Chance The Rapper performed at The Union Event Center on September 29, 2026, a celebration of his 2016 album, Coloring Book. It makes sense to revisit that one, too, as it had plenty of fans; he won three Grammys that year, one for the album and another for Best New Artist. Coming out this way to perform those tunes constitutes a victory lap, and it came with its share of swagger, both real and perceived. Understand me when I say this: there were droves of fans there to meet him, to rap along with him, to get showered by confetti and smoke.
Count me among one of his peripheral fans, but I’m a fan all the same. The rapper came onto my radar in a roundabout way. A little Americana band I knew in Denver (King Cardinal) covered his “Same Drugs” and shot right to the top of the college radio charts with it. They even copied his gospel-inflections and believably so, and it may still be their most-streamed song. It was the start of something beautiful. I started seeking more of his music out and easily liked it. So when they yelled at (instructed?) us to throw up our hands during “Blessings,” I did not hesitate. One of his best songs, too.
Besides, you should go see the bands you just kind of like. Go see the bands you know that only have one song you can’t get enough of. Go simply because the word on the street is they know what they’re doing on tour. That’s all you need. It’s how music ought to be experienced. And it will allow you to tap into some well-deserved joy and artistry.
Chance The Rapper took the stage with nothing but a drummer, a couple of microphones, and a deejay. They’re all he needed, he said, and he’s always made and produced music with them since the beginning. The trio was somehow able to play 24 songs in about 90 minutes’ time, including “Smoke Break”, “No Problem” and “Angels”. That’s just good planning.
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