In the latest episode of the Club Ambition podcast, host Victor, also known as SOUND, shared his track-by-track reaction to Chance the Rapper’s new album Star Line, which arrives after a six-year hiatus.
Victor opened the review by reflecting on Chance’s career trajectory, noting the critical acclaim of earlier projects like 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book, and contrasting it with the negative reception of 2019’s The Big Day, which he described as a major setback for the Chicago rapper. He argued that Chance’s momentum stalled in the aftermath, making Star Line a pivotal release.
Track Reactions
Victor highlighted several tracks from the album:
- “Star Side (Intro)” was praised for Chance’s self-awareness in addressing his decline in visibility.
- “Ride” stood out for its strong hook and songwriting.
- “No More Old Men” was described as poetic, engaging themes of mass incarceration and mortality.
- “The Negro Problem” drew attention for its commentary on healthcare disparities in Black communities.
- “Drapetomania” featuring 12-year-old Baby Chief was noted as an impressive collaboration.
- “Back to the Go” with Vic Mensa was recognized for its Chicago roots and Mensa’s overlooked talent.
- “The Highs and The Lows” with Joey Bada$$, a previously released single, was included in the discussion.
- “Space and Time” was interpreted as possibly reflecting on Chance’s divorce, with praise for its lyricism.
- “Gun in Your Purse” featuring Young Thug received mixed feedback on production, though Victor appreciated the lyrical content.
Victor described the album as theatrical and poetic, with Chance exploring both personal and social issues. He emphasized Chance’s independence as a key factor in his ability to tackle controversial themes with creative freedom.
Beyond the track-by-track commentary, Victor positioned Star Line as a stronger effort compared to The Big Day, while still acknowledging Chance’s uncertain place in the current hip-hop landscape. He rated the album between 7.7 and 7.9 out of 10 on first listen, ranking it among the top hip-hop releases of the year behind projects from Clipse, JID, and Freddie Gibbs.
The review concluded with cautious optimism, suggesting that Star Line could represent a genuine comeback for Chance, while noting that further interviews and conversations would help shed light on his recent struggles and evolution as an artist.
