Chance the Rapper is undeniably independent. He’s not signed to any label, and he puts out all his music for free, albeit through premium music services like Apple Music. Chance’s third mixtape, Coloring Book, is also undeniably independent. These songs are full of beautiful children’s choirs, empowering gospel singers and, of course, Chance’s voice.
Coloring Book is a mixtape about faith, responsibility and learning how to grow up. The cover is a photo of Chance’s reaction to holding his newborn daughter. Gone are the drug-addled lines and high school suspension hijinks of his previous tapes 10 Days and Acid Rap; this is a new, older and more versatile Chance. It shows just how wide his range is, from God-loving gospel songs to braggadocio-fueled anthems to soothing love ballads.
But despite his versatility, he’s always Chance the Rapper. He spits bars and rhymes energetically, playfully bouncing off the beats and instruments. As with Chance’s previous projects, Coloring Book is just plain fun to listen to, albeit with more serious storytelling. Chance sounds grateful for the things he’s been given by his fans, his lovers and most importantly, God. He reflects on his past and wonders how things have changed on songs like “Same Drugs” and “Smoke Break.” He praises God and counts his blessings on “Blessings” and “How Great.”
While all the choirs, God-praising and prayer might turn some away, it’s still just an enjoyable mixtape that can cheer anyone up and get them to groove to the beat. Turn it up on a sunny day and take in your surroundings. Appreciate the people around you with “Angels,” bounce along with your friends with “No Problem” and dance away as day turns to night with “All Night.”
Coloring Book is one of the best hip hop projects of the year. It’s more gospel than Kanye’s The Life of Pablo. It’s more concise and fun than Drake’s Views. It’s packed with more features than Kendrick’s Untitled Unmastered. Then again, this is actually one of the few problems with the mixtape. The features don’t feel like they’re needed on some tracks. Having 2 Chainz rapping “run shit like diarrhea” in the middle of this deeply spiritual album just seems out of place. Justin Bieber is even featured on “Juke Jam.” While he doesn’t take over the track (thankfully), it still feels incongruous.
That being said, Coloring Book is still a fantastic project from Chance. It’s got something for everyone: lyrical prowess, rich gospel vocals, features galore. It’s everything you want from a Chance the Rapper tape, but it doesn’t sound like anything he’s done before. Chance is growing up, both personally and musically, and it’s about time we do the same.

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Coloring Book is Chance the Rapper’s third album.