Chance the Rapper returns to Richmond
Photo by Muktaru Jalloh
Hip-hop artist Chance The Rapper’s “Family Matters” tour stopped in Richmond last Thursday night.
Towkio, D.R.A.M, Metro Boomin and Chance performed at The National for a sold out crowd of more than 2,000 fans. The tour is an effort to promote Chance’s 2015 album “Surf,” which he released in May. The album was downloaded 618,000 times on iTunes in its first week and received strong reviews from many music publications.
“Years ago, I came here during my first national tour. Last year I was VCU’s homecoming artist. It means something to be back here,” Chance told the crowd.
Hailing from the southside of Chicago, Illinois, Chance is 22 years old and has now released three highly acclaimed albums: 10 Day, Acid Rap and Surf. His work has also gained the respect of many music greats such as Kanye West, Madonna and Erykah Badu. Earlier this month, JAY Z, Beyonce and Usher attended his show in New York City.
In addition to his artistry, Chance is also a community activist, advocates against gun and gang violence in his hometown. For the past two years, he’s sponsored several non-violence campaigns and even a free music festival in Chicago, in which Grammy winning-recording artist Kendrick Lamar was the surprise guest.
Lines for his Richmond show began as early as 2 p.m. with about 10 fans sitting and waiting in front of the venue in an effort to gain front row access to the show.
The show began with fellow Chicago rapper, Towkio performing a 25-minute set. Soon after, rapper D.R.A.M performed a medley of his songs including his hit, “Cha Cha”. One of the biggest songs of the year, “Cha Cha” peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this summer. In addition, it’s the original reference to Drake’s “Hotline Bling (Cha Cha Remix),” which is currently at number two on the Billboard charts.
“I love you mama! Richmond, it feels good to be home,” D.R.A.M said while on stage.
A Hampton, Virginia native, D.R.A.M was excited to perform in his hometown area. With his mother and many family members in attendance, D.R.A.M made sure to point out them out in the crowd.
The final opening act was hip-hop producer Metro Boomin. The 22 year old produced a majority of rapper Future’s album “Dirty Sprite 2” and Future’s collaborative mixtape with rapper Drake, “What A Time To Be Alive.” The two efforts both debuted number one on the Billboard charts and have been commercially successful.
Spanning nearly 40 minutes, MetroBoomin performed an energy-filled DJ set which got the crowd amped for Chance The Rapper.
At around 10 p.m, Chance appeared to an excited and applause-filled audience. Chance opened the show with his song, “Everybody’s Something” and proceeded to perform album cuts from his first two projects. Backed by his band, The Social Experiment, Chance’s performance featured an elaborate stage set up.
During an intermission, Chance took an opportunity to thank the crowd for their unwavering support of he and his band. In addition to this, Chance talked about the significance the city of Richmond has to him because of his homecoming performance at VCU last year.
Chance’s set ran for an hour and thirty minutes. He performed his biggest songs, which included Acid Rap’s “Pusha Man” and “Good Ass Intro” and Surf’s “Nothing Came to Me” and “Sunday Candy”. He closed the show with his recently released song, “Angels.” The song, which he premiered on Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show, has been well received by his fans.
Jackson Henry, a VCU senior, was one of many VCU students who enjoyed the show. “The show was great. Chance had great energy and performed at optimum as always,” Henry said.“I’ve been a big fan of his since I heard Acid Rap. He’s the most unique artist I’ve ever heard. He’s truly one of a kind.”
The tour stops in Live Oak, Florida on Saturday and ends Nov. 25 in Los Angeles, California.
Online News Editor, Muktaru Jalloh
Muktaru is a senior double majoring in english and political science with a minor in media studies. In his role Muktaru creates, assigns and writes stories pertaining to VCU and the greater Richmond area. Topic areas Muktaru enjoys covering include music, sports, pop culture and politics. // Twitter | Facebook
