Chance the Rapper Mashes Up Gospel and Synth Pop on New Song “Somewhere in Paradise”
If there’s one thing we can always hear in Chance the Rapper’s music, it’s Chicago. His love for his hometown flows through nearly every one of his songs, and his latest, “Somewhere in Paradise,” is no exception. Over an ’80s-sounding synth line, Chance raps, “They say I’m saving my city, say I’m staying for good/ They screaming Chano for mayor, I’m thinking maybe I should,” while enlisting fellow Chicago natives Jeremih and R. Kelly to sing the hooks. And if there’s another recurring theme in the rapper’s output, it’s his lyrics’ religious imagery. Like “Sunday Candy” and “Angels,” “Somewhere in Paradise” is hopeful, and wears its gospel influences proudly: “God is awesome, devil’s a liar,” he raps, “I’d take ’em to church, but I need a choir.”
“Somewhere in Paradise” might sound like less of a bold choice for a new single after “Candy” and “Angels,” but Chance’s joy in doing what he loves, the way he wants to do it, comes through loud and clear—and is as infectious as ever. You can listen to the studio version of the track and watch him perform it on Saturday Night Live, below.