View this post on Instagram   Hey guys I’ve decided to cancel the Big Tour. I know it sucks and its been a lot of back and forth with reschedules and rerouting, but it’s for the best. I’m gonna take this time to be with family, make some…

Beyond winning Chance the Rapper the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, Coloring Book also distinguished him as a unique force in Chicago hip-hop. The career-defining release’s gospel overtones, pop hooks and diverse flow saw Chancelor Jonathan Bennett come into his own as a suave, God-fearing punchline purveyor. He…

Photos: Jay Demetillo OAKLAND — Chance the Rapper brought the gospel to the Oracle Arena Wednesday. The gospel of Chance, that is. Returning to the Bay Area for the second time in less than a year, Chance the Rapper stopped by Oakland on his “Be Encouraged” tour, bringing with him…

This is the second in a three-part series. Read the introduction to learn how I’m scoring my list and find out about my “special consideration” in PART 1. Favorite Shows 2015 | Favorite Shows 2014 Favorite Shows 2013 | Favorite Shows 2012   13 – CHANCE THE RAPPER at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – Oct. 21 At…

Photo: Matt De Mello The other day I wrote an column on where we, not just as a country, but as a world, go from here. That piece was unique for RIFF. Ours is not a political publication. However, some events transcend politics. Many of us are nervous, some are petrified…

Photos: Roman Gokhman SAN FRANCISCO — Anyone still wondering what makes Chance the Rapper 2016’s break-out hip hop star had those questions answered Friday night at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, the first of two Bay Area dates on his “Magnificent Coloring World Tour.” Performing for the first time…

Photo: Che Holts SAN FRANCISCO — Day three brought sunshine and massive crowds to close the ninth Outside Lands Music Festival on a memorable note. Tens of thousands packed the Polo Field at midday for a glimpse at Chance the Rapper and Third Eye Blind on the Lands End…