Chicago native Chance the Rapper partnered with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for a unique promotional event on Friday, October 8, 2025. The artist took over a Red Line train, rebranding it the “Star Line” to celebrate the release of his new album and his deep connection to the city's public transit system.
The event featured a surprise appearance by the rapper, who joined dozens of fans for a ride from downtown to the city's South Side. The day was part of a celebratory weekend for Chance, which also included a major hometown concert and a special anniversary performance.
Key Takeaways
- Chance the Rapper hosted a private fan event on a CTA Red Line train, renaming it the “Star Line” to promote his new album.
- The train journeyed from downtown Chicago to the 79th Street station, a route Chance used as a high school student.
- The event included a pop-up celebration with speeches from Chance and CTA leadership, emphasizing community and connection.
- The weekend also featured a concert at Northerly Island and a 10th-anniversary performance of the album “Surf” with The Social Experiment.
A Unique Partnership with Chicago Transit
The collaboration between Chance the Rapper and the CTA began early Friday morning. Fans gathered near Harrison and Wabash before boarding a specially decorated train. The rail cars were wrapped in artwork from his new album, “Star Line,” transforming the public transport vehicle into a mobile listening party.
As the train moved south, Chance made his way through the cars, personally greeting fans. He performed songs, danced, and interacted with the surprised passengers while his new album played over the train's speakers. The journey culminated at the 79th Street station in the Chatham neighborhood.
Celebrating a Personal Connection
At the 79th Street station, a pop-up celebration was organized with balloons, merchandise, and a stage for speakers. Chance, now 32, addressed the crowd, explaining the personal significance of the location and the transit line.
“This partnership is so important because I grew up taking the train from 79th to everywhere,” Chance stated. He recalled taking the same route to attend Jones College Prep High School, from which he graduated in 2011.
He connected the theme of his album to the function of the city's transit system. “All the [CTA] lines, they create a pathway for connection and opportunity for people to meet up and build community. And that’s what ‘Star Line’ is about,” he explained.
The CTA's Role in Chicago
The Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest public transportation system in the United States, providing nearly two million rides on an average weekday. The 'L' train system, with its iconic elevated tracks, is a symbol of the city and a vital artery for its residents, connecting diverse neighborhoods across Chicago.
Official Remarks and Fan Reactions
CTA interim President Nora Leerhsen also spoke at the 79th Street event. She highlighted her shared appreciation for the transit system with the artist and described the event as a way to “celebrate Chance and what he’s been for this city for so long.”
Leerhsen told Block Club Chicago, “I hope [this event] really gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate what we all feel about CTA, the memories we all have together on this on this system, how we grew up together.” She also announced that Chance will be a future guest on the CTA's official podcast, “Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA.”
Fans who secured a spot on the train were thrilled. Sam Wilson, a Detroit native who moved to Chicago four years ago, learned about the event through a text message service from Chance's team. “I really, really love Chance and his music has played a huge role in my development,” Wilson said. After texting a number she found on YouTube Music, she received a random invitation and was selected to attend.
From Red Line to Star Line
- Event Date: October 8, 2025
- Location: CTA Red Line, from downtown to 79th Street
- Purpose: Promotion for the new album “Star Line”
- Participants: Chance the Rapper, CTA officials, and dozens of fans
A Packed Homecoming Weekend
The CTA event was the start of a busy weekend for the Chicago artist. On Friday night, he performed a homecoming show on his “And We Back” tour at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. During the concert, he brought out several special guests, including fellow Chicago artists Vic Mensa and Jamila Woods, as well as teen rapper BabyChiefDoIt.
Anniversary Performance with The Social Experiment
On Saturday, the celebration continued at the Metro in Wrigleyville. Chance rejoined his collaborators Nico Segal and The Social Experiment to mark the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed 2015 album, “Surf.” The group, which also includes Peter CottonTale, Nate Fox, and Greg “Stix” Landfair Jr., performed hits like “Sunday Candy” from the genre-blending project.
The weekend's events underscored Chance's deep ties to his hometown, from its public transit to its vibrant music scene. His new album, “Star Line,” has been submitted for consideration for major music awards, continuing his influential career rooted in the city of Chicago.