Wait, which "Blessings" are we actually talking about? If you’ve spent any time with Chance the Rapper’s 2016 masterpiece Coloring Book, you know there isn't just one. There’s the mid-album soul-soother and then there’s the grand, gospel-drenched finale. It's confusing for casual listeners. Honestly, though, that ambiguity is exactly why blessings by chance the rapper became such a cultural touchstone. It wasn't just a song; it was a mission statement for an artist who was systematically breaking every rule in the music industry.
Back in 2016, the rap world was in a weird spot. We had the "mumble rap" explosion on one side and the hyper-commercial pop-rap on the other. Then Chance drops this mixtape—for free—and it’s basically a Sunday morning church service with a 808 kick. "Blessings" is the heart of that. It’s the track where he looks at the camera and says he doesn’t make songs for money; he makes them for freedom.
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The Two Versions of Blessings Explained (Simply)
Most people don't realize that Coloring Book bookends its spiritual journey with two distinct tracks sharing the same name. They aren't just remixes of each other. They’re entirely different moods.
The first "Blessings" (Track 5) features Jamila Woods and is remarkably stripped back. It’s got that airy, Chicago-soul vibe. It’s a song about realization. Chance is rapping about his daughter, Kensli, and the sheer disbelief that his life turned out this way. You’ve probably heard the line, "It seems like blessings keep falling in my lap." It’s catchy, sure, but the depth comes from the verses where he references the Battle of Jericho. He’s not just bragging about success; he’s framing his independent career as a biblical victory.
Then you have "Blessings (Reprise)" which closes the album. This is the big one. This is the one that feels like a cathedral. It features a heavy-hitting roster: Ty Dolla $ign, Raury, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Anderson .Paak. While the first version is a personal prayer, the Reprise is a communal invitation. When that choir kicks in at the end, asking "Are you ready for your blessing?", it’s impossible not to feel something, even if you haven't stepped foot in a church in a decade.
Why the Lyrics Still Hit Different in 2026
There’s a specific line in the first "Blessings" that stopped everyone in their tracks: "Jesus' black life ain't matter / I know, I talked to his daddy."
Man. That’s heavy.
In a world where political slogans are often hollow, Chance was weaving the Black Lives Matter movement directly into the fabric of his faith. He was drawing a direct parallel between the persecution of Jesus and the systemic injustice facing Black Americans. It wasn't just "Christian Rap." It was protest music disguised as a hymn.
The Difference Between Blessings and Worldly Possessions
Chance spends a lot of time in these tracks differentiating between "stuff" and "spirit." He’s very clear that his Grammy wins (he won three for this project!) aren't the blessing. The blessing is the freedom to stay independent.
He’s the guy who famously refused to sign to a major label. He told the labels "No Problem," and then he wrote "Blessings" to explain why. For him, a blessing is:
- The birth of his daughter.
- Being able to give his music away for free.
- Survival in a city (Chicago) where many don't make it out.
- Creative control over his own narrative.
Basically, he flipped the script on what "success" looks like in hip-hop. He made modesty and faith look cooler than a diamond-encrusted chain.
That Iconic Late Night Performance
If you want to understand the impact of blessings by chance the rapper, you have to go back and watch the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performance. This was the moment. Chance stood there with Jamila Woods and a full choir, and for four minutes, late-night TV felt like a revival tent.
The brass section, led by Nico Segal (formerly Donnie Trumpet), wasn't just playing notes; they were blasting the "walls of Jericho." It’s one of those rare TV moments that actually feels authentic. You could see the joy on his face. It wasn't a manufactured marketing stunt. It was a guy who was genuinely surprised he was allowed to be there, doing it his way.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Message
A common misconception is that "Blessings" is a "prosperity gospel" song—the idea that if you pray enough, you’ll get rich. That’s a total misunderstanding of what Chance is doing here.
If you listen closely to the Reprise, he talks about "shortness of breath" and "brick and mortar." He’s talking about struggle. The "blessing" isn't that life is easy; it's the perspective you have while going through the hard parts. It’s about being "ready" for the miracle even when things look bleak.
He also catches some flak from conservative religious circles for his language. Yes, he swears. Yes, he talks about his past drug use. But that’s the point. It’s "Contextual Gospel." He’s bringing these spiritual themes to a crowd that might never walk into a traditional church. He’s meeting people where they are, weed smoke and all.
Actionable Insights for the Modern Listener
If you’re revisiting these tracks or discovering them for the first time, here’s how to actually digest the weight of what Chance was doing:
- Listen to them back-to-back. Don't just shuffle. Play Track 5, then skip to the end of the album for the Reprise. You’ll hear the evolution from an individual "thank you" to a collective "we made it."
- Look up the biblical references. Specifically Joshua 6. When he talks about the "buzzer beater to end a quarter" at Jericho, it adds a whole new layer to the production’s heavy use of trumpets.
- Pay attention to the independent angle. Remember that when he says "I don't make songs for free, I make them for freedom," he is literally talking about his business model. He changed the rules for artists like 21 Savage and SZA by proving you didn't need the machine to win.
The legacy of blessings by chance the rapper isn't just in the stream counts. It’s in the fact that in 2026, we still talk about Coloring Book as a blueprint for how to be a "commercial" success without losing your soul. He showed that you can be vulnerable, religious, and fiercely independent all at the same time.
Whether you’re religious or not, there’s something deeply human about a guy standing on a stage, looking at his life, and just being grateful. It’s a vibe that doesn't age.
To get the full experience, go back and watch the "Blessings" live performance from the 2016 ESPYs or the Jimmy Fallon set. Seeing the interaction between the choir and the band provides the visual context that makes the lyrics truly pop.