From 10 Day to Acid Rap and now to Coloring Book, Chancelor Bennett transformed from high school kid making mixtapes to highly acclaimed rap artist who is... still making mixtapes. Except now, he has millions of people listening to and loving what he's creating.
1. Challenging other artists
Chance the Rapper's increasing popularity has caught the attention of listeners and some of the biggest names in the music industry like Kanye West, Drake, and Jay-Z. Offers of collaborations and co-writing songs are flooding his inbox. He was the first independent artist to headline SNL, and countless record labels have offered him contracts and deals. Why? Because his sound is unlike any frontrunner in the game right now. The industry is being challenged by his unconventional success as an independent artist. Without guidelines from a record deal, he has the freedom to explore his creative capacities; and his increasing popularity is proof he's doing something right.
2. Remains humble in the light of fame
Yes, Chance is confident in his abilities, but he's not pompous or arrogant. Twitter wars and celebrity beef aren't his style because doesn't have to use it for more publicity. He gives credit where credit is due and constantly sends love and appreciation to his fans everywhere. Instead of using his popularity for his own gain, he uses it to spread love and raise awareness.
3. Candid about his faith life
Chance may not be a "Christian Rapper" per se, but he is a faithful Christian. The artistry behind his lyrics reflect his beliefs without causing non-believers to shy away from his music. Almost half of the songs from his latest album, Coloring Book, contain biblical allusions and metaphors containing Christian ideals. In my opinion, Christian rap can come across as cheesy; but Chance's transparency makes his music more real. While celebrating the victory that comes from choosing to persevere with the Lord, he also lays all of his struggles out on the table. You don't see a "picture perfect Christian" when you look at Chance, but you do see an authentic disciple striving and trying.
4. Taking fatherhood seriously
For the most part, celebrities have a bad rep when it comes to parenting; but in his song "Angels," Chance talks about how he wants to create a better world for his daughter, Kinsley, so she doesn't have to experience the same hardships he did. He's even working out his relationship with his girlfriend, Kirsten, in order to maintain a stable lifestyle for Kinsley.
5. Cares for the vulnerable members of society
Chance is a passionate activist for racial justice, for the homeless, for the impoverished, for underprivileged youth, and much more. Many of his songs illustrate societal problems in his hometown, Chicago, but people everywhere can relate. Not only does Chance rap about these issues, but he also actively pursues solutions to these issues. In 2014, Chance promoted the #SaveChicago campaign to combat gun violence, and Chicago successfully went 42 hours without a shooting. In May of 2016, he promoted a similar campaign using #May23 to, once again, stop gun violence for 42 hours. In December of 2015, Chance partnered with the Empowerment Plan to start the Warmest Winter Initiative to provide multifunctional winter coats for the homeless. With the help of his network of fans, Chance was able to raise over $100,000 to fund over 1,100 coats. Talking about an issue is one thing, but putting words into action is another; and Chance does an excellent job of making things happen.
6. He's #relatable
Chance may be the hottest independent artist out there right now, but he's still like you and me. We're all just trying to transform our dreams into reality... and have an occasional fangirl freak-out over hugs from Beyoncé. Same, Chano. Same.
