Chance the Rapper Reclaims His Glow on Star Line
Written by Malik Perkins
August 20th, 2025
Source: Manuel Martinez, WBEZ
After six years without a solo album, Chance the Rapper has returned with Star Line, his first full-length project since 2019’s The Big Day. Announced back in 2022 and shaped by travels to Ghana, Jamaica, and beyond, the album delivers a mix of hip-hop, soul, and experimental sounds while staying rooted in Chicago and Black culture across the diaspora.
Star Line is stacked with features, but none of them feel wasted. Lil Wayne and Smino bring energy to “Tree,” Young Thug joins Chance on “Gun in Yo Purse,” and Joey Bada$$ helps elevate “The Highs & the Lows.” Jay Electronica appears on “Just a Drop,” BJ the Chicago Kid shines on “The Negro Problem,” Jamila Woods lends her voice to “No More Old Men,” and longtime collaborator Vic Mensa returns for “Back to the Go.” The roster rounds out with BabyChiefDoIt on “Drapetomania” and Jazmine Sullivan on the stunning closer, “Speed of Love.”
The album’s highlights show Chance at his sharpest in years. “The Negro Problem” is one of his most powerful songs, tackling themes of identity and generational trauma. “Letters” offers dense reflections on faith and the Black experience, while “Back to the Go” captures personal vulnerability alongside Vic Mensa. Yet the record also makes space for lighter moments — “Ride” channels the carefree joy of Chance’s early work, “Burn Ya Block” provides playful energy, and “Pretty” finds him in a self-celebratory mood.
Not every track lands perfectly. “Link Me in the Future” and “Space & Time” drift without much impact, but they don’t derail the overall flow. By the time the album closes with Jazmine Sullivan on “Speed of Love,” Chance has brought the journey full circle — reflecting on loss, growth, and purpose while still finding light in the process.
With Star Line, Chance the Rapper delivers his most focused and consistent work since Coloring Book. It’s thoughtful, joyful, and ambitious without losing its grounding. For fans who wondered whether he could bounce back, this album is a confident reminder that Chance still has plenty to say — and the vision to say it well. Verge Monarch rates it 9 out of 10.
