Chance the Rapper is the ‘STAR’ of Huntington Bank Pavilion

Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper transcended the city’s skyline with his vivacious performance at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Oct. 10 for his And We Back Tour. The hip-hop-rap singer-songwriter performed a combination of his biggest hits from 2016 to 2025, heavily featuring tracks from his newest album “STAR LINE.” 

Released Aug. 15, “STAR LINE” marks the end of the rapper’s six-year hiatus.  

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, Chicago,” the 32-year-old rapper said to the crowd. “What can I say, other than thank you?” 

Opening acts DJ Oreo, Taylor Bennett and Do or Die were a testament to Chicago’s rich musical history, each emulating the lyrical storytelling and grit that defines Chicago’s hip-hop legacy. Hip-hop artist DJ Oreo set the scene with sonorous bass pulsating throughout the venue, leaving fans with high hopes and rattled ribs for the night ahead. 

Rapper Taylor Bennett — Chance’s younger brother — made it clear that lyrical prodigy and strong stage presence runs within the family. Bennett also brought out Lil M.U. and Adamn Killa to all partake in Killa’s viral TikTok dance to “Fall On.” 

With the crowd already livened after Bennett’s set, rap trio Do or Die’s performance of their 1996 track “Po Pimp” took Northerly Island to another level of vitality. 

Coming back on stage, DJ Oreo closed out the opener setlist with Big Sean’s “I Don’t Fuck With You” and asked the audience to pose for a selfie with smiles — and with middle fingers up in the air. The Chicago-based DJ said the selfie was going straight to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and joined the crowd in a booming “fuck ICE” chant.

This paved the way for the headliner to emerge and catalyzed a recurring theme for the rest of the night — music as a powerful form of resistance and activism. 

At 9 p.m., herbal hints, exuberance and billowing roars buzzed throughout the Northerly Island air as Chance the Rapper burst into the stagelight. The white ambiance of lights on the screen throughout the rapper’s opening spectacle erupted into a montage of Chance rapping with Do or Die for “Ride,” the second track off “STAR LINE.” 

Bright lights were replaced with puffs of smoke and spouts of fire for an eclectic performance of “Burn Ya Block.” The hip-hop-rap artist’s energy was a blazing inferno, swift wordplay and effervescent gestures illuminating Northerly Island more than any stage effect.  

Surprise guest BabyChiefDoit — a 17-year-old up-and-coming Chicago rapper — joined Chance on stage for a fervent rendition of “Drapetomania.” The two didn’t spare the theatrics with embodying their passionate lyricism and manned the stage with seasoned finesse. 

“I got a new chain / it say, ‘Fuck ICE’,” the two rapped, resulting in audience participation and subsequent cheers. 

Chance dedicated the evening’s performance to Assata Shakur, a Black liberation activist and revolutionary who died Sept. 25. 

“This is a very important time, and we’ve got to learn from our ancestors and elders,” the rapper said. “You live in one of the most important cities in the world. Believe it. Not just because of today — historically. This is ground zero. So watch out for each other. Protect each other.” 

As he commanded the stage with jaunty strides, Chance showed his swagger and magnetic energy. His engagement with the crowd through persistent eye contact and steady commentary between songs fostered a sense of community throughout the venue.

Chance’s soul-stirring aura was balanced with moments of reflection and humility. 

“If you feel in your heart of hearts it’s been a long time — I fuck with you,” he said. “I appreciate you.”

With a spectacle of blue galaxies and constellations engulfing the Chicago skyline on the stage screens, the sense of unity between the artist and the audience strengthened as Chance put his soul into “Summer Friends” off the 2016 album “Coloring Book.” Intermittent crowd-led lyrics during this rendition proved the dedication of the rapper’s fanbase. 

Continuing with an ode to his older hits, the rapper encouraged each fan to place one hand up in the air, put 3 fingers down and leave the middle one up. The rich melodic intro of 2018 single “I Might Need Security” waved over the sea of middle fingers as Chance’s poetic lyricism filled the air.  

Ethereal Chicago-based singer-songwriter and poet Jamila Woods joined Chance on stage for “No More Old Men,” the third track of “STAR LINE.” Woods’ angelic intonation coupled with Chance’s eloquent delivery serenaded the audience, stage lights and screens displaying dusky sky scenery to compliment their vocal heaven. In the middle of Woods’ refrain, the rapper again honored Assata Shakur. 

“This song means a lot to me, and it’s probably the most — I don’t even know how to put it,” Chance said. “This is the song I’m hoping is nominated for Song of the Year.”

After a brief moment of darkness across the stage, the hip-hop artist reignited the fervid energy as red, orange and yellow bursts of light and spouts of smoke inundated Northerly Island. 

The audience bounced to Chance’s animated performances of “No Problem” and “All Night” from “Coloring Book,” the rapper’s dynamic stage presence brighter than the luminous atmosphere.  

Before slowing it down for the night, the rapper expressed gratitude for his hometown one last time.

“I hope you know your history,” Chance said. “I hope you take the time to know what happens in Chicago anytime [people] try to bully us. The power is in the hands of the people. The fight towards liberation continues. I’m so proud of y’all. I’m proud to be a Chicagoan.” 

A euphonious rendition of “Same Drugs” and “Speed Love” concluded the And We Back Tour set and the Northerly Island 2025 concert season, — leaving Chicagoans with a taste of nostalgia and unity.