If you love Chance the Rapper for his hooks and verses, fast paced screeches, and unique voice in “Acid Rap” and “#10Day”, the recently released album Surf might come as a surprise. Fans anticipated the release of the album since Oct. 2014 and were promised its release multiple times in the past few months. Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment dropped the album early in the morning on May 29, unannounced. Available for free on iTunes, fans downloaded it avidly and listened to the 16 song, 52 minute album with gaping mouths.
Chance does not appear on every song in the album. In fact, he appears in nine songs, just over half of them. His motto lately has been working with his friends to create something unforgettable. Surf, the most anticipated album of the year, epitomizes why Chance sought to do this and has rejected going solo, for now. The Social Experiment, which comprises Donnie Trumpet, Peter Cottontail, Greg Landfair Jr., and Nate Fox along with Chance, successfully conglomerates horns, drums, pianos, and vocals into a masterpiece. Chance’s influence over the production is undeniable despite his limited verses.
Without much of a surprise (unlike the album’s release), Surf features many artists from all around the rap industry. Ranging from Chance’s friends from Chicago’s South Side to J. Cole and Busta Rhymes, each artist on Surf brings something unique to the table.
Surf begins with “Miracle,” an angelic opening that introduces the album appropriately. The slower paced song leads into “Slip Slide,” an upbeat, feel-good tune that makes you want to get up and move. Busta Rhymes takes the mic first and absolutely kills it as Chance provides the lethal hook.
J. Cole and Noname Gypsy appear in the next song, “Warm Enough.” Chance pours his heart out, asking “Who are you to tell me I can’t love you like the way mothers love daughters?” The song has a slow build up, but getting to the end is worth it.
Things calm down a bit as Donnie Trumpet blasts his horn in “Nothing Came to Me,” which is followed up later in the album by “Something Came to Me.” Donnie Trumpet’s presence is evident throughout the album, and especially in the first few songs.
Big Sean appears on the next track, “Wanna Be Cool.” Chance declares he does not “Wanna be cool, I just wanna be me.” This song penetrates the soul and lets listeners sit back and groove. It also has a deeper message that encourages individuality and commitment to moral beliefs.
Chance follows with “Windows,” in which he demands you do not “look up to me, don’t trust a word I say.” His heartfelt, somewhat apologetic tone brings us back to reality for a brief moment. As such an
influential person and role model, Chance wants to encourage people to find their own paths in life.
Peter Cottontail and D.R.A.M are the only ones involved in “Caretaker,” the next track. Following is “Just Wait,” a song that combines loud horns and shrieking voices of background singers. It has the message of patience and waiting for good things to happen.
“Familiar,” a song that might be the most popular on the album has a catchy hook and tune. King Louie and Quavo from Migos make appearances. It is somewhat comedic and talks about the ideal girl.
Good luck pronouncing this next one… After a few attempts you might figure out “SmthnthtIwnt” is “Something That I Want,” and is probably the most forgettable on the album, as it has no distinct beat and drags on.
“Go” is next and is extremely high-spirited, following a long build up. Like on many other Chance songs, a female voice provides the background as several verses follow. “Surf’s up” is echoed throughout the track, and perhaps is the origin for the album’s name.
“Questions” asks about the basics of life and deepens thinking about social problems.
“Something Came to Me” is a Donnie Trumpet solo instrumental and, as the title suggests, indicates that he was finally able to come up with a tune.
In “Rememory,” Chance steps into the shoes of a man who divorces his wife. Erykah Badu lays down a soothing verse to put Chance at ease at the end of the song.
Previously released “Sunday Candy” can easily be considered the best track of all. Although it is not the last song on the album, it culminates the hard work of Chance and his group appropriately. As the day of rest usually brings a relaxed vibe, Chance hypes the song early, and Jamila Woods brings it back to a swinging, breezy beat. A choir concludes the song with a high spirit.
“Pass the Vibes,” another Chance-less song, is the last on the album. It has a sound unlike any other on the album, and leaves listeners sad that the album is over and eager to go back for another ride.
Tour dates have yet to be announced for the album, but the group will likely be at festivals this summer. Chance himself will be in London and Canada over the summer, with Chicago’s Pitchfork Music Festival in between.
As Chance is only 22, he is not an A-list celebrity yet. However, he is on his way to the top of the rap game and gaining popularity daily.
Surf is a testament to the hard work Chance & the Social Experiment put in over the past year. As he has made very clear in interviews and lyrics, Chance does not rap for anyone but himself and his friends. He does not do it for the profit, as there was no charge on the album. He simply does his thing for the love of making music and working with friends.