Chance the Rapper has undeniably carved a unique path in the hip-hop landscape. Hailing from Chicago, this 29-year-old artist, born Chancelor Jonathan Bennett, stands out for his independent spirit. He has consciously chosen to navigate the music industry without signing to a major record label, yet has achieved remarkable streaming success and critical acclaim. His extraordinary lyrical talent and sought-after collaborative spirit have drawn the attention of music giants like Kanye West, Childish Gambino, and Twista, all eager to work with him. Even without a formal studio album release at the time of his Grammy win, Chance’s mixtape Coloring Book made history in 2017, winning Best Rap Album and marking the first streaming-only record to clinch a Grammy. This cemented his status as a pioneer for independent artists in the streaming era.
With a rich discography that includes three acclaimed mixtapes – 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book – his debut album The Big Day, and a plethora of impressive collaborations, Chance the Rapper’s musical journey is far from over. His recent role as a judge on the 2023 edition of The Voice further elevates his profile. Now is the perfect moment to explore and celebrate his musical genius by delving into a definitive list of his best songs.
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Let’s explore 22 of the best Chance The Rapper Songs that showcase his evolution and impact on music.
22. Do You Remember
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Kicking off our list of top Chance the Rapper songs is “Do You Remember,” a track that exudes a laid-back, summery vibe, reminiscent of “Summer Friends.” This song is a nostalgic journey, reflecting on simpler times and past summers. Adding depth to this track are the contributions from indie rock icons. Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie delivers distinctive vocals on the hook, while Bon Iver lends their signature dreamy arrangements, making “Do You Remember” a beautifully complex and memorable song that easily earns its place among Chance’s best.
21. All Day Long
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“All Day Long” serves as the introductory track to Chance the Rapper’s highly anticipated debut album, The Big Day. This song immediately captivates with the soulful vocals of John Legend. Lyrically, Chance delves into the complexities of fame, exploring the growing challenge of pleasing everyone while trying to savor life’s rewards. As an opening statement to his album and musical catalog, “All Day Long” effectively sets the stage, offering listeners a glimpse into Chance’s reflections on his journey and the pressures of success.
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20. Smoke Break
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“Smoke Break” holds a special place in Chance the Rapper’s own catalog, with him citing it as a personal favorite from Coloring Book. It’s easy to understand why. Garren Langford’s unique production, characterized by warped reverb synths, provides a rich sonic backdrop for Chance’s introspective lyrics. He reflects on his life before fame, offering poignant insights into his journey. Adding another layer of depth, Future delivers two compelling verses, making this collaboration a standout track. “Smoke Break” is both quirky and undeniably catchy, making it a perfect anthem for those seeking a reflective yet engaging listening experience.
19. Hey Ma
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“Hey Ma” is Chance the Rapper’s heartfelt ode to his mother, a theme common among great rappers. This song is a soulful and upbeat tribute that stands out for its family-friendly appeal. Its bouncy rhythm and positive message make it a track you could easily share with your own mother. Rumors suggest that “Hey Ma” might have been conceived during Chance’s high school suspension, a period that also sparked the creation of his breakout mixtape, 10 Day. This adds an interesting layer to the song’s origin and personal significance.
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18. Windows
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“Windows” is a Chance the Rapper track that has achieved contemporary classic status. Initially released on SoundCloud, it resonated deeply with listeners. While it was unfortunately removed from the platform due to legal issues, its impact remains. The song’s enduring appeal can be attributed to the sample of Lonnie Liston Smith’s “Bridge Through Time,” expertly mixed by Apollo Brown. Chance’s signature Chicago-centric bars further enhance the track’s excellence, paying homage to the underground artists from his city who influenced his distinctive sound.
17. Lost
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“Lost” is a deeply introspective track where Chance the Rapper collaborates with fellow Chicago artist Noname. Noname delivers a powerful verse detailing her personal experiences with relationships and substance use, setting a confessional tone. In response, Chance mirrors this vulnerability, sharing his own experiences with equally sharp and poignant lyrics. Adding to the emotional depth of the song is Nate Fox’s subtle yet moving piano riff, which underscores the raw honesty of both artists’ admissions.
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16. Blessings
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“Blessings” showcases the abundant talent pool of Chicago, featuring Jamila Woods, another native of the city. Her warm and soulful vocals on the hook anchor this uplifting, gospel-infused track. The song’s central theme revolves around faith and gratitude, with the repeated refrain “When the praises go up, the blessings come down.” Chance’s verses delve into his spiritual reflections, touching on themes of fatherhood, his involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement, and his personal relationship with God, making “Blessings” a deeply personal and resonant song.
15. Israel (Sparring)
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“Israel (Sparring)” benefits from the cool and understated lo-fi beat production of Cam O’bi, who also produced SZA’s “Doves in the Wind.” O’bi’s production creates a perfect canvas for Chance the Rapper to showcase his effortless stream-of-consciousness flow. The track features a meticulously crafted verse from Noname and sees both artists recontextualizing references from the Old Testament. This intellectual and creative approach to songwriting is a hallmark of Chance’s work, making “Israel (Sparring)” a standout track for its lyrical depth and clever wordplay.
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14. Same Drugs
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Chance the Rapper clarified that “‘Same Drugs’ isn’t about drugs,” a crucial insight for understanding the song’s true meaning. While he has touched on recreational drug use in his past music, “Same Drugs” adopts a more somber and reflective tone. It explores the theme of growing emotional distance between two people who were once close. Musically, the song is rich with harmonious strings, keys, and vocals, and it offers listeners a chance to hear Chance showcase his singing abilities, adding another dimension to his artistry.
13. All Night
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Every artist needs a quintessential party anthem, and “All Night” is Chance the Rapper’s contribution to that category. With Kaytranada at the production helm, the track was destined to be a hit. It draws inspiration from old-school Chicago house music, a fitting nod to the song’s nightlife theme. While the lyrical content touches on familiar rap tropes like women, drugs, and partying, Chance uses these themes as a backdrop to explore his anxieties about fame and fortune, adding a layer of introspection to this high-energy track.
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12. No Problem
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“No Problem” is a powerful collaboration that features Lil Wayne, who delivers a rap flow reminiscent of his Tha Carter III era. Wayne echoes Chance’s sentiments regarding the dangers of record labels, creating a unified message of artistic independence. With 2 Chainz also contributing, this track becomes a feel-good anthem that balances humor with genuine sincerity. “No Problem” is a bold statement about artistic freedom and staying true to one’s vision.
11. Favorite Song
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Chance the Rapper’s wordplay is exceptionally sharp in “Favorite Song,” a track that might owe some of its creative spark to psychedelic influences. His acid-induced lyrical style intertwines seamlessly with Childish Gambino’s contributions, creating a dynamic and engaging interplay between the two artists. The result is a perfect summertime jam that captures a nostalgic 90s vibe. “Favorite Song” lives up to its title for many fans, showcasing Chance’s unique lyrical prowess and collaborative chemistry.
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10. Juice
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“Juice” is a track brimming with swagger, boasting, and quick wit. Known for his sharp lyrical jabs, Chance the Rapper directly addresses critics who question his songwriting abilities. He delivers a memorable line: “God give me one sentence more / Maybe I just gotta get suspended more,” referencing his high school suspension that arguably kickstarted his music career. After a 10-day suspension and the subsequent release of three critically acclaimed mixtapes, Chance has certainly earned the right to flex his lyrical muscles.
9. Mixtape
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“Mixtape” might be an unexpected choice for some when considering Chance the Rapper’s best songs, but its appeal grows on you. Featuring Young Thug and Lil Yachty, the track injects explosive Atlanta energy into the mix. The trio explores the evolving role of the free mixtape in the music industry. While Young Thug’s distinct vocal style might be polarizing, Lil Yachty, then a rising newcomer, holds his own alongside his more established peers, making “Mixtape” a significant moment for the new wave of hip-hop artists.
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8. Pusha Man/Paranoia
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“Pusha Man/Paranoia” offers a two-for-one experience, effectively combining two distinct tracks into a single listening journey. The first part, “Pusha Man,” evokes the 1970s era of Curtis Mayfield and his Blaxploitation soundtracks. Chance and Nate Fox utilize old street slang, setting a gritty scene. The track then transitions into “Paranoia,” where Nosaj Thing’s ethereal production takes over, and Chance delves into the darker themes of drug use and hedonism, exploring their aftereffects with raw honesty.
7. Summer Friends
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“Summer Friends” is another powerful Chicago collaboration, featuring Jeremih alongside Chance the Rapper. Both artists reflect on their childhoods growing up on Chicago’s South Side. While summertime is often associated with joy and carefree days, “Summer Friends” presents a contrasting reality. Chance and Jeremih recount how gun violence, drugs, and death intruded upon their youthful summer experiences, offering a poignant and sobering perspective on their upbringing.
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6. Angels
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“Angels” is a profoundly moving song that showcases Chance the Rapper’s vulnerability and introspective nature. It’s a confession of past wrongdoings set against an upbeat and infectious track. The song draws comparisons to JAY-Z’s 4:44 in its thematic focus on redemption and personal accountability. Chance’s open confession, combined with the track’s energetic bounce and visually striking music video, makes “Angels” a compelling and emotionally resonant song.
5. 22 Offs
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“22 Offs” is a sonic collaboration with Flying Lotus, who delivered a hard-hitting track that samples The Whatnauts’ “Try Me.” The song is also an homage to JAY-Z’s “22 Twos” from his iconic Reasonable Doubt album. While Chance doesn’t explicitly say “off” 22 times as a standalone word, he cleverly incorporates the word in various contexts throughout the lyrics. “22 Offs” is a testament to Chance’s respect for hip-hop history and his ability to innovate within the genre.
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4. Brain Cells
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“Brain Cells” is Chance the Rapper’s invitation to relax and unwind: “Light a joint, or spliff it if you classy.” While it’s another song that references smoking, the production by Peter Cottontale elevates it beyond typical stoner anthems. Cottontale crafts a beat that evokes a “study time/jazz/anime channel” vibe, creating a sophisticated and mellow backdrop for Chance’s lyrical musings. “Brain Cells” is a smooth and introspective track perfect for laid-back listening.
3. Chain Smoker
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“Chain Smoker” holds the distinction of being the final full song on Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap mixtape, and it’s a powerful closer. Chance himself has drawn comparisons between its vibe and the music of Prince, and the resemblance is noticeable. The song’s vibrant energy allows Chance to explore a range of lyrical themes, letting listeners know he’s “still a chain-smoking, name-dropping, good-looking, muh’-fucking…” “Chain Smoker” is a bold and dynamic track that leaves a lasting impression.
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2. All We Got
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“All We Got” is an instant mood booster, guaranteed to lift your spirits. Serving as the opening track to Coloring Book, it echoes the gospel-infused sounds that Chance previously explored on Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam.” The song even directly references “Ultralight Beam” with the line, “It was a dream / You could not mess with the Beam.” Adding to this connection, Kanye West himself makes a guest appearance with vocals on the hook and contributes his production genius, making “All We Got” a powerful and uplifting collaboration.
1. Cocoa Butter Kisses
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“Cocoa Butter Kisses” tops our list of the best Chance the Rapper songs. Co-producer Cam O’bi revealed that Chance and Vic Mensa conceived this track under the influence of psychedelics, initially titling it “Babies and Gun Shots (Fuck Hawaii).” While the original title’s backstory is intriguing, the song’s final form is captivating. It features a standout guest verse from rap legend Twista, who delivers his signature rapid-fire flow, living up to his own boast: “When it comes to rapping fast, I’m the Higgs Boson.” Twista’s verse alone is worth multiple listens, cementing “Cocoa Butter Kisses” as Chance the Rapper’s best song.
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Next, check out the 20 best Travis Scott songs, or J.Cole best songs. And if it’s not enough, we also have Gorillaz and Eminem’s best songs.
