After a two-year album rollout, the record was released independently on Aug. 15 as the rapper’s sophomore album, following his 2019 debut, “The Big Day.” This release incited criticism from both critics and fans, making it a polarizing release for the Chicago rapper.

However, this new album, released independently, has been hailed as a return to form, with only two singles, “Tree” and “The Highs and Lows.” He has so far charted 22nd on the US Billboard 200, third on the US Billboard Independent Albums, and fifth on the top Rap/R&B Hip-Hop Albums with this album, and received generally favorable reviews from critics and those in the hip hop community. 

The album cover art itself marked the fourth collaboration between him and visual artist Brandon Breaux, who designed the artwork for Chance’s most critically acclaimed projects like “10 Day” (2012), “Acid Rap”  (2013) and “The Coloring Book” (2016). The album name itself was inspired by the legendary President-General of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, Marcus Garvey, who was an impactful Black Nationalist icon. Garvey created the Black Star Line, which shipped and transported goods throughout the African global economy from 1919 to 1922.  Much of the subject matter throughout the album was very socio-politically influenced, even more than in previous works by the rapper. 

The rapper also went through a highly publicized divorce from his wife of five years, Kirsten Corley. This event has significantly impacted his music content as he traveled more and was more intentional about being in the public eye again socially. Additionally, he seems to have leaned towards a more secular side with his music, which hasn’t been seen since “Acid Rap,” but it has done wonders with his current reception and perception amongst the fans.  

Independent Bay Area rapper LaRussell was the opening act for the concert, and he performed a medley of Bay Area classics. Performances include E-40's “Tell Me When To Go,” Mac Dre's “Feelin Myself” and Mistah FAB’s “Ghost Ride It,” energizing the West Coast crowd immediately to get the West Coast crowd activated and engaged. He also performed several heartfelt freestyles, unreleased songs, as well as several of his own original songs from his NPR Tiny Desk performance, such as “Glory,” “When I Come Home” and “GT Coupe.” His showmanship was on full display as he invited multiple audience members to help perform on stage and they got great crowd feedback. Chance started his set with “Star Side Intro” from the new album, a very triumphant intro symbolizing his creative resurgence. Throughout the night, he played more work from this album than anything else in his catalog. He followed up with “Ride,”  which features legendary Chicago hip hop group Do Or Die and references within each verse to their biggest hit, “Po Pimp.” Overall, his stage and crowd presence were very electrifying, and he kept the theater’s audience engaged. 

Chance, Vic Mensa, and LaRussell lingered around for a while after to meet fans, sign albums, and freestyle with local aspiring artists. Some were even lucky enough to party with Chance and his entourage at Plush Kitchen & Lounge, located on 711 S. Central Ave., at an after-party move hosted by Chance himself. He is wrapping up his West Coast tour with multiple shows in California, including a final show in Los Angeles on Oct. 20.