CHANCE THE RAPPER

Coloring Book Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these genres, rap and gospel. Officiating is none other than lyrical clergyman Chance the Rapper. While most MCs waste precious bars on lustful boasts, Chance effortlessly evokes true love in a single couplet: “Man, my daughter couldn’t have a better mother / If she ever find another, he better love her,” as horn players blast a forthright “Amen!” It’s the first of many transcendent moments: Chance’s zealous lyrical gratitude to the most high, over soulful organ notes, on “Blessings”; the spine-tingling “oohs” of the backing choir mingling with minimalist piano and strategic string notes on “Same Drugs.” Of course, he also has some compelling transgressions, like when he unleashes gleeful aggression on the mixtape’s catchiest song, “No Problem.” More impressive is Chance’s openhearted vulnerability and humility throughout Coloring Book. He vividly recounts both the absentee dads in his Chicago slum, and his mother’s tireless efforts, over Francis and the Lights’ haunting, Bon Iver-esque singing on “Summer Friends.” Meanwhile, his humility shines through on countless occasions, be it relinquishing the opening track’s first moments to Donnie Trumpet’s horn squeals, his shout-outs to mentors like Kanye West, or damn near the entirety of the closing, epic praise hymn “Finish Line / Drown.” Coloring Book is a spirited musical sermon, and Chance’s fellow MCs will covet its perfect union of gospel and rap. Those other rappers had better speak now, or forever hold their peace. (chanceraps.com) KYLE MULLIN