Despite dropping half a year ago, nobody has gotten bored of Chance the Rapper’s gamechanging third album Coloring Book, which might very well be my favourite album of the year. Any hint of gospel that Kanye employed for The Life of Pablo was extended tenfold across Chance’s album, particularly in the Jay Electronica-assisted track “How Great”, which just became the second Coloring Book single to get a music video.
The video features his cousin, Nicole, who leads the two-and-a-half minute gospel choir intro, as well as the elusive Jay Electronica and an appearance from Francis Starlite (of Francis & The Lights), who is responsible for creating the ‘prismiser’ effect on Nicole’s vocals on the track. What sets the “How Great” video apart from most is that it’s iPhone footage of a everyone recording the song live. Everything’s captured organically, from the camera angles that switch every five seconds, to Jay Electronica fumbling but smiling his way through his verse, to Chance’s final “YEAAUGGHH” as he sprints away at the end.
Coloring Book may already be six months old, but it’s no less fresh in the collective consciousness than when it came out, and that’s because Chance knows exactly how to market. From live performances on Ellen and Jimmy Fallon to a ton of guest features, he’s managed to stay in the limelight with incredible consistency. “How Great” is just another example of how smart Chance the Rapper is, and his fresh perspective and unwillingness to be chained down make him the brightest new star in hip hop.
Chance found a beautiful way to make a video that’s both innovative and personal. This is his year, and he’s using it to spread love and the word of God.