Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, born on April 16, 1993, is widely recognized by his professional moniker, Chance the Rapper. He boasts an impressive profile as an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer. Hailing from Chicago, Bennett made his initial mark with the release of his debut mixtape titled “10 Day” in 2012.
It wasn’t long before his star began to rise in 2013 with the launch of his second mixtape, “Acid Rap,” propelling him into the mainstream. Bennett’s third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” dropped in 2016, garnering not only critical acclaim but also significant attention. This project proved to be a game-changer, securing three Grammy Awards, including the coveted Best Rap Album. Notably, this achievement etched history as the first streaming-only album to clinch a Grammy Award. On the Billboard 200, “Coloring Book” soared to number eight. Continuing his trajectory, Bennett’s inaugural studio album, “The Big Day,” graced the music scene in 2019.
In tandem with his individual career, Bennett plays an integral role in the Chicago-based collective known as Savemoney. Beyond that, he lends his vocal prowess to the band, Social Experiment. Spearheaded by trumpeter Nico Segal, the band released the album “Surf” in 2015, marking a significant milestone in Bennett’s artistic journey. His engagement in social activism within his Chicago community further underscores his multifaceted persona.
Early Years
Chancellor Bennett’s roots trace back to Chicago. His father, Ken Williams-Bennett, held a key role as an aide to the late Chicago mayor, Harold Washington, as well as then-Senator Barack Obama. Complementing this, Bennett’s mother, Lisa Bennett, contributed her efforts to the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Bennett’s upbringing unfolded in the middle-class enclave of West Chatham on Chicago’s South Side.
During Bennett’s teenage years, his father joined the Department of Labor during President Barack Obama’s initial term, leading to an encounter between Bennett and the President himself. During this meeting, Bennett candidly shared his aspirations of pursuing a career in rap. In response, President Obama offered a succinct “word.” While Bennett contemplated relocating to Washington, D.C. following Obama’s victory in the 2008 presidential election, these plans eventually did not come to fruition. Bennett pursued his education at Jones College Prep High School, where he was an active member of the Jewish Student Union.
Bennett’s musical journey ignited with the influence of the legendary Michael Jackson. He remained exclusively devoted to Jackson’s tunes through cassette tapes until the fifth grade. In the familial soundscape, the Bennett household resonated with melodies from luminaries like Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, and various artists from the jazz and gospel genres.
Bennett’s transition into hip-hop was sparked by the serendipitous encounter with Kanye West’s “Through the Wire” playing on the radio during a stroll through Chicago’s Hyde Park. Uncovering that this track was featured on West’s debut album, “The College Dropout,” Bennett promptly acquired the album. This marked his induction into the realm of hip-hop albums. Notably, Bennett holds Kanye West in high regard as an influential figure who inspired him to embark on his own rap journey. Their meeting took place in August 2014, at the Bonnaroo Music Festival.