Chance the Rapper Returns: Six Years Later, Star Line Takes Flight
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
It’s been six long years since Chance the Rapper’s last studio album, The Big Day (2019)—an era remembered as much for its hype as for the criticism that followed. Now, with the August 15, 2025 release of his second studio album, Star Line, Chance is back to reclaim the conversation. And this time, he’s not just making music—he’s making a statement.
Star Line: The Sound of a Rebirth
On Star Line, Chance stretches his wings over 17 tracks, weaving together hip-hop, gospel, soul, and experimental beats. It’s a sonic collage rooted in Chicago but inspired by his travels through Ghana, Jamaica, and global art fairs.
The title itself pays homage to Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line, reimagined as a vessel of cultural connection and diasporic pride. It’s not just music—it’s movement.
Star Power Collaborations
Chance didn’t come alone. The project boasts a heavyweight guest list: Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Jazmine Sullivan, Jay Electronica, Joey Bada$$, Vic Mensa, and Smino. Together, they help turn Star Line into a melting pot of styles and voices. Behind the boards, Chance teams up again with his longtime collaborator DexLvL, ensuring the record’s heartbeat stays authentic.
Themes: From Pain to Purpose
At its core, Star Line is a deeply personal reflection. Chance dives into:
Post-divorce healing and the struggles of co-parenting
Resilience and identity, exploring his place in music and culture
Faith and community, tying his Chicago roots to a larger global legacy
Where The Big Day often felt celebratory but scattered, Star Line feels sharpened and intentional—a map of where he’s been and where he’s going.
Critics Weigh In: Cheers & Side-Eyes
The album has sparked plenty of conversation:
The New Yorker called Star Line “a remarkably paced, improbably consistent listen,” applauding its optimism and layered storytelling.
Pitchfork, ever the skeptic, labeled it “safe and emotionally restrained,” suggesting Chance played it too close to nostalgia rather than pushing bold new ground.
Still, even Pitchfork listed it among their “10 New Albums You Should Hear Now,” proof that whether you love it or critique it, Star Line demands attention.
And We Back: The Tour
Chance is hitting the road with the And We Back Tour, starting September 26 in Houston and wrapping up October 20 in Los Angeles. Stops include New York, Toronto, Boston, and of course, his hometown Chicago, where fans will see if the live show matches the album’s ambition.
For Chance, Star Line isn’t just another album drop—it’s a rebirth. After weathering years of doubt, both personal and professional, this project proves he’s not fading into hip-hop’s “what if” column. Instead, he’s planting himself firmly back in the conversation, with a new chapter of artistry, resilience, and reflection.
Closing line: After six years in the shadows, Chance the Rapper isn’t just back—he’s taking center stage, and he’s steering the ship himself.
The Uncommon Breed
Comments