What do you think usually happens when somebody gets suspended from school for 10 days? Most people would probably say get grounded or have a 10 day vacation from school where they can just relax. Not many would think about making a mixtape that is not only groundbreaking, but makes you a big name in the independent rap game. That's exactly what Chance the Rapper did when he got suspended in 2011 from his high school for 10 days for possession of marijuana on campus. Since it was made over this 10 day suspension, he called his mixtape "10 Day."
From here, Chance went on to record what some consider to be the best independent rap release, "Acid Rap." On this mixtape, Chance goes through feelings he's experienced in his life. He talks a great deal about growing up in Chicago, what it's like seeing gang violence in his neighborhood and how the rising influence of drugs in his life and his community changed the culture around him. He speaks from the heart on all of his songs, each word coming from his soul. One big distinction of this mixtape that wasn't present on "10 Day" were the features on the songs. He has Action Bronson, who is another independent rapper, Childish Gambino, who is the creator of the FX show "Atlanta" and Twista, who is one of the fastest rappers in the world. When "Acid Rap" was released, it was commercial success in the sense that it had a lot of exposure, but he gave it out for free and released it on the free music platforms Soundcloud and Datpiff.
Earlier in 2016, he was a feature on the first track of Kanye West's "The Life of Pablo" titled "Ultralight Beam." In this song, he talks about how he wants to win a Grammy and wants to make the best music that he possibly can with God's help. This helped to promote his newest mixtape release, which was released in April titled "Coloring Book." On this mixtape, he talks further about growing up and how drugs have affected his life. He also talks about how becoming friends with Kanye West has been one of his dreams because they are both from Chicago. Overall, the mixtape feels all around more grown-up and mature than either "Acid Rap" or "10 Day."
Chance the Rapper has also been featured with a number of different artists. He's been on songs with artists from Justin Bieber to Madonna, Skrillex to SZA. Chance has become one of the best rappers breaking into the mainstream music scene, where he is creating the music he wants to because he isn't signed to a record label. He's been doing many different things in the music world and is quickly rising to super star level.
