Uncut Collective Media
And We Back: Chance the Rapper Returns to Form in Triumphant Phoenix Show
October 18, 2025 • by Phyoe Thaung
Chicago’s own Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, better known to the world as Chance the Rapper, stepped onto the stage at the AZ Financial Theatre on October 14 and made one thing clear within seconds: he’s not making a comeback—he’s returning with conviction. The And We Back Tour isn’t a nostalgia run or a soft reset. It’s a reminder of why Chance mattered in the first place, and why he still does.
​
After nearly six years without a full studio project, Chance has been something of a myth in modern hip-hop—present through influence but distant in output. The Big Day arrived in 2019 to a whirlwind of acclaim and anticipation, and although he nearly sold out an arena tour, he stepped away from the industry spotlight to focus on family and purpose. He reemerged in flashes—performing at Blue Note Jazz Festival, launching Black Star Line Festival in Ghana—but this Phoenix show marked the clearest sign yet that Chance is fully plugged back into the music, the mission, and the people who have been waiting for him.
The night began with a burst of sincerity and raw energy from Taylor Bennett, Chance’s younger brother. Backed by the expert hype of DJ Oreo, Bennett delivered a confident and uplifting set that fused hip-hop drive with alt-rock edge. He connected instantly with the crowd, weaving personal reflections into performance. “Favorite Color” served as a mantra of self-acceptance with its refrain of “always remember to be yourself,” while another track dedicated to his grandmother brought emotional grounding to the set. Songs like “Running for Your Attention” and “Better Than You Ever Been” underscored Bennett’s identity as an independent artist determined to carve his own path. His set was tight, engaging, and full of purpose—an intentional tone-setter for the night.
Next up was Vallejo, California native LaRussell, who elevated the energy from the first beat. A champion of DIY ethos and community-powered artistry, he represented his Good Compenny philosophy with magnetic charisma. LaRussell didn’t just perform—he involved. Mid-set, he hopped off stage to rap directly on the floor, surrounded by fans shouting every bar. He flowed with surgical precision over Bay Area staples like Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle” and Tupac’s “Changes,” while original tracks like “We Outside” with Ave kept the crowd ignited. The set felt like a rally—raw, communal, and rooted in pride. By the time he walked off to roaring applause, the room was fully dialed in.
Finally, the lights dropped and the crowd erupted as Chancelor Johnathan Bennett—Chance the Rapper—stepped into the spotlight. After years away from full-time touring, his return to the stage felt momentous. This wasn’t a nostalgia act or a quiet comeback. It was a revival.
​
Chance opened with visible gratitude, grinning between bars and hyping Phoenix like it was home turf. He dove into Coloring Book essentials—“All Night,” “No Problem,” and “Blessings”—which immediately turned into full-theater singalongs. When he slid into “I’m the One,” the crowd didn’t just rap along; they testified. Every lyric carried weight, amplified by a crowd that had been waiting for his return.
The production heightened the spiritual undercurrent of the show. Warm, golden lights and violet beams framed Chance like he was standing in modern stained glass. Visuals behind him alternated between Chicago roots, bold lyricism, and flashes of social clarity. At one point, Chance stood still as two words filled the screen behind him: “FUCK ICE.” He didn’t speak—he didn’t have to. The silence and message hit harder than any hook.
​
He closed with “Speed of Love,” delivered like a prayer—soft, powerful, and sincere. By the final note, it didn’t feel like a goodbye. It felt like a promise. Chance wasn’t just back onstage. He was fully present again—in spirit, in sound, and in purpose.