Chance the Rapper talks about his new mixtape and reveals his favorite pizza place in Chicago

Chance the Rapper gave fans a hint of what he’ll be doing next by visiting Rockefeller Center in New York City on August 16.

The Chicago native received a warm welcome from fans who lined up in TODAY Plaza outside of Studio 1A for the Citi Concert Series. Fans sang along to the rapper’s hits (new and old) on a sunny Friday morning.

With his highly anticipated “Star Line” mixtape on the horizon, Chance performed his new hits “Stars Out” and “Together” before ending his performance with the classic “Sunday Candy,” featuring a smoke show and mellow saxophone.

After the show, Chance took a minute to answer eight questions before 8 a.m. Read on to find out what inspired his latest project and who would be featured at his dream music festival.

1. When can fans experience “Star Line”?

Fans can experience “Star Line” as it airs. It’s a project where I let my fans experience it with me. Whether it’s interacting online or meeting me in person at one of the writings on the walls, it’s been a very immersive and interactive exchange.

2. What was it like filming the “Bad Boys 2” music video in Chicago?

Shooting the video for “Bad Boys 2” was like a movie. Even though there were all these fans and passersby — basically extras and paid extras — they were so excited when they saw that we were shooting the video in the city.

I think it’s always great when you see a production in Chicago. So I think it was a really good connection moment for me and some of the fans who were hanging around for people to see the trailers and the car being pulled over on the highway and things like that.

3. What would you title this chapter of your career?

I think this part of my career would probably be called Star Line. That’s probably the best way to describe it. There’s been a lot of traveling, a lot of moving, a lot of writing.

4. Can you name four rappers who deserve a permanent place on Mount Rushmore?

That’s a tough question. Mount Rushmore is a — I feel like it used to be sacred ground. I mean, I wouldn’t want to put anybody there. I’d probably give it back.

5. If you could organize your own music festival, who would be the headliners?

If I had my own festival, Frank Ocean would have to be there. You need a Beyoncé performance. You want to see Kendrick (Lamar). You want to see Stevie Wonder. Who else is great? Teezo Touchdown, Chance the Rapper and who—oh, and The Killers, The Killers. A good festival needs to have The Killers.

6. How has mixtape culture influenced your career?

HE is my career. I grew up getting music from DatPiff and gas stations and, you know, unofficial releases. But it’s actually a testament to hip hop. Hip hop is about reinventing things and taking the junk you have and creating something new.

The mixtape started with rappers rapping over other people’s instrumentals and then it evolved into a more original production. And it became a way for rappers to get some representation and a name without actually being signed to a record label. That’s my philosophy.

So mixtape culture, DJ Drama, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, you know, The Diplomats. There’s so many different mixtape series and mixtape eras that define how I put pen to paper.

7. Question from Little Big Town: If you could collaborate with any country artist, who would it be?

Dang, I would do a collaboration with Little Big Town. And I would also love to work with Nelly. I know people don’t think of him as a country artist, but he is. And — what’s my guy’s name? Shaboozey! Shaboozey, for sure.

8. Thomas Rhett is coming to TODAY next week as our next guest at the Plaza. What do you want to ask him?

Thomas Rhett, I was wondering: If you could collaborate with any rapper, who would it be?

8. Rapid Fire Round

What is your favorite song from the album “Star Line”?

“Space and Time.”

What was the most important album you owned as a kid?

Probably “College Dropout” Kanye West.

What is the best deep dish restaurant in Chicago?

I’ll say Connie’s.

Baseball caps or bucket hats?

Bucket hats.

Which series is your favorite to watch right now?

“Severance”. I’m waiting for the second season of “Severance” to come out. Please release this as soon as possible.

Shall we go to the pre-show ritual?

I’m not really into rituals, but push-ups are, you know, kind of fun.

This article was originally published at: TODAY.com