Chicago, IL – A notable convergence of distinct voices in contemporary hip-hop occurred on July 3, 2025, with the release of “Tree,” a new collaborative single featuring acclaimed artists Chance the Rapper, Smino, and the legendary Lil Wayne. This joint effort marks a significant moment for fans, as the artists have not worked together in some time, making the unveiling of “Tree” a highly anticipated event within the music community.
The track itself delves into the theme of smoking weed, presented through what has been described as an “innovative presentation” and the artists’ “charming style of singing.” The combination of Chance the Rapper’s signature melodic flow, Smino’s distinctive vocal delivery, and Lil Wayne’s iconic lyrical prowess creates a unique sonic landscape that immediately captivated listeners upon its release.
A Visual Companion Directed by Chance the Rapper
Accompanying the release of the audio track is a music video, adding a crucial visual dimension to the collaboration. The video, notably directed by Chance the Rapper, has been characterized as “different and intriguing.” Early reception indicates that its unique visual storytelling resonated strongly with viewers.
Released simultaneously with the song on July 3, 2025, the music video debuted on the popular video platform YouTube. Its initial performance signals robust early traction, garnering over 178,000 views within approximately 14 hours of its upload. This rapid accumulation of views underscores the high level of interest surrounding this particular combination of artists and the creative direction taken for the visual.
The Significance of the Collaboration
The coming together of Chance the Rapper, Smino, and Lil Wayne for “Tree” is significant for several reasons. Chance the Rapper, known for his groundbreaking independent career and genre-bending approach, has maintained a strong presence in the hip-hop scene. Smino has carved out a unique niche with his soulful, intricate flows and production choices, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Lil Wayne, a figure widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation, brings decades of experience and a vast legacy to the collaboration. His continued artistic output and willingness to collaborate with newer generations of artists highlight his enduring relevance and impact on the genre. The fact that these three artists, each with their distinct styles and career trajectories, chose to collaborate on a track centered around a common theme and accompanied by a visually experimental video, speaks to a deliberate artistic choice aimed at creating something memorable and impactful.
The period of time elapsed since any potential prior collaborations between these specific artists only amplified the anticipation surrounding “Tree.” Social media buzz leading up to the release was considerable, fueled by the unexpected nature of the pairing and the promise of new material from artists held in high regard by their respective fanbases.
Early Reception and Future Outlook
The immediate success of the music video on YouTube, accumulating over 178,000 views within a roughly half-day window on July 3, 2025, serves as a concrete indicator of the track’s initial reach and positive reception. Such rapid viewership suggests that the collaboration successfully captured public attention and that the creative risks taken, particularly with the “different and intriguing” video directed by Chance the Rapper, paid off in generating significant engagement.
The “innovative presentation” of the song and the visual component points towards an effort by the artists to push creative boundaries beyond a standard music release. This approach, coupled with the undeniable star power of the individuals involved, positions “Tree” as a potentially significant track in the summer music landscape of 2025.
As the song and video continue to circulate, further analysis of streaming numbers, critical reviews, and fan reactions will provide a more complete picture of the long-term impact and success of the “Tree” collaboration. However, the initial data unequivocally demonstrates a strong start and confirms the high level of interest in new material from this dynamic trio.
