CHICAGO — The voice of Grammy Award-winning artist Chance The Rapper might be the soundtrack to your next CTA ride.
The South Side rapper, in partnership with the transit agency, launched the “Enjoy the Ride” campaign Wednesday that features his voice in two announcements that will play at train stations across the city for several weeks, according to a CTA news release.
The announcements are set to Chance’s song, “Ride,” from his newest album, “Star Line,” with a message encouraging riders to “keep supporting public transit and its workers.” The collaboration also includes limited edition Chance/CTA posters that fans can download.
This latest collaboration between the rapper and the CTA includes a sit-down interview with Chance for the CTA’s podcast, “Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA.”
“I think this partnership is so important because I grew up taking the Red Line train from 79th,” Chance the Rapper said in a news release announcing the partnership. “All of the train lines create a pathway to connection and an opportunity for people to build community, and that’s what ‘Star Line’ is about. It’s about us forming together to fight anything that’s going against us. This is an important time in the city for people to stand up, be brave and protective of each other.”
Fans of Chance the Rapper can download commemorative posters celebrating his latest album “Star Line” and the city’s transit system. Credit: Chicago Transit Authority
The Chatham-born artist transformed the Red Line into the “Star Line” in October ahead of a local performance on his “And We Back” tour. As the train traveled south to Chatham’s 79th Street station and his album played over the speakers, Chance met with dozens of fans to mingle, rap, sing and dance.
“This is a unique partnership between two Chicago icons — CTA and Chance — that allows us to celebrate the special meaning they both have for our great city,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said in a news release. “At CTA, we are thrilled to showcase Chance’s artistry and accomplishments while telling the story of his Chicago roots riding CTA in his early days.”
Chance the Rapper performs during the third day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park on Aug. 2, 2025. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago
Chance was recently announced as co-host of the “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” For the first time in its 55 years, the New Year’s Eve televised countdown will include a central time zone midnight countdown live from Chicago.
“Chicago is a city of creativity, resilience, and unmatched talent, and there is no better ambassador for that spirit than Chance the Rapper,” Mayor Brandon Johnson previously said in a released statement. “His leadership, artistry, and deep love for our neighborhoods make him the perfect host as Chicago steps onto the national stage for New Year’s Eve.”
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: