“You ready big fella?” Chance the Rapper asks the crowd as it roars with a rush of excitement and adrenaline.
Chancellor Jonathan Bennett is a Chicago native. Though he goes by pen name Chance the Rapper, he’s often referred to as Lil Chano and much of his music is influenced by the Chicago “chiraq” scene. Following his heavily popularized release of “Coloring Book,” a mixtape that garnered rave reviews, Chance the Rapper has embarked on his tour, “The Magnificent Coloring Book.” The Bay Area stop of his North American tour was on October 21 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
Chance the Rapper’s concert was incredible. It’s easy to get lost in the throng of people who bear the discomfort of standing room seats in order to see Chance the Rapper up close. Sweaty bodies swamp the auditorium as the crowd thumps up and down to the hopeful, almost dreamlike tunes of ‘No Problem,’ and ‘All Night.’ Ears ring as the bass of the drums vibrate throughout the auditorium.
To say the least, an experience with Chance is an unforgettable one. Almost an hour before the gates opened, a crowd of animated fans already crowded in an endless line that curve around the auditorium building and across the street. The concert was general admission — meaning that loyal fans would have to arrive as early as possible if they wanted to score a good spot on the floor.
Chance the Rapper’s opening act was Francis in the Light, a feature on Chance’s “Summer Friends” song. Francis in the Light sang classics from his recent album release “Farewell, Starlite!” The Oakland native was later joined by the renowned Donnie Trumpet, who brang color to the show by skillfully playing his trumpet, receiving several praises from the crowd.
Aragon junior Sophia Leyva also attended the concert. “[Donnie and Francis and the Lights] were good, but the songs weren’t relevant to our taste buds. I was excited to see Chance himself,” remarks Leyva.
To the crowd’s surprise, Chance the Rapper appeared 30 minutes earlier than his announced showtime as he joined Donnie Trumpet and Francis in Summer Friends, a classic mellow that set a rhythmic tune for his concert. Upon the departure of the opening act, the stage was rearranged with a diverse array of lights and screens that were colorfully displayed throughout Chance’s performance. Puppet characters, such as Carlos the Lion, helped Chance narrate his messages during his rap breaks. Standout tracks such as “Smoke Break” and “Same Drugs” emphasized Chance’s reflection on his road to fame, and how his own difficulties with self-identity and fortune. However, those same songs also reveal his effort to cherish the little moments in his life — the ones which bring him joy and happiness.
Chance the Rapper’s music is remarkably unique in its heavy gospel overtones which he claims provides him guidance and stability within his performance. His beliefs, incorporated into rap tracks such as “How Great” and “Blessings,” reveal his reverence for his faith and for his success.
His ability to reach out into his audience is remarkable. At one point during the show, he even extends his fortune to the audience by asking them to repeat the lyrics “are you ready for your blessings?” During the slower songs, like “Juke Jam,” the crowd is encouraged to bring out their phone, turn on their flashlights, and sway to the hymn.
Chance the Rapper’s energy is infectious. Tracks like “All Night,” “No Problem,” and “Pusha-man” brings the beat in In response, the crowd roars, fisting their hands into the air and dancing recklessly. Confetti and fog pours over the crowd and fans go wild, savoring every moment.
It’s undeniable that Chance the Rapper had the packed audience engaged and enthusiastic, leaving them with an awe-inspiring impression. Truly, “there [wasn’t] no gosh darn part [we couldn’t] tweet” about his show.
