About This Album
Despite his evasion of stylistic pigeonholing and no label affiliation -- not even a major-bankrolled vanity imprint -- Chance the Rapper is one of the most significant independent artists to infiltrate the mainstream. Through several mixtapes, his output underwent a rapid evolution as he celebrated life and faith, mourned personal losses, and hit upon lighter everyday experiences with high-aptitude wordplay served with a variety of mostly genial styles. All the while, the productions that supported the verses and hooks included various regional contemporary rap production styles, and among other genres synthesized elements of gospel, jazz, and soul. Previously unthinkable achievements, such as winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with 2016's Coloring Book -- a mixtape available only on streaming platforms -- prompted headlines, yet they didn't overshadow the creative accomplishments that vaulted him onto the top tier. Chance continued to evolve with the delivery of his long-awaited debut studio album, 2019's The Big Day. He has stayed busy, collaborating on tracks with Ludacris, Justin Bieber, Vic Mensa, and others while building up to the release of his 2024 mixtape Star Line Gallery. A native of Chicago's West Chatham neighborhood, Chancelor Bennett made his mixtape debut in April 2012 with 10 Day, a wide-ranging effort recorded during -- and partly inspired by -- a high-school suspension of the same duration. Featuring beats from Flying Lotus, Chuck Inglish, and Lex Luger, it was preceded by advance notice from Complex and followed by praise from Forbes. One of Bennett's early supporters was Childish Gambino, who took him on as opener for a U.S. tour. Increasing popularity didn't prevent Bennett from visiting local schools, deepening a lasting humanitarian connection with his community. Second tape Acid Rap, Chance's first release to register on Billboard's album charts, arrived in April 2013 and intensified efforts from major labels who wanted to sign the artist, only to be turned down. By the end of
