Who is Chance the Rapper?
Chancelor John Bennet, better known by his stage name, Chance The Rapper, was born on April 16th, 1993. He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Chance the Rapper wass born and raised in Chicago and he released his debut mixtape 10 day, in 2012. He gained mainstream recognition in 2013 after releasing his second mixtape Acid Rap. His third mixtape, Coloring Book was released in 2016, and earned him three Grammy Awards. Including the award for Best Rap Album. Chance’s debut studio album, The Big Day was released in 2019. Chance the Rapper is known for his versatile and uplifting music. He also believes in giving back to his community and is known as a community activist. Chance the Rapper is using his platform as a rapper to make a great impact in his community. He influences his community in a positive way through his music, his non-profit organization and his community support.
His Music
Chance has stated in interviews that artists such as James Brown, MC Hammer, Prince, Common, Kanye West, Young Thug, Eminem and Kirk Franklin have influenced him. His music generally contains jazz inspired melodies and gospel influences. Chance usually references his Christian faith, his struggles with his faith, and his upbringing in his music. He incorporates choirs in his music as an attempt to maximize the gospel undertones.
An excerpt from his song, “How Great”:
“My Dreamgirls behind me, feel like I’m James Early. The type of worship make Jesus come back a day early. With the faith of a a pumpkinseed-sized mustard seed. Hear, for I will speak noble things as entrusted me.”
Here, Chance is talking about having faith and worshiping God. This is where we see his faith and his music intertwine.
How Great- Audio
How Great- Official Music Video
His Nonprofit Organization
Chance the Rapper always wanted to provide a free and safe space for youth to experience and participate in the arts. In 2016 he founded a nonprofit called SocialWorks. This organization aims to empower the youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. Since its founding in 2016, it has created 5 initiatives that present young people with the opportunity to learn and act on their passions. The SocialWorks’ programming focuses on education, mental health, homelessness, and performing and literary arts.
Chance the Rapper- SocialWorks Summit Volume 1.
His Community Service
Chance the Rapper has donated to various charities and is constantly working towards bettering his community. In 2017, Chance donated $1 million to Chicago Public Schools. He also distributed $2.2 million dollars, raised by his nonprofit to 20 schools for their art and education program. Chance said, “Quality education for public schools is the most important investment a community can make,” at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago. In 2015, Chance partnered with The Empowerment Plan to launch Warmest Winter 2016, a company that makes self heating water resistant jackets for the homeless that can be converted into sleeping bags. In 2016 he and his brother raised over $100,000 for six elementary schools on Chicago which provided them with new technologies. He has organized free events for kids in the Chicago area such as the Teens in the Park Festival. Finally, his charity SocialWorks teamed up with STATE Bags to donate 30,000 backpacks to children in underfunded neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Chance the Rapper is an all around artist. A philanthropist, activist, and an entertainer, Chance the Rapper has never forgotten his origin and roots. He uses his platform everyday as a means to make social change.
