reminisces and marvels on his rise to fame and how his faith keeps him strong through it all. Overall, this is Chance’s victory lap and thank you speech to God for allowing to get this far in the game. Ty Dolla $ign, BJ The Chicago Kid, Raury, Anderson .Paak, Nico Segal, Lolah Brown and Chance himself close out the track with a soothing, smooth as butter outro that’s as uplifting as the song title suggests. B2 really does feel like you’re about to receive some sort of blessing. I’m really feeling this track, good way to end the project, Chance.
Overall, did Chance deliver? Well, yes, but not in a way you might expect. Chance made a great choice going in the direction of gospel music because it allows him to smartly upgrade and mature his sound while retaining his happy-go-lucky essence that made so many (including myself) fall in love with his rap style. But there in lies another problem as on “Coloring Book” Chance’s raps take a backseat in favor of grand, luscious production and major guest vocalists and features. If one didn’t know better, it would seem like this is a compilation album with all these big name features on it. The spotlight is more on the production and features than it is on Chance himself. When one compares this to “Acid Rap” there’s a noticeable lack of rapping. Hell, the best verse is spit by a guest feature (to be fair, it is fairly hard to out rap Jay Electronica). So, musically? Yay. Lyrically? Nay. This would make for a good introduction for someone unfamiliar with Chance like I was. But I see why “Acid Rap” is still highly regarded over “Coloring Book” as you don’t really learn anything about Chance other than he loves God and has strong religious faith. The music takes precedence over the message and lyrics, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But in Hip Hop, lyrics are very important, arguably more so than in any other genre of music. If Chance had never established himself as a rapper in the first place, he could pull an Anderson .Paak and release a project where he’s doing it all (singing and some rapping at times) but that is not the case however. For being such a highly anticipated Hip Hop release, it delivers musically, but not lyrically, and depending on who you ask, that could make all the difference on whether that project is enjoyable to them or not. As for me? “Coloring Book” was enjoyable to me, as I do believe lyrics aren’t everything. But for a full length Hip Hop album as a rapper? It fails on that front.”Coloring Book” is an upgrade sonically, in a different, more gospel influenced direction. But the lyrics, themes and overall different messages of “Coloring Book” is lost among the grand, bombastic production. Which is the real downfall of “Coloring Book” as it trades lyrics and making sure the different messages are heard for musicality and production.
Favorite Tracks: No Problem, Summer Friends, D.R.A.M. Sings Special, Mixtape, Juke Jam, How Great, B2
Least Favorite Track: All We Got
I give “Coloring Book” a 7/10.
written by Joseph Sanker II in 2016.
1. All We Got (feat. Kanye West & Chicago Children’s Choir) – Starts off with some nice trumpets. Chance brings the hype on the 1st verse as his voice gets louder and more epic as he’s rapping about his daughter and his child’s mother. The beat is booming and getting more hype, oh man! this is getting good…wait…KANYE! WHAT THE FUCK? Kanye just derailed what could’ve been a great track for the 2nd time this year (the 1st time being on FSMH Pt. 1, I will forever cringe at that “bleached asshole” line). Kanye completely derails this song with an auto tuned hook that literally sounds like it was jammed into the song (just had to get that “featuring Kanye West” credit didn’t you Chance?). The hook does not transition smoothly at ALL from Chance’s verse. Kanye does some additional crooning at the end but it’s too late. Kanye’s hook ruined what could’ve been a fantastic opener to a highly anticipated project. It was like going 120+ MPH in a really fast car and then having to break unexpectedly to avoid crashing. Just completely kills the momentum that was built up. And why couldn’t you spit a verse Kanye? Chance spit a verse for your album, hell, Chance damn near out rapped Kanye on his whole entire album (except for the song “No More Parties in L.A.” Kanye’s 2nd verse on that song is the best verse on TLOP. Good thing Kanye decided to keep the singles he released for TLOP on TLOP or Chance would’ve easily taken the “best verse” award away from Mr. West, on his own album no less.) Cut out Kanye’s parts and you have an A1 song. Unfortunately, Kanye is on a good chunk of this song, so cutting Kanye out would completely butcher it. For what’s it’s worth, Chance did his thing but Kanye absolutely crashed the entire song into a brick wall with his forced sounding, auto tuned hook that doesn’t even sound good. Next track…
2. No Problem (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) – I really need to give “Collegrove” a listen one of these days. Chance is handling the hook on this one (Thank God, can you imagine 2 Chainz making another “Problem” type hook? lol [For reference see his hook on the song: “Fuckin’ Problems” with Drake & A$AP Rocky]) and yeah Chance makes a pretty catchy refrain. Chance’s verse is pretty forgettable though.
“IF ONE MORE LABEL TRY TO STOP ME”
“ITS GON BE SOME DREAD HEAD NIGGAS IN YA LOBBY!“
Is a very catch and memorable refrain (which is technically just part of the hook, but it’s like a pre-hook to the actual hook lol).
And as for 2 Chainz, he spits my favorite verse of the 3 on this song. Although Wayne does an exceptional job on his verse (I thought he was gonna sound wack on here, so glad I was wrong) Chainz sounds way more in tune with the beat. Like the beat gives off a “I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to have made it” vibe and 2 Chainz’s verse exemplifies that the most. While Wayne’s verse is technically alright. Wayne just doesn’t sound like he cares, like he was in the studio like “This is a cool song. Let me spit my verse and do some ad libs and go home.” while Chainz was like “Wow, I really fuck with this beat, I may not have the most technically proficient verse. But I’m gonna makeevery. word. count. and you gonna FEEL this shit!” and that’s what it boils down to. You (or at least I was) feeling the emotion more in 2 Chainz’s verse rather than Wayne’s. Good overall song though. Definitely a highlight on the album. Should’ve been the opener to the album too.
3. Summer Friends (feat. Jeremih & Francis & The Lights) – I don’t know who Francis & The Lights are but they do a fucking fantastic job on the intro of this song. It just sounds so soulful (don’t you agree? lol) and is really uplifting, wish it would’ve lasted longer. It’s incredibly short. (Isn’t ALL great music too short though? lol) Anyway, the beat is low key and was meant to obviously take a backseat to Chance’s lyrics. Chance reminisces on his past and it’s very pleasant. While Francis & The Lights croon in the background Chance ponders losing his friends in the “summer” cause summertime is usually a time where a lot of young people get killed where he’s from (Chicago, Illinois). Jeremih comes through and adds to the pleasantness of this song as well, but honestly, his contribution wasn’t needed. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t really add anything to the song, like the song would not have been incomplete without Jeremih’s part. Not to mention his part is short as fuck, so you can easily overlook Jeremih if you’re not paying attention, but yeah, I fucks with this song, just something to chill out too. Would make great background music as the beats, lyrics and overall feel of the song isn’t too intrusive but’s it’s still kicking in a very low key sort of way. Another good track.
4. D.R.A.M. Sings Special – Wow, D.R.A.M. is underrated. He sounds great on this interlude. The beat, melody and overall production are fucking phenomenal. I dig it, short and sweet. D.R.A.M. needs more exposure, it’s a shame Drake stole his song and retitled it “Hotline Bling” and went on to have one of the biggest hits of 2015, but that’s for a different post on another write up.
5. Blessings (feat. Jamila Woods) – There are 2 tracks titled “Blessings” on “Coloring Book” so I will abbreviate this “Blessings” as “B1” and the other “Blessings” at the end of the project as “B2”. Got it? “B1” for this track “B2” for the last track. Anyway, how is this song? Honestly? Not too bad. It really feels like another interlude, which isn’t a bad thing. This song definitely gives off a “Sunday Candy” type of vibe (the same singer who was prominent on that song is also featured on this song, although she is not listed on Apple Music’s official track listing of the album for some reason). This song was made for those lazy Sundays where you don’t wanna go to church but still want to get your praise on, but still want to keep it Hip Hop. If that’s you, then THIS song is for you! It’s more moody if anything, “moody” in this context meaning, being in a more positive mood, you wouldn’t want to listen to this song while you’re sad (or maybe you would, cause it’s happy sounding and it would uplift you and…nevermind). Chance doesn’t spit anything noteworthy on here though. There’s a Donnie Trumpet reference, but that’s about it. “B1” is really just music to have on in the background as you do other things. The song is take it or leave it for me. I don’t mind hearing it, but I don’t have to hear it, ya feel me? There’s no urgency in this song, it’s justthere. BUT I do like this song for what it is. A cool, lazy-Sunday-praise song.
6. Same Drugs – Feels like an extension of the previous track, but this time the subject matter focuses on him and a metaphorical acquaintance not doing the same “Drugs” anymore (Drugs being a metaphor for various things he doesn’t share with this metaphorical person anymore). Another interlude track disguised as an actual track. Chance, I like you, you can sing, and you’ve got some vocal chops that don’t sound terrible. But you’re Chance The Rapper where the lyrics at son? Where ya bars at? If you were Chance The Pop/R&B Singer/Rapper like say, one Anderson .Paak is, then yeah, you can away with tracks like this, but you’re not. You’re [In Young Thug’s voice] “Chance the motherfucking rapper” let’s hear some rapping man! I know, it’s cool to have nice sing along songs once in a while, but it’s getting to be too much now. This song isn’t bad, but like I said it feels like an extension of the previous track which I liked but it’s not urgent for me to hear these songs. They’re cool, for what they are…but (I hate to sound like one of those “Keep it Hip Hop” assholes but fuck it) Chance, you need to take it back to rapping, as your name entails.
7. Mixtape (feat. Young Thug & Lil Yatchy) – Speak of the devil! Look’s who’s featured on this track! Lol, I’m just kidding. Finally, a change in momentum on “Coloring Book”. The hook is nice, and the beat is alright, literally the definition of an “alright” beat, not bad. Chance spits a verse and I don’t know what he’s talking about (something about how he likes his women tall and shit and women who can “really play ball” which, I personally am not into, as I want a woman, not a God damned NBA point guard, but I digress). But I do know Chance’s hook is pretty damn catchy, it’s pretty nice. Now, as for Young Thug, he’s flowing his ASS OFF. I seriously couldn’t listen to any Young Thug song and see the appeal, but WOW Thugger got me rewinding his verse and shit. That shit was awesome! For me, Young Thug has the best feature on “Coloring Book” simply for showing me the appeal that is “Young Thug”. Now as for this Lil Yatchy, I’ve heard terrible things about him, he can’t rap, he retarded, he’s a retard rapping lol. But yeah, his verse is pretty good, nothing amazing but not terrible either. The auto tune borders on annoying but thankfully the auto tune is not too prominent on his voice. Solid overall track though. And a favorite of mine.
8. Angels (feat. Saba) – I can see why this would get released as a single. The song is very happy-go-lucky, feels like it was made to be played in the daytime while driving to the beach or some shit. Saba’s hook is great, but only for the steel drums that come in while he’s singing his hook. Pretty nice. Will I be personally be replaying this? No. But once again, I can see the appeal and I liked it for what it was. Not bad.
9. Juke Jam (feat. Justin Bieber & Towkio) – Bugatti Biebs coming through once again on his Hip Hop features. Seriously, dude had one of the best verses on Travis Scott’s “Rodeo” album last year and I don’t even like that album lol. Anyway, the best part of this song is Bieber, hands down, when he goes
“We’ve got so much history baby, maybe”
“Maybe you and I were meant to be”
“Maybe I’m crazy”
it’s too fucking nice
This track feels like a spiritual successor to “Summer Friends” except slower and more modern sounding. Nice overall track through and through. Chill beat and chill verses. But once again…Chance! WHERE THE RAPS AT?
10. All Night (feat. Knox Fortune) – What’s with the hate toward this song? This isn’t atrocious in the least bit, as I was lead to believe. Is it the greatest dance nightclub type track ever? Hell no. But this shit is cool. Knox Fortune’s hook is catchy, and that “fart on the seat line” would be cringy to me but I’ve been traumatized by “bleached asshole” so really, nothing phases me anymore when it comes to corny and cringy lines. The track is short as well (only 2 minutes and 22 seconds) so it doesn’t overstay its’ welcome. Not a bad track at all. I know this phrase is getting repetitive to some but I don’t know how else I’m supposed to describe how I’m feeling: “I liked this song for what it was.” (Quoting myself because I can, dealwithit.jpg). It’s just a cool wanna be club dance track.
11. How Great (feat. Jay Electronica & My cousin Nicole) – Wow, the beginning vocals are fucking beautiful. Seriously, if you don’t feel these vocals, you aren’t human. Shit hits the soul man. Even if you don’t mess with the religious subject matter at least appreciate the music prowess and power in this gospel choir’s vocals. Shit makes you wanna go to church and do this. A real, definite highlight on this album. My favorite track on this album as well. It’s better than Kanye’s Ultra Light Beam in my opinion. The raw power in this gospel choir’s vocals are unmatched by anything in ULB. Both tracks are fantastic though, the gospel influence really shines through on here however. When Chance finally comes through, he is actually…spitting? What? Chance The Rapper is rapping? Outrageous! Lol yeah, I wanted more rapping Chance, less singing Chance. Chance drops some really memorable lines on here such as
“My village raised ’em a child, come through the crib and it’s bustin”
“You meet anyone from my city, they gon’ say that we cousins”
and
“My dream girl’s behind me, feel like I’m James Early”
“The type of worship make Jesus come back a day early”
Chance’s verse then abruptly ends and the track goes silent for a couple seconds. And then all of a sudden everyone’s favorite “Best rapper that never was” Jay Motherfuckin’ Electronica comes through and lends a verse to Chano the Rappo. And well? He absolutely kills it, knocks the shit out of the park. Easily the best verse on “Coloring Book”. I have a feeling Jay Elect just hides for one year to deliver his annual verse and then goes back to writing his one yearly verse for the next year. Cause every time he’s featured on a track he delivers his verse flawlessly with enlightening rhymes about vast, complex subjects such as history, racism and religion. It’s pretty bittersweet how good this guy is, but we still can’t get a debut album from him. Oh well, I guess I can go listen to “Eternal Sunshine” (Jay Elect’s only official project that garnered him all this buzz in the 1st place) for the millionth time.
12. Smoke Break (feat. Future) – I wish the subject matter was more meaningful than “we deserve a smoke break” cause musically? This is a very melodic track, which is a good thing in this context. The hook is the best thing about this song. And Future sounds very soulful on this song. Like he’s actually harmonizing and using his vocals while rapping, it reminded me of him on his song “Codeine Crazy” (My all time favorite song by Future). It’s a cool song. Wish Chance would’ve placed the hook at the end of the song one more time instead of an outro though. Also, Chance does more flowing than actual rapping on this song. Ya lacking rhymes Chance! I thought you were Chance The Rapper not Chance The Harmonizer/Person who occasionally rhymes.
13. Finish Line / Drown (feat. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname) – The 1st half “Finish Line” feels like Chance took a leftover theme song from one of those sitcoms like “Full House” that aired on American television back in the 1990s and flipped it and made a heavily influenced gospel hip hop song. The track is upbeat and happy. The hook is infectious and a real highlight of the song. Shoutout to T-Pain who never lost his vocal talent but rather just lost his popularity in the mainstream. Chance’s verses do deal with interesting subject matter but the verses don’t stand out or isn’t as easily as memorable like Noname’s verse on the second half of the track
“Drown”.
Speaking of “Drown” Noname is the female Jay Electronica, she was supposed to release a project called “Telephone” to capitalize on her buzz surrounding her features on popular artist’s records but sadly the project, according to her is “never dropping” which is a damn shame, as she has some serious rhyming ability. The rest of the track after Noname’s verse feels like a “Finish Line Part 2”. The only part that lives up to the song title “Drown” comes from Noname herself and then the song switches back into being “Finish Line 2: Electric Boogaloo” The song is okay overall, but I’m not going back to it anytime soon.
14. Blessings (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – B2 is way better than B1 in my humble opinion. The production allows Chance to get intimate with the listener as Chance spits heartfelt lines about his life so far. Chance reminisces and marvels on his rise to fame and how his faith keeps him strong through it all. Overall, this is Chance’s victory lap and thank you speech to God for allowing to get this far in the game. Ty Dolla $ign, BJ The Chicago Kid, Raury, Anderson .Paak, Nico Segal, Lolah Brown and Chance himself close out the track with a soothing, smooth as butter outro that’s as uplifting as the song title suggests. B2 really does feel like you’re about to receive some sort of blessing. I’m really feeling this track, good way to end the project, Chance.
Overall, did Chance deliver? Well, yes, but not in a way you might expect. Chance made a great choice going in the direction of gospel music because it allows him to smartly upgrade and mature his sound while retaining his happy-go-lucky essence that made so many (including myself) fall in love with his rap style. But there in lies another problem as on “Coloring Book” Chance’s raps take a backseat in favor of grand, luscious production and major guest vocalists and features. If one didn’t know better, it would seem like this is a compilation album with all these big name features on it. The spotlight is more on the production and features than it is on Chance himself. When one compares this to “Acid Rap” there’s a noticeable lack of rapping. Hell, the best verse is spit by a guest feature (to be fair, it is fairly hard to out rap Jay Electronica). So, musically? Yay. Lyrically? Nay. This would make for a good introduction for someone unfamiliar with Chance like I was. But I see why “Acid Rap” is still highly regarded over “Coloring Book” as you don’t really learn anything about Chance other than he loves God and has strong religious faith. The music takes precedence over the message and lyrics, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But in Hip Hop, lyrics are very important, arguably more so than in any other genre of music. If Chance had never established himself as a rapper in the first place, he could pull an Anderson .Paak and release a project where he’s doing it all (singing and some rapping at times) but that is not the case however. For being such a highly anticipated Hip Hop release, it delivers musically, but not lyrically, and depending on who you ask, that could make all the difference on whether that project is enjoyable to them or not. As for me? “Coloring Book” was enjoyable to me, as I do believe lyrics aren’t everything. But for a full length Hip Hop album as a rapper? It fails on that front.”Coloring Book” is an upgrade sonically, in a different, more gospel influenced direction. But the lyrics, themes and overall different messages of “Coloring Book” is lost among the grand, bombastic production. Which is the real downfall of “Coloring Book” as it trades lyrics and making sure the different messages are heard for musicality and production.
Favorite Tracks: No Problem, Summer Friends, D.R.A.M. Sings Special, Mixtape, Juke Jam, How Great, B2
Least Favorite Track: All We Got
I give “Coloring Book” a 7/10.
written by Joseph Sanker II in 2016.
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Until next time! Peace out! One.
Written by Joseph Sanker II
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