While fans waited for Chance The Rapper’s new album Star Line , the Chicago native kept his skills sharp with his “Writing Exercise” series of one-off single releases. Tracks like “ Wraith ,” “ A Bar About A Bar ,” and “ Quiet Storm ” kept fans engaged while keeping Chance’s pen sharp.

With Star Line finally just a week away, Chance squeezes out “The Lion,” his writing exercise #815 — perhaps a clever reference to the album’s release date. Over a typically soulful beat, Chance recalls a conversation between him and his father, who showed up unannounced one afternoon to give him the motivation to push through his artistic malaise.

“It’s time to roar, Simba, it’s time to roar, Simba,” he rhymes. “It’s time for more embers / It’s time to bring coals, son, it’s been a long winter /

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