Took a Chance on a Rap Concert

Be encouraged. Be humble. Thanks be to God. Was I really at a sold out Hip Hop show? Kendrick Lamar might be ruling Spotify with “Humble.” right now, but last night’s Chance the Rapper concert – the second of two nights at Red Rocks – brought a new flavor to my perception of the state of modern music.

While I had little in common with the majority of the crowd (this was my first-ever experience where beer lines and bathroom lines were short), rest assured that our admiration for Chance was shared. Here is a guy who has donated money to education, who is articulate, and who handles the crazy current events of the Trump era with dignity and composure. I can get behind that.

Let’s just say Wednesday night was a far cry from Yo MTV Raps, and I felt safe in a way parents of the 70s children must have loved when their kids made them attend a Bread concert.

Chance the Rapper’s newest material is positive, inspirational, and his setlist didn’t stray from that vibe. Coloring Book, his latest mix-tape was featured predominantly, as he took breaks to give musical shout-outs to Kanye, D.R.A.M. and payed homage to his breakout “album” Acid Rap. It was a nice blend of new-school and old-school (if one can be old school in his early 20s).

The atmosphere of Red Rocks fit nicely into the show, but Chance brought spectacle with him outside of the rocks. Small flames, strobe lighting and a video board were nice touches – certainly an upgrade to his show since his Fillmore appearance less than a year ago. The production might have been bigger, but Chance’s charisma, composure, and ability to work the stage remained intact.

And how refreshing to hear the Lord’s name – not used in vain, but as praise in a secular setting. 9000 people singing “When the praises go up.” It was like being at Church, but more interactive. There was no need for Chance to Bible thump, the message was loud and clear and his congregation participated freely.

If this is the future of Hip Hop, sign me up.