Chance the Rapper Crafts a Singular Black Diasporic Experience On “Star Line” Album
After six years of international travels, growth, and artistic immersion, Grammy-winning and independent innovator, Chance the Rapper is back with his long-awaited third studio album, Star Line. His first album in six years, since the release of 2019’s Big Day, Star Line is a reflection of Chance’s global journey, artistically, spiritually, and physically since we last heard from him”.
Inspired by Chance the Rapper’s international travels (most notably to Ghana and Jamaica) and his artistic immersion in art fairs around the world, the album’s title is a powerful reference to Marcus Garvey’s pioneering Black Star Line, the early 20th-century shipping line intended to link the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa. The album’s themes are a modern reflection of that vision, weaving together narratives of resilience, diasporic pride, and the intricate tapestry of the Black experience through Chance’s uniquely personal lens.
The 17-track project, which is grounded in intimacy is a love letter to Chicago, an introspective on Black resilience, and most remarkably, a personal reckoning with Chance embracing and stepping fully into his role as an artist, son, father, director, community leader, and cultural architect.
On a sonic level, Star Line blends Hip Hop, Soul, and experimental sounds with visionary lyricism and cultural reverence into a singular Black diasporic experience.
“This album is a culmination of my travels, my experiences, and my deep dive into the history that connects us all," says Chance the Rapper. "It’s about legacy, the resilience of Black people, and the beautiful, complex story of our existence. From Chicago to Accra, this is my art, unfiltered. Star Line is a vessel for that story, and I'm thrilled that everyone can finally get on board.”
Executive produced by long time collaborator and producer DexLvL, the album plays like a movie, complete with guest appearances from some of the culture’s most impactful stars like, Lil Wayne, Jazmine Sullivan, Jay Electronica, Joey Bada$$, Vic Mensa, and more. Additional production from innovators and legends like Peter CottonTale, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Stix, Smoko Ono, Nate Fox, and Nico Segal add layers of sonic depth and flair.
The project’s visual identity was imagined by renowned artist Brandon Breaux, the creative mind behind the iconic cover art for 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book, who returns to create an equally vivid visual companion for Chance’s new era.
To support the album’s release, Chance the Rapper is heading out on the 15-city, North American headlining “And We Back Tour” promoted by Live Nation. Kicking off September 26th, 2025 in Houston with stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, and of course, Chicago.
Star Line is available for CD pre-order at Chancestuff.com, alongside his Star Line Shipping Co. merch collection. Both include a built-in NFC chip. Merch purchases include exclusive Star Line content through the NFC, while the CD comes with a download of the album. But, you don’t have to wait for shipping and delivery time, as Star Line is also available on streaming platforms, as well as the freshly-released “Just A Drop” video.
Zooming out from all of the buzz and accolades, Star Line is more than an album; it is a cultural milestone six years in the making. It is a testament to artistic growth, a celebration of Blackness, and a powerful statement from an artist at the peak of his power, firmly cementing Chance the Rapper’s status as one of this generation's most essential storytellers.
