Concert Reviews

Chance the Rapper at Budweiser Stage

Photos by Neil Van.

Chance the Rapper had a whirlwind of a year since the release of his third mixtape, Coloring Book. On the music front, he’s two tours deep, holds three Grammy trophies, and even released a holiday mixtape with Jeremih. Back in his hometown Chicago, Chance continued to share love with his community. He donated to public schools, launched an arts fund, organized secret My Coloring World events for top fans, and held his first Magnificent Coloring Day festival in the city. And yes, he’s still unsigned.

There is plenty to be in awe of when it comes to Chance’s story. Last week, he channeled the positivity and triumph underscoring his work during the aptly named Be Encouraged tour in Toronto. A follow-up on a postponed date (and the official opening of the music season at Budweiser Stage), Chance inspired all with a bright, streamer and pyrotechnic filled set that was eventually cut short due to thunderstorms.

Chance zipped onto the stage on a mini-motorbike before kicking-off his set, which mainly consisted of songs off of Coloring Book. Polished graphics lit up the stage as Chance rolled through songs like “Angels” and “All We Got, with punny takes on record label names and his Grammys making their way across the backdrop during the roaring “No Problem”. It was just one of the many ways Chance made his performance a celebration.

That celebration included a look at the past and the now; Acid Rap numbers “Cocoa Butter Kisses” and “Favourite Songs” made the crowd buzz with old school joy, while a rendition of the DJ Khaled hit “I’m the One” was the perfect summer kick-off moment. While Chance’s bubbling positivity and authenticity can be traced in every moment of the Be Encouraged tour, there was a sweet genuineness to his tribute for Kanye West. Images of the pair played out while Chance performed a medley of “Waves”, “Father Stretch My Hands”, and a standout ballad take of “Ultralight Beam, leading to a reflection of a collaborative friendship.

The night was forced to give into the thunderstorm and close up early. However, Chance squeezed in “Blessings” before saying farewell; an almost prophetic note of hope, well wishes, and faith that paired too perfectly with the sudden rainfall. Chance the Rapper is all grown up. As fans, watching his journey unfold is a beautiful story in itself; but that night, under the rainfall, fans were left with a message that they could aspire to achieve anything that they wanted. There’s nothing more encouraging than that.

About author

Mehek is a Toronto-based writer who dwells in music, film, tech, and everything in between. Find her on Twitter at @whatthemehek where she’s probably talking about the latest release, sharing GIFs, or retelling her awkward encounter with Childish Gambino.