Chance’s “Tree” is a moving visual and musical dedication to Black women and communal strength.
Chance the Rapper taps into a spiritual and cultural reservoir with “Tree,” a collaboration with Lil Wayne and Smino that intertwines poetic lyrics and bold visuals. This release is more than a track — it’s a statement.
The song is steeped in duality: vulnerability and strength, celebration and resistance. Chance opens with lines that honor Black families, drawing special attention to the protective, nurturing role of Black women. Lil Wayne and Smino shift the narrative between humor and critique, enriching the piece with their unique lyrical color.
The accompanying video, which Chance directed, is both personal and profound. Set in a Black woman-owned dispensary in Los Angeles, the visual captures a joyful gathering before pivoting into a moment of defiance. As police enter the scene, the women transform their surroundings into a flower shop — an artistic metaphor for ownership, preservation, and adaptability. 
The cinematography utilizes silhouettes, vibrant typography, and intimate stillness to elevate the themes. It speaks to the beauty and resilience often found in the quietest acts of resistance.
“Tree” also hints at what’s to come: Chance’s future project Star Line, which draws inspiration from Marcus Garvey’s vision and the artist’s personal journey through the global Black experience.
Musically rich and visually striking, “Tree” stands as a defining moment in Chance’s evolving artistic narrative.
