I've always been a strong believer that music saves lives. It's one of the most important aspects of personal growth and edification. A lyric, a beat, even a video can open a world inside of a person she never knew existed. Music, for me, has always been the beginning that never ends.
"Music is all we got. So we might as well give it all we got." Chance the Rapper
Chancelor Bennett aka Chance the Rapper is an artist who's been a constant force of guidance since 10 Day, his first mixtape released in 2012. I'm a writer, so naturally, I feel connected with this lyrical genius. But his words are not limited to rhyme; they've transcended into action and into, what I like to describe as, operation. Chance functions with purpose. Each line, each juke, each shoutout is strong-willed. He understands the magnitude of his influence and he uses his impact to reach his listeners in a unique way. Each fan experiences Chance's music differently, but I'm certain that whoever comes across it gains a clearer understanding of how life's just... not that bad.
Music exists to prove that sometimes, you need saving, even when you're not aware. So, here are four times Chance's music has invisibly saved me.
1. When "everybody's somebody's everything" became my personal mantra
"What's good, good? And what's good, evil? And what's good, gangstas? And what's good, people?" Everybody's Something
It's not everyday that someone expresses to you your worth. It's not everyday that you acknowledge your worth. And, it certainly isn't everyday that your worth is being valued. That never means it isn't real. It's nice to feel validated in a way that life's day-to-day redundancies don't recognize. It's nice to be reminded of self-worth amidst self-inflicting flaws. The lyric says, "Everybody's somebody's everything. Nobody's nothing." Someone will always be rooting for you, looking out for you and helping you fight your demons. It goes back to the famous saying: "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." The moment I really needed to hear this message is the moment it came along.
2. When he collaborated with Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment
"Mine's is handmade, pan fried, sun dried, Southside, and beat the devil by a landslide." Sunday Candy
Chance, alongside artists J. Cole, BJ the Chicago Kid, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, KYLE, Big Sean and about 30 more, proves that he's got what it takes to stand out from a (powerhouse) crowd. When the album, Surf, by Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment debuted, Chance seemed to be all anyone could talk about. As a true Chance fan, obviously I jumped on the scene with high hopes that Lil Chano would deliver, and boy, was I pleasantly surprised. The album is something any artist would be honored to be part of and the fact that Chance came, saw, conquered, and became so much more than just a "feature," made myself and so many other fans feel comparable to a proud mama.
3. When he used Coloring Book to highlight his connection with Christ
"I don't make songs for free, I make 'em for freedom
Don't believe in kings, believe in the Kingdom
Chisel me into stone, prayer whistle me into song air
Dying laughing with Krillin saying something 'bout blonde hair
Jesus' black life ain't matter, I know I talked to his daddy
Said you the man of the house now, look out for your family
He has ordered my steps, gave me a sword with a crest
And gave Donnie a trumpet in case I get shortness of breath" Blessings
Through music, there lies a message. One, often times you don't know you need to hear, but when it comes, it comes right on time. No one is perfect, and to acknowledge humility and give artistic credit where it is due is ballsy to say the least. It's important to take a few steps back (or down off a pedestal) sometimes to realize that there's really nothing greater than knowing that, through it all, God's got it. I appreciate Chance's ability to reach all kinds of people through music, and I commend anyone who is not afraid to share their passions with the world-- whatever they may be. It's no secret that rapping about religion will bring about some unwarranted condemnation, but sometimes the sacrifice is made to reach those few (thousand) who really needed to know that they're not alone in something that, sometimes, can make you feel very lonely.
4. When he proved through music that self-love is the best medicine.
"Wear that fake smile like a cape. Save yourself first." Save Yourself First
Fact: I've always preached to love yourself first. Fact: Sometimes I forget to do just that. More and more, I see through the media and hear in music how love conquers all, and how finding somebody to love (you) is the ultimate achievement. The message, though in good spirit, may be harmful to those who seek love without first finding it within themselves. Sometimes, I need that reminder to love from the inside, out. I have a tattoo designed to promote self-love, and just as my tattoo is a reminder every day to take care of myself first, it feels good to hear it from some of the biggest influences in my life. Chance makes it clear through his music that the work you put into yourself is translated into the love that you pour into others. And honestly, how can you not agree with that.
