Chance the Rapper, also known as Chano, was once a symbol of the Obama era. He was not only a talented artist but also represented the values of kindness, sincerity, and hope. Obama often praised Chance for his substantial contributions to music as well as to their shared hometown of Chicago. However, entering the 2020s, Chance’s career no longer shines as it once did. His 2019 album, The Big Day, fell short of expectations, leading to a pause in his career, and since then, Chance has remained mostly quiet.
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On November 11, Chance unexpectedly broke his silence on Instagram to share his thoughts on the recent U.S. election results. However, instead of posting familiar calls for unity or expressing anger, he chose an unusual and enigmatic approach. In his post, Chance didn’t share a message about peace or kindness; instead, he posted photos of renowned leaders throughout history, primarily Black leaders representing resistance to oppression. Legendary names like Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Field Marshall Musa Mwariama appeared—each a figure embodying fierce resistance, at times even through violence, in the fight for freedom and justice for their communities. Many of these figures in the photos are seen holding weapons—swords, guns, or other symbols of struggle.
The caption on the post added to the sense of rebellion and awakening that it conveyed. Chance wrote a short but powerful message: “To the lost.” This brief, somewhat somber phrase seemed to carry a deeper message for his community. It reflected Chance’s personal touch, as an artist who watches and understands the struggles and frustrations his community faces.
The public’s response to Chance’s post was mixed. Many were confused, even shocked, by this bold shift. Some directly criticized Chance, saying that the message seemed to promote violence, conflicting with the “clean” and loving values he had always advocated in his music. One user questioned, “Are you really this violent?” Meanwhile, others accused him of siding with the wealthy—implying that he might be one of those who would benefit from certain politicians’ policies, despite publicly criticizing them.
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However, for those who have followed Chance’s journey, this was not the first time he voiced a clear political stance. Chance has never hesitated to show his disapproval of Trump. Even when Trump thanked Chance for kind words about Kanye West (a staunch Trump supporter in 2018), Chance quickly clapped back, saying, “Nah, that ain’t it, yo.” It was a straightforward response that showed Chance wasn’t afraid to defend his own beliefs, even if it sparked controversy.
Amid all the opinions, some fans voiced their desire for new music from Chance. It’s been a long time since his last album, and while he’s been “teasing” his Star Line project since 2022, fans are still waiting for a complete piece of work. Singles like Together and 3333 were well-received, but the long wait has left many curious about what Chance’s new music might sound like and what messages it will convey.
In reality, Chance is more than just an artist; he’s a voice for a generation of young Black individuals, someone who isn’t afraid to engage in discussions about politics, justice, and equality. Through his thought-provoking post, it seems Chance is issuing a wake-up call to his community, a reminder of the hard-fought struggles of previous generations to gain today’s rights. His post, featuring leaders with weapons, may not necessarily be a call to violence but rather an emphasis on not forgetting the sacrifices and determination that past generations demonstrated in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
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In an era when artists are often criticized for sharing their personal views, Chance chose a bold expression. This reflects his strong, independent spirit and prompts the public to reconsider the importance of free speech. Fans hope that whether Chance continues on a political path or returns fully to music, he will remain steadfast in the values he represents. We eagerly await the day he releases new works—pieces that might reflect all the experiences, thoughts, and growth he has gone through in recent years.
