Chance the Rapper
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| Name | Chance the Rapper |
| Caption | Chance the Rapper performing in 2014 |
| Birth name | Chancelor Jonathan Bennett |
| Birth date | April 16, 1993 |
| Birth place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupations | Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, activist |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Independent |
| Associated acts | Kanye West, Childish Gambino, Justin Bieber, Lil Yachty, Bruno Mars, Vic Mensa |
Chance the Rapper (born Chancelor Jonathan Bennett; April 16, 1993) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and philanthropist from Chicago, Illinois. Known for his mixtapes and independent distribution model, he gained national attention with the mixtape Acid Rap and won multiple awards for Coloring Book, which blended hip hop, gospel, and soul. He is noted for his civic engagement in Chicago and collaborations with prominent artists across hip hop, R&B, and pop.
Early life and education
Bennett was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the South Side neighborhoods of West Chatham and Chatham. He is the son of Ken Bennett and Lisa Bennett; his father worked in Comcast-related media and his mother was a foster care worker who later pursued a role at Chicago State University. He attended Jones College Prep High School, where he became involved with the Chicago Public Schools arts community and connected with peers including Vic Mensa and Towkio. He briefly studied at Oak Park and River Forest High School events and was later expelled following an incident at a school party; he graduated from Jones College Prep and later enrolled at Columbia College Chicago before leaving to pursue music.
Career
Bennett began releasing mixtapes and performing in Chicago venues, building early buzz with 10 Day (2012), created after a suspension incident that paralleled narratives about Prohibition-era resilience in local scenes. His 2013 mixtape Acid Rap featured collaborations with Saba, Action Bronson, and Mick Jenkins, and drew attention from outlets such as Pitchfork, Complex, and The Fader. He followed with Surf (2015), a collaborative project with Donnie Trumpet and The Social Experiment, featuring performances with Alex Wiley, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Kendrick Lamar. His 2016 mixtape Coloring Book featured guest appearances by Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, and 2 Chainz, and earned him Grammy wins, elevating independent distribution conversations alongside figures like Drake and Frank Ocean. Bennett has toured with acts including The Roots, J. Cole, and Erykah Badu, and has contributed to projects by Kanye West (notably The Life of Pablo) and Childish Gambino.
Musical style and influences
His music blends elements of hip hop, gospel, soul, and jazz, drawing comparisons to artists such as Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, Outkast, and Common. Influences include Chicago scene figures like Twista, Rhymefest, and Chief Keef, as well as national artists Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. Production collaborators have included Nineteen85, Peter Cottontale, No I.D., The Social Experiment, and Madlib, contributing to arrangements featuring live instrumentation, horn sections reminiscent of Daptone Records-styled soul, and choir-backed gospel textures similar to traditional choral approaches. Lyrically, he navigates themes associated with Chicago politics and American urban life while incorporating spiritual motifs linked to Christianity and Gospel music traditions.
Philanthropy and activism
Bennett has been active in Chicago civic initiatives, donating to Chicago Public Schools and partnering with organizations such as SocialWorks and YoungChicagoAuthors. He has testified before the Illinois General Assembly regarding funding for arts education and has supported campaigns related to voting rights and community development in Chicago. His philanthropic efforts include grants to libraries and neighborhood programs, collaborations with entities like DonorsChoose, and support for cultural institutions such as The Chicago Cultural Center and Hyde Park Art Center. He has appeared alongside public figures including Rahm Emanuel, Barack Obama, and Michelle Obama at civic events and has been involved in voter registration efforts connected to Get Out the Vote campaigns.
Personal life
Bennett is married to Katelyn Bennett (Kaitlyn Bennett may be misattributed) with whom he has children; their family life has been featured in media coverage and at public appearances. He is a practicing Christian and has integrated faith into performances at venues like The Gospel Music Workshop of America and festivals such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork Music Festival. He retains independent status in the music industry, running his own imprint and maintaining creative control while collaborating with corporations like Apple Inc. for exclusive streaming promotions and distribution deals. He has been outspoken on matters related to Chicago politics and public safety, often engaging with local leaders and community groups.
Awards and recognition
Bennett received multiple Grammy Award nominations and won awards for Coloring Book, making him one of the first artists to earn Grammys with a streaming-only release. He has been honored by institutions including Chicago Tribune, Billboard, and Time in lists recognizing cultural influence. He has received accolades from Chicago-based organizations and national entities such as BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. His community work has been acknowledged by civic bodies including the City of Chicago and educational nonprofits.
Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:Rappers from Illinois Category:People from Chicago