He’s made his mark on the hip-hop industry, and now Chance The Rapper has been named Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine, accordingly. The rapper’s work in, and concern for, his local community was cited as one of the reasons that the magazine granted him with this title, as well as his family life and impressive ascent in the music industry.
Chicago Magazine’s accompanying feature details the work he’s done to help his local community. One such way is a talent show he hosts in honour of the late Mike Hawkins, a poet who mentored Chicago youth including Chance.
“Since we first started doing the ‘Open Mikes,’ I’ve tried to make the point not to have me or the other staff members perform,” Chance stated to his crowd. “We didn’t want it to feel like there was a time for you to perform and then a time for us to perform. I know how hard it is to come up onstage and say a poem that only you know or do a dance that only you’ve seen before. So I want to show you that I’m just as vulnerable as you guys.”
The emcee also spoke about how fatherhood has effected his outlook on life, claiming that when you have one of your own it gives you a “new understanding on life and on love”. His child is the motivation behind his current ‘Family Matters’ tour, with Chance hoping to raise money for a family home.
Chance receiving this title would come as no surprise to most. The rappers work in his hometown, as well as the popularity of his music which he usually releases for free (his free LP Acid Rap has been downloaded over a million times) has allowed him to become a figurehead for the Chicago rap game. There’s no one more deserving.
You can check out Chicago Magazine’s feature here.