Chance the Rapper Kicks Off And We Back Tour in Houston at Bayou Music Center
On the night of September 26th, the Bayou Music Center transformed into more than just a concert venue — it became a celebration, a reunion, and a deeply personal performance space for Chance the Rapper. Kicking off his And We Back Tour in Houston, the energy was palpable the moment you stepped through the doors. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, tightly packed shoulder to shoulder, as everyone waited for the lights to drop and the music to begin. You could feel something special was about to happen.
Before Chance even stepped on stage, the night started off strong with an electric set from Houston’s own hip hop legend, Lil Flip. His appearance felt like a homecoming and a salute to the city’s rich musical legacy. He delivered fan favorites like “Sunshine,” “Like a Pimp” (with the unforgettable David Banner), and “Game Over,” tracks that sparked instant nostalgia and got the entire crowd singing along. Lil Flip’s performance wasn’t just an opening act — it was a moment of pride for Houston, and the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the night.
Then, the room went dark and the eruption that followed made it clear that Chance the Rapper had arrived. As the first beats of his set dropped, he launched straight into new material from his latest project, Star Line. Stripped down to just his voice, a DJ, and the roar of the crowd, the songs carried a different kind of weight live. Tracks like “Together” hit especially hard, showcasing a matured version of Chance still optimistic and soulful, but with sharper edges and a more grounded presence. The vulnerability in his voice made it feel as if he was reintroducing himself, not just performing.
Of course, the most explosive reactions came when Chance the Rapper dipped into his well-loved back catalog. “No Problem” was a clear standout, as the audience turned into a massive, unified choir, belting every lyric as if it were gospel. Chance leaned into it, holding the mic out and smiling as the crowd practically drowned him out a moment of mutual appreciation between artist and fans. There were a few minor hiccups missed lines, slight timing slips but they didn’t break the spell. If anything, those imperfections made the experience feel more authentic, more human. No one in the audience seemed to mind. It only drew us deeper into the moment.
What made the show linger in memory wasn’t just the music, but the moments in between. Chance took his time between songs to speak directly to us not in rehearsed monologues, but in sincere, unscripted gratitude. He thanked Houston for its continued support and made it clear this wasn’t just another tour date on a calendar. This night felt intentional, as if launching the tour in Houston meant something deeper to him a city that has consistently shown him love and energy from the start.
The performance wasn’t polished to perfection, and that’s exactly what gave it soul. Being the first night of the tour, there were a few rough edges, but with that came an undeniable rawness the kind of creative vulnerability that often disappears once a tour becomes routine. As I walked out of the venue, the feeling I had wasn’t just post-concert adrenaline. It felt like I had witnessed an artist rediscovering himself in real-time. Chance seemed to be shaking off the weight of the last few years, reconnecting with his purpose, and stepping confidently back into the spotlight. Not as a performer chasing a hit, but as someone who remembered why he started making music in the first place.
In the end, it wasn’t just a night of music it was a reminder of how powerful it is when an artist brings their full, imperfect, passionate self to the stage. And Houston, as always, showed up to meet him there.
