Chance the Rapper returned to the stage at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Friday, October 10, 2025, as part of his "And We Back Tour." The performance marked a significant moment for the artist, who used the platform to address important civic issues while showcasing new music from his latest album, "Star Line."
Key Takeaways
- Chance the Rapper performed in Chicago as part of his "And We Back Tour."
- He addressed current political issues, emphasizing Chicago's historical resilience.
- The set featured 17 songs from his new album, "Star Line," released after a six-year hiatus.
- "Star Line" explores themes of the African diaspora and Black liberation.
- Several Chicago collaborators joined him on stage, highlighting local talent.
Chance the Rapper Addresses Chicago's Role
During his performance, Chance the Rapper spoke directly to the audience about the city's importance. He highlighted Chicago's historical strength and its current position in national conversations.
"This is a crucial time and you live in one of the most important cities in the world, believe it," Chance declared to the engaged crowd. "Not just 'cause of today, but historically. I hope you know your history. I hope you take the time to look up what happens throughout history in Chicago any time [people] try and bully us. The power is in the hands of the people, the fight towards liberation continues and I’m so proud of y’all. I’m so proud to call myself a Chicagoan."
This statement resonated with many attendees. It reinforced the artist's long-standing connection to his hometown, West Chatham, and his commitment to its residents. His pride in Chicago has always been a key part of his public persona, but recent events have made it even more prominent.
Background on Immigration Enforcement
At the time of the concert, the city of Chicago was in the national spotlight due to increased immigration enforcement efforts by the Trump administration. This political climate added another layer of meaning to Chance's remarks about community power and resistance.
"Star Line" Album Takes Center Stage
The concert heavily featured tracks from Chance's latest album, "Star Line," released in August after a six-year break. Approximately 17 songs from the new project were included in the 100-minute set. These new songs were interspersed with established hits like "No Problem" and "Blessings."
The album represents a new direction for Chance, blending his artistic expression with his activist roots. It delves into the connections of the African diaspora and the Black experience globally. The album's title, "Star Line," draws inspiration from the Black Star Line. This initiative was founded by Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey. Its goal was to foster economic independence and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the U.S. and Africa.
Inspiration for "Star Line"
- The album is named after the Black Star Line, a shipping company founded by Marcus Garvey.
- Garvey's initiative aimed to promote Black liberation and economic self-sufficiency.
- Chance's own travels to Jamaica and Ghana, and his co-hosting of the 2023 Star Line Festival with Vic Mensa, also influenced the album.
New Material Reflects Current Times
Unlike some of his earlier, more upbeat tracks, the new material from "Star Line" carried a more serious tone. This felt appropriate given the current social and political landscape. For instance, the song "Gun In Yo Purse" advocates for women's safety. Another track, "Tree," addresses marijuana advocacy and broader inequities in Black entrepreneurship.
During these performances, lyrics from each song were displayed on a black screen behind Chance. This visual element ensured that the audience could fully engage with the powerful and often rebellious messages. It underscored the importance of the words being shared.
Chance dedicated the entire set to prominent political figures. He honored the late revolutionary Assata Shakur and political activist Angela Davis. This dedication further emphasized the activist themes present in his new work.
Collaborations and Chicago Talent
The concert also celebrated Chicago's vibrant hip-hop scene. Chance brought out several collaborators who worked on the "Star Line" album. Fellow Chicago artist Vic Mensa joined him for the song "Back to the Go." Additionally, 17-year-old rising rapper BabyChiefDoIt performed the song "Drapetomania," an anthem against immigration enforcement.
The evening began with a performance by Chance's brother, Taylor Bennett. Taylor, who is touring with his sibling for the first time, performed hits such as "Champagne Tears," "Be Yourself," and "Roof Gone." He also featured special guests like Englewood rapper Lil Moo and Chatham's Adamn Killa. DJ Oreo and Chicago rap trio Do Or Die, celebrating 30 years in music, also performed, showcasing the depth of Chicago's hip-hop legacy.
Notable Collaborators at the Concert
- Vic Mensa: Performed "Back to the Go"
- BabyChiefDoIt: Performed "Drapetomania"
- Taylor Bennett: Opened the show with his own set and guests Lil Moo and Adamn Killa
- Do Or Die: Celebrated 30 years in hip-hop
- Jamila Woods: Performed "No More Old Men"
One of the most impactful collaborations was with Jamila Woods. Chance described her as his mentor and "one of the greatest writers and vocalists." Woods joined him for the song "No More Old Men." This provocative piece addresses the loss of Black men in Chicago due to violence and inadequate healthcare. Chance expressed his hope that this song will win "Song of the Year" at the Grammys. He and his team recently submitted "Star Line" and several of its tracks for consideration in nine Grammy categories.
"And We Back Tour" and Local Presence
The tour's title, "And We Back," might seem misleading to Chicago residents. Chance clarified that while the rest of the world might perceive his return as a comeback after a six-year album gap, he has remained active in Chicago. He explained his consistent presence in the city over the past six years.
During this period, Chance engaged in various local initiatives through his Social Works nonprofit. He was involved in the opening of the Ramova Theater and made appearances at events like Lollapalooza, where he previewed "Star Line" in August. "Some of y’all probably ran into me before at McDonald’s or at Target or Skyzone or something. I hope to continue to see you all out there," he told the audience, emphasizing his local roots. For Chicago, Chance is not making a comeback; he is simply continuing his ongoing engagement with the community.