Chance the Rapper
Quick Facts
Biography
Chance the Rapper - real name Chancelor Johnathan Bennett - is an American hip hop recording artist from Chicago, Illinois. He came to spotlight after his second mixtape Acid Rap, which was lauded by his fans and also the music critics. Acid Rap featured guest appearances from Vic Mensa, Saba, BJ the Chicago Kid, Ab-Soul, Action Bronson, Twista, and Childish Gambino.
Chance is also a member of band "Save Money," along with his frequent collaborator Vic Mensa. He was also the lead vocalist for the band The Social Experiment.
In May 2016, he released a Coloring Book, a streaming-only album, which received three Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Album. Chance draws inspiration from such artists as Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Souls of Mischief, James Brown, MC Hammer, Common, Lil Wayne, Esham, Eminem, and Freestyle Fellowship. He promoted the hashtg #SaveChicago campaign with his father.
He was named Chicago's Outstanding Youth of the Year in 2014 by Rahm Emanuel. In March 2017, Chance announced $1 million donation to Chicago public schools.
Childhood and early career
- Chance grew up in the West Chatham neighborhood of Chicago's South Side.
- Taylor Bennett, his younger brother, is also a hip hop artist from Chicago.
- Ken Williams-Bennett, his father, worked for then-Senator Barack Obama in Chicago.
- He attended Jones College Prep High School, where he formed a hip-hop duo Instrumentality with his friend.
- Some of his teachers at the school ridiculed his dreams of becoming a musician.
- In February 2012, Chance was featured in 10 New Chicago Rappers to Watch Out For in Complex magazine.
Discography
Albums
- 10 Day (2012)
- Acid Rap (2013)
- Coloring Book (2016)
Collaborations
- Surf (2015) (with Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment)
- Free (2015) (with Lil B)
Tours
- Family Matters Tour (2015)
- Magnificent Colouring World Tour (2016)
Awards
- Acid Rap: Nominated for BET hip hop award for Best Mixtape in 2013
- Won BET lyricist of the year in 2016
- Coloring Book won the BET Best Mixtape award in 2016