Coloring Book

“Coloring Book” is the third mixtape by Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper, released independently without a record label on May 13, 2016, initially as an Apple Music exclusive before reaching other streaming services on May 27.

The story

Chance recorded much of the project in Chicago in the spring of 2016. The record reflects his Christian faith and the changes in his life around the birth of his daughter. Guests included Kanye West, Young Thug, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Kirk Franklin and the Chicago Children’s Choir.

Sound and production

Production was led by The Social Experiment collective, including Nico Segal and Peter CottonTale, with contributions from Lido and Kaytranada, among others. The music blends gospel choirs and horns with modern rap beats and Auto-Tuned hooks. Singles were “Angels,” “No Problem” featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, and “Summer Friends.”

Legacy

“Coloring Book” debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 on streams alone, the first album to chart on streaming only. At the 2017 Grammy Awards it won Best Rap Album, becoming the first streaming-only release to win a Grammy; “No Problem” won Best Rap Performance, and Chance was named Best New Artist. The mixtape was later certified platinum in the US and is widely seen as a landmark for independent artists.