GRAMMY-winning artist Chance the Rapper has officially announced his forthcoming studio album, titled “I’m The Star,” is scheduled for release this Thursday, July 3. The announcement was made during a candid, live conversation hosted on Apple Music Radio.
Album Announcement Details
The highly anticipated news was shared directly by the artist during an in-depth discussion from Apple Music’s studio located in Culver City, California. Chance the Rapper engaged in a revealing conversation with renowned hosts Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden, covering a range of topics from his artistic journey to the evolving landscape of the music industry.
The declaration of the new album, “I’m The Star,” and its imminent release date of July 3 marks a significant moment for the artist and his fanbase, following a period of relative quiet regarding major new projects. The timing, just ahead of the upcoming 10th anniversary of his landmark 2016 mixtape “Coloring Book,” adds further context to the announcement, potentially signaling a reflective or milestone-driven creative phase.
Reflecting on Career and Streaming’s Evolution
During the live broadcast conversation, Chance the Rapper took the opportunity to delve into various aspects of his career trajectory since his emergence onto the music scene. He reflected on his unique path as an independent artist who gained significant traction by distributing his music for free online, a strategy that challenged traditional industry models at the time.
A key focus of the discussion was the dramatic evolution of music streaming over the past decade. Since the release of “Coloring Book” in 2016 – a project notably distributed initially as an Apple Music exclusive before wide release – the streaming landscape has transformed significantly, becoming the dominant mode of music consumption globally. Chance shared insights into how these changes have impacted artists, distribution strategies, and the broader relationship between creators and listeners. His perspective, shaped by his unconventional rise and subsequent navigation of the industry, provided a valuable look at the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital music era.
The ‘Coloring Book’ Legacy and its 10th Anniversary
The conversation also prominently featured reflections on the upcoming 10th anniversary of “Coloring Book,” his critically acclaimed and commercially successful third mixtape. Released in May 2016, “Coloring Book” was a pivotal moment in Chance the Rapper’s career and the music industry at large.
The mixtape garnered widespread critical acclaim, noted for its blend of gospel, hip-hop, and soul influences, as well as its positive and spiritual themes. Its success culminated in historic wins at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards in February 2017, where it won Best Rap Album, making it the first streaming-only project to ever receive a GRAMMY in that category. Chance also secured awards for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance for the track “No Problem.”
The forthcoming 10th anniversary of this influential work serves as a natural point of reflection on Chance’s impact and evolution as an artist. Discussing this milestone alongside the announcement of “I’m The Star” suggests a connection between his past achievements and his future creative direction.
Looking Ahead: “I’m The Star”
While specific details regarding the sound, collaborators, or themes of “I’m The Star” remain largely under wraps following the initial announcement, the context provided by Chance the Rapper’s conversation offers clues about his current state of mind and artistic focus. His reflections on his career journey, the seismic shifts in music distribution via streaming, and the enduring legacy of “Coloring Book” indicate that the new album may arrive with a sense of maturity, perspective, and perhaps an exploration of his place within the contemporary music ecosystem.
The decision to announce the album on Apple Music Radio, a platform central to his past distribution strategies and the current streaming landscape he discussed, further underscores the connection between the medium and the message.
As the release date of July 3 approaches rapidly, anticipation builds for “I’m The Star,” promising to add a new chapter to the discography of one of contemporary hip-hop’s most distinctive and independent voices. Fans await Thursday’s release to hear the latest musical offering from the Chicago-born artist.
