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    36 Facts About Chance The Rapper

    Katusha Christ

    Written by Katusha Christ

    Modified & Updated: 18 Feb 2025

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    36-facts-about-chance-the-rapper
    Source: Nbc.com

    Chance the Rapper is more than just a musician; he's a cultural icon, philanthropist, and advocate for social change. Born Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, this Chicago native has taken the music world by storm with his unique blend of hip-hop, gospel, and soul. But how much do you really know about him? From his groundbreaking mixtapes to his charitable efforts, Chance has made waves both on and off the stage. Did you know he won three Grammy Awards without selling a single physical album? Or that he once interned for President Obama? Dive into these 36 facts about Chance the Rapper and discover what makes him a true game-changer.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Chance the Rapper, born and raised in Chicago, gained fame with his unique music style and independent approach, winning Grammy Awards and making a positive impact through philanthropy and activism.
    • Chance's journey from a high school suspension to Grammy success showcases his resilience, creativity, and commitment to making a difference in the music industry and beyond.
    Table of Contents
    01Early Life and Background
    02Musical Beginnings
    03Breakthrough with "Acid Rap"
    04Independent Artist
    05Philanthropy and Activism
    06Personal Life
    07Awards and Recognition
    08Unique Style and Influence
    09Future Projects and Endeavors
    10The Final Beat

    Early Life and Background

    Chance the Rapper, born Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, has an intriguing background that shaped his music and career.

    1. 01Born on April 16, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois, Chance grew up in the West Chatham neighborhood.
    2. 02His father, Ken Williams-Bennett, worked for the mayor of Chicago and later for Barack Obama.
    3. 03Chance attended Jones College Prep High School, where he developed a passion for music.
    4. 04He was suspended from school for ten days during his senior year, which led him to record his first mixtape, "10 Day."

    Musical Beginnings

    Chance's journey into the music industry started with a mixtape that gained significant attention.

    1. 05"10 Day," released in 2012, was inspired by his suspension from high school.
    2. 06The mixtape received over 300,000 downloads on DatPiff, a popular mixtape website.
    3. 07Chance's unique style blends hip-hop, jazz, and gospel influences.
    4. 08He cites Kanye West, James Brown, and Michael Jackson as major influences on his music.

    Breakthrough with "Acid Rap"

    "Acid Rap" was the mixtape that catapulted Chance into the spotlight.

    1. 09Released in 2013, "Acid Rap" received critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
    2. 10The mixtape features collaborations with artists like Childish Gambino, Twista, and Action Bronson.
    3. 11"Acid Rap" was downloaded over a million times on DatPiff.
    4. 12The mixtape was nominated for Best Mixtape at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards.

    Independent Artist

    Chance is known for his independence in the music industry, refusing to sign with major labels.

    1. 13He released his third mixtape, "Coloring Book," in 2016 as a streaming-only project.
    2. 14"Coloring Book" became the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy Award.
    3. 15Chance won three Grammy Awards in 2017, including Best New Artist.
    4. 16He has collaborated with major artists like Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Lil Wayne without a record label.

    Philanthropy and Activism

    Chance is not just a musician; he is also a dedicated philanthropist and activist.

    1. 17He donated $1 million to Chicago Public Schools in 2017.
    2. 18Chance founded SocialWorks, a nonprofit organization focused on youth empowerment.
    3. 19He has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and criminal justice reform.
    4. 20In 2018, he purchased the Chicagoist, a local news website, to promote independent journalism.

    Personal Life

    Chance's personal life is as interesting as his professional career.

    1. 21He married his longtime girlfriend, Kirsten Corley, in 2019.
    2. 22The couple has two daughters, Kensli and Marli.
    3. 23Chance is a devout Christian and often incorporates his faith into his music.
    4. 24He has a close relationship with his younger brother, Taylor Bennett, who is also a rapper.

    Awards and Recognition

    Chance's talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

    1. 25He was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2017.
    2. 26Chance received the BET Humanitarian Award in 2017 for his philanthropic efforts.
    3. 27He won the Innovator Award at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
    4. 28In 2020, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his appearance on "Saturday Night Live."

    Unique Style and Influence

    Chance's music and style have left a lasting impact on the industry.

    1. 29He is known for his signature "3" hat, which represents his third mixtape, "Coloring Book."
    2. 30Chance's music often features live instrumentation, a rarity in modern hip-hop.
    3. 31He has been praised for his positive and uplifting lyrics.
    4. 32Chance's influence extends beyond music; he has appeared in films and TV shows, including "The Lion King" and "Slice."

    Future Projects and Endeavors

    Chance continues to innovate and explore new opportunities in his career.

    1. 33He announced plans to release a new album, "The Big Day," in 2019.
    2. 34Chance has expressed interest in pursuing acting and has already made several film appearances.
    3. 35He is working on a musical film titled "Hope," which will feature original music by Chance.
    4. 36Chance remains committed to his independent approach, promising to continue releasing music on his terms.

    The Final Beat

    Chance the Rapper's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in Chicago to becoming a global sensation, his story shows the power of passion and perseverance. His commitment to staying independent, his philanthropic efforts, and his unique sound have set him apart in the music industry.

    Chance's influence extends beyond music. He's a role model for young artists and a beacon of hope for communities in need. His work reminds us that success isn't just about fame or money but about making a difference.

    Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering his music, Chance the Rapper's story is a testament to what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and a big heart. Keep an eye on this artist; his journey is far from over.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the real name of Chance The Rapper?
    Born as Chancellor Jonathan Bennett, he's better known by his stage name, Chance The Rapper. This talented artist hails from Chicago, Illinois, and has made a significant impact on the music scene with his unique style and independent approach to the industry.
    How did Chance The Rapper get his start in music?
    Chance's journey into music began during his high school years. He gained initial recognition with his first mixtape, "10 Day," which he started working on following a 10-day suspension from school. This project set the stage for his later success and showcased his potential as a rising star in the rap game.
    Has Chance The Rapper won any awards for his music?
    Absolutely! Chance has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout his career. Notably, he made history at the 2017 Grammy Awards by winning three Grammys, including Best New Artist, without selling physical copies of his music. His wins were a testament to his talent and the changing landscape of the music industry.
    What makes Chance The Rapper's music unique?
    What sets Chance apart is his blend of soulful beats, gospel influences, and meaningful lyrics that often touch on themes of faith, hope, and social justice. His refusal to sign with a major record label, opting instead to remain independent, also speaks volumes about his commitment to artistic freedom and integrity.
    Is Chance The Rapper involved in any philanthropic efforts?
    Yes, he's quite active in giving back to his community. One of his most notable contributions is to the Chicago public school system, where he's donated millions to support arts and literature programs. Chance's philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, as he often engages in social activism and community service.
    Can you tell me about any collaborations Chance The Rapper has done?
    Chance is known for his collaborative spirit, having worked with a wide array of artists across different genres. From Kanye West to Justin Bieber and Cardi B, his versatility and openness to explore various musical styles have resulted in some memorable tracks that highlight his adaptability and creativity as an artist.
    What's next for Chance The Rapper?
    While specifics about future projects are often kept under wraps until official announcements, Chance is always cooking up something new. Whether it's new music, collaborative projects, or his ongoing community work, fans can rest assured that Chance The Rapper will continue to make waves in the industry and beyond.

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