By now, just about everyone who follows new music has heard of Chance the Rapper. This is remarkable considering his lack of a radio single, let alone a label backed album. Full of unique flows, awkward squawks and drug-laced introspection, Chance's "Acid Rap," released this year, has taken the Internet by storm and found its way into everyone and their mothers' headphones. So, how did this happen? How did a relatively unknown artist explode onto the rap scene, while totally bypassing the normal means of promotion?
The answer to this question begins with the music. To put it simply, Chance's sound is different - very different. Of course, different doesn't necessarily equate to universal approval (just ask Yeezus). However, what makes Chance special is that almost everyone likes him - I don't think I've heard a single person speak ill of "Acid Rap." It is this combination of innovation and likeability that has helped fans realize the brilliance of his music. He isn't just pushing the boundaries of hip-hop; he's doing it in a way that anyone can appreciate. Chance is bringing hip-hop to new listeners, and he's also bringing new sounds to hip-hop listeners.
His distinctive rapping style - melodic, yet lurching - makes Chance instantly recognizable. Perhaps his voice helps explain how pervasive his influence has become: If someone were hearing Chance for the first time, they would be more likely to ask who he is, simply because his style is so unique. And the noises - oh, the noises. Plenty of rappers use ad-libs, but nobody has mastered this technique like Chance has. His hilariously enjoyable squawks intersperse his instrumentals and provide emphasis at the end of lines. He even creates an entire hook consisting of noise making on "Na Na." It's just one more example of Chance's ability to make unconventional music that still appeals to a wider audience.
And don't let me undersell his lyricism. "Acid Rap" is something of an adolescent struggle, featuring a prominent fight-the-man theme. Through a haze of weed smoke and acid-fueled inquiries, Chance uses his music to discuss a variety of issues in the context of his life in violence-stricken Chicago and his rise in the rap world, all the while effortlessly switching between lighthearted and emotional tones. How many rappers can spit puns like "Keep a tab on my exes, keep some 'X' on my tongue" on one song ("Good Ass Intro"), and then mourn over the murder epidemic in Chicago on another ("Pusha Man (Paranoia)"), rhyming, "I hate crowded beaches, I hate the sound of fireworks / And I ponder what's worse between knowing it's over and dying first." This demonstrates Chance's versatility and honesty - two of his most impressive traits.
Amazingly innovative and splendidly upbeat, with the ability to be goofy on one song and painfully expressive on the next, Chance has been able to reach a hugely diverse audience. And here is where I make an entreaty to you, Tufts: Let's get Chance the Rapper for Spring Fling 2014. He has the perfect combination of fun, lively music and widespread appeal. He has been known to put on a terrific live show, and he isn't too big or too famous to come to Tufts (nor is he too washed up, i.e., Nelly). Much of the student body would enjoy and know his music - an important factor for a great concert. And should you find yourself doubting the viability of Chance for Spring Fling, I encourage you to go listen to "Smoke Again" and imagine yourself seeing that live come April 2014.
Ryan Buell is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major. He can be reached at Ryan.Buell@tufts.edu.
