John Legend – “Penthouse Floor” (Feat. Chance The Rapper)

John Legend – “Penthouse Floor” (Feat. Chance The Rapper)

Veteran R&B singer-songwriter John Legend’s next album Darkness And Light is quickly approaching in a little over two weeks. There are only three features on the album, but they are good ones. Miguel, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, and Chance The Rapper have guest privileges, and today “Penthouse Floor” featuring Lil Chano From 79th has surfaced.

Legend croons over warm, funky bass and intricate percussion moving away from his classic piano driven aesthetic. He weaves a loose, extended metaphor using an elevator ride to the top floor to communicate his hopes for social mobility for the disadvantaged and disheartened. Chano comes in to paint a vivid picture of a swanky party he feels uncomfortable attending because the folks he grew up with can’t get in. Of course he still dons that “3” hat (“New Era in the penthouse baby”) though, and finds himself unwanted by the rest of the people at the party. It’s an astute look at what it actually means to climb the social ladder and how quickly the bottom rung gets out of focus. Check it out below.

Darkness And Light is out 12/2 on John Legend Music/Columbia. Pre-order it here.

more from New Music