Chance The Rapper Archives - Page 5 of 22

Hip-Hop Holiday Cheer: Artists With Holiday Songs & Albums That May Have Went Under The Radar

December 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and catchy tunes, and while fans may think of traditional carols and pop ballads, hip-hop has also left its mark on Christmas music. From Tyler, The Creator’s Grinch-inspired tracks to Kanye West’s iconic “Christmas In Harlem,” get ready to be surprised as SOHH reveals the top six hip-hop artists who have crafted festive songs and albums for the holidays.

Tyler, The Grinch

In 2018, Tyler, The Creator introduced his talents to a wider audience with a role in The Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch soundtrack.

Not only did he create the catchy original song, “I Am The Grinch,” but he also delivered a hip-hop cover of the holiday classic, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Just a few days later, Tyler released an EP titled Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, further showcasing his festive creativity.

In the realm of Tyler, The Creator’s world, the rapper continues to elevate and consistently showcase his versatility. He recently embarked on his annual festival, Camp Flog Gnaw which reached immense success, with heavy headliners such as Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem, as they acted as a duo named, “The Hillbillies.”

‘The Ying and The Yang of The Holidays’

Known for their energetic club anthems, the Ying Yang Twins surprised fans in 2008 with a holiday EP titled, The Ying and The Yang of The Holidays. The standout track, “Deck Da Club,” is their unique take on the Christmas classic, “Deck The Halls.”

Ceelo Green’s Magical Moment

In 2012, CeeLo Green delved into the holiday spirit with his album CeeLo’s Magic Moment. Serving as his fourth studio album and first holiday release, it featured his renditions of beloved Christmas songs like “Mary Did You Know” and “What Christmas Means To Me.”

Chance The Rapper In The Holiday Spirit

On Christmas Eve 2016, Chance The Rapper surprised fans with a self-released mixtape on SoundCloud titled “Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama.”

Collaborating with singer Jeremih, the mixtape showcased their playful and festive side. The project gained so much popularity that it was reissued the following year as a double-disc mixtape with additional tracks and a piano remix.

Kanye Kristmas Karols

Adding to his diverse discography, Kanye West created a Christmas hit with his 2010 single, “Christmas In Harlem.” Featuring rapper Cyhi the Prynce and R&B singer Teyana Taylor, the track captured the holiday spirit while showcasing Kanye’s unique musical style.

Then, Ye has also been in the talks this year as fans are awaiting his highly-anticipated album release titled, Vultures. The album has created many conversations as he has collaborated with Ty Dolla $ign and his daughter, North West.

Khia’s ‘Santa Baby’

Known for her bold and explicit hit “My Neck, My Back,” Khia surprised fans with her own holiday offering in 2018. Releasing her version of “Santa Baby,” the rapper paid homage to the jolly old man himself with her signature flair.

Songs That Were Covers

Just when fans thought they knew everything about their favorite artists, they were surprised with unexpected songs and covers. From Beyoncé to Aaliyah, many musicians have put their spin on well-known tracks.

The post Hip-Hop Holiday Cheer: Artists With Holiday Songs & Albums That May Have Went Under The Radar appeared first on SOHH.com.

“Because the Internet” Turns 10: Revisit Childish Gambino’s “The Worst Guys” Featuring Chance The Rapper

December 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

We’ve seen many different eras of Donald Glover throughout his career as an actor and artist, but arguably one of the best came during his Because the Internet album release. The 19-track project came out on this day (December 10) a decade ago, with guest appearances from Jhene Aiko, Azealia Banks, and Chance The Rapper on “The Worst Guys,” marking their third collaborative effort. It comes after Acid Rap‘s “Favorite Song” and another Childish Gambino cut, “They Don’t Like Me,” and remains in rotation for fans of both lyricists to this day.

Though the Chicago native doesn’t get to flex his lyrical chops on “The Worst Guys,” he does let his vocals shine on the hook with his longtime friend. His contribution may seem minor, but The Rapper’s unique voice helps create contrast between Glover’s always-impressive wordplay. “Tia and Tamera in my bed, I’m a smart guy / I ain’t f**king with you ni**as like apartheid,” the Swarm creator rhymes on the first verse. “Hits on my list, check my archive.”

Celebrate a Decade of Because the Internet with “The Worst Guys” Music Video

Since his 2013 LP, Gambino has slowed down musically, though his discography remains strong. 2014 brought forth his Kauai album, and after that came a distinct shift in sound on “Awaken, My Love!” in 2016. From there, the Atlanta actor delivered 3.15.20 ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he appears on the soundtrack for his Beyonce-inspired Amazon Prime series.

Take yourself back a decade in time by watching Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper make magic in the Because the Internet visual above. If “The Worst Guys” isn’t already on your throwback playlist, you can find it on Spotify/Apple Music. For more HNHH release recommendations, check out our weekly Fire Emoji update at the link below.

Quotable Lyrics:

At a Clippers game on the courtside
Watch a ni**a shoot like a four-five
They mad at me too, I got more fire
Why these b**ches see you? “Go home, Roger”

[Via]

The post “Because the Internet” Turns 10: Revisit Childish Gambino’s “The Worst Guys” Featuring Chance The Rapper appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Hip-Hop Inspired Giving Tuesday Ideas

November 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

With Black Friday behind us, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday share the week following Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday, often described as a global day of giving or a global generosity movement, is held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The amount of charities to donate to may seem overwhelming, but we have made a list for hip-hop fans who want to donate to a good cause led by some of their favorite artists.

Nas, Save the Music foundation: For over 25 years, Nas’ organization has been delivering equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide. Find out more and donate at https://www.savethemusic.org.

Beyoncé, BeyGOOD foundation– BeyGOOD foundation: Founded by Queen Bey, BeyGOOD focuses on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability across the country and abroad. In addition to donating, people can volunteer with various affiliated causes. Find out more at https://beygood.org/.

Chance the Rapper, SocialWorks: Since 2016, Chance the Rapper’s Chicago-based organization has been empowering youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. In addition to making a donation, supporters can also cop some SocialWorks swag on the site at https://www.socialworkschi.org/about-us/

50 Cent, G-Unity: In addition to being a successful rapper, 50 Cent is known to be a savvy businessman and his charity is helping empower youth with a year-long course that equips students in high-need communities with business acumen so they can start their own companies and achieve generational wealth. Find out more and donate at https://gunityfoundation.org

Akon, the Borgen project: Growing up in Senegal, Akon did not always have access to electricity, a problem facing many people still today. In 2014, Akon launched the “Akon Lighting Africa” project to help Africans access low-cost yet sustainable energy through solar power. In addition to donations, fans can also volunteer to be part of the organization’s efforts. More information can be found at https://borgenproject.org/electricity-to-africa/#:~:text=In%202014%2C%20Akon%20launched%20the,to%20more%20communities%20in%20Africa.

Snoop Dogg, Snoop Youth Football League: It’s no secret that Snoop is a many of many talents- rapper, entrepreneur, gamer, and football expert. His Youth Football league, which now includes basketball and football, helps provide youth with a solid foundation through sports. Find out more and donate at https://snoopfootball.com.

Big Sean, Sean Anderson Foundation: Detroit native Big Sean’s nonprofit focuses on providing Detroit-area youth with programs designed to promote economic prosperity, education and training, physical and mental health initiatives, and more. More information can be found at https://seanandersonfoundation.org/about/

Alicia Keys, Keep a Child Alive: Alicia Keys’ charity provides HIV/AIDS service and support for 9 community organizations that serve people throughout Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and India. Find out how you can get involved or donate at https://www.keepachildalive.org

Kanye West, Donda’s House (Common has also donated): Kanye’s mother played an important role in his life and he’s honored her legacy through Donda’s house, which provides programming that combines creative arts such as music and fashion with business development, marketing skills, and event planning to young adults on the south side of Chicago. More information can be found at ) https://www.macfound.org/grantee/dondas-house-10104166/

Rihanna, Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF): the foundation was founded in 2012 by Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF invests in climate justice initiatives in the Caribbean & United States and helps communities prepare for and withstand natural disasters. To find our more, visit https://claralionelfoundation.org

J Cole, Dreamville Foundation: North Carolina native J Cole’s charitable organization provides programs, events, and charitable donations that empower and inspire youth in his native Fayetteville to achieve success in reaching their dreams. Supporters can donate at https://www.thedreamvillefoundation.org

The post Hip-Hop Inspired Giving Tuesday Ideas first appeared on The Source.

The post Hip-Hop Inspired Giving Tuesday Ideas appeared first on The Source.

7 Holiday Hip-Hop Albums That Aren’t Cringe

November 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Many hip-hop artists have tried and failed when attempting to make holiday music. Rappers have repeatedly attempted to make holiday or Christmas-themed songs, but they frequently appear corny, unoriginal, or cringeworthy. Some have tried to put a hip-hop spin on holiday classics, while others boldly made their own original music. Few rappers have successfully made holiday songs, let alone complete projects.

Today, we are looking at 7 holiday hip-hop albums, including EPs, that aren’t cringe. Most hip-hop holiday music is centered around Christmas, so naturally, these selections are as well. These albums are perfect for a rap fan’s holiday festivities. Take a look at the list below.

Freeway – Black Santa (2012)

Freeway’s 2012 Christmas EP does not deviate from his sound at all, applying holiday themes to his signature street raps. The 9-track project is festive with its Christmas bars but also emulates the winter with its cold delivery and tough production. Peedi Crakk, Young Chris, Memphis Bleek, Iman Shumpert, and more contribute verses to Black Santa. Freeway and his guests bring their typical bars, referencing Christmas as they apply. Some songs are more holiday-centric than others but are not at all cringeworthy.

Chance The Rapper & Jeremih – Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama (2016)

Chance The Rapper and Jeremih dropped the ultimate hip-hop Christmas album in 2016. Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama is a Chicago affair that blends Chance’s melodic and Jeremih’s modern R&B. The mixtape overwhelmingly conveys the warm feelings of the holiday season and Christmas spirit. The jovial project sticks to its holiday theme while not taking itself too seriously. Chance provides his quirky raps and carefree melodies while Jeremih spreads joy with his singing. Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama primarily features fellow Chicago artists like Noname and King Louie. Since its initial release, the mixtape has been reissued twice with extra songs in both 2017 and 2020.

Gucci Mane – The Return Of East Atlanta Santa (2016)

Gucci Mane first dubbed himself “East Atlanta Santa” in 2014 with a mixtape of the same name. That project and its 2015 sequel, titled The Night Gu-Wop Stole X-Mas were quite cringe as they barely related to the holidays outside of their titles and artwork. These projects were released on Christmas day in their respective years to feed Gucci’s cult following. In 2016, Gucci Mane returned from prison as a new artist, both physically and musically. His release from prison also marked The Return of East Atlanta Santa, his third commercial album that year.

Released during a creative peek, Gucci Mane’s Christmas album is an essential listen for trap fans. While the majority of the project may not directly relate to the holidays, one can enjoy Christmas bangers like “St. Brick Intro.” The Return of East Atlanta Santa also includes hit singles like “Both” with Drake and “Last Time” with Travis Scott. Gucci Mane has since embraced Christmas with 2019’s East Atlanta Santa 3.

Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire – Merry eXmas 3 (2017)

One of the underground’s most eccentric MCs, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire has been releasing holiday hip-hop albums since 2011. Merry eXmas & SMD, his trilogy of mixtapes contains his aggressive and unorthodox style of rapping, but with a holiday twist. His most recent Christmas mixtape, 2017’s Merry eXmas 3, is his best and is far from cringe. Over smooth production, eXquire spits tough bars to embrace the holiday season in his own unique way. A short listen, Merry eXmas 3 is perfect for underground rap fans.

Tyler, The Creator – Music Inspired By Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

In 2018, Tyler, The Creator was involved in the soundtrack of The Grinch. He contributed two songs to the official soundtrack before releasing an EP inspired by the film. While not explicitly a Christmas-themed EP, The Grinch is certainly a Christmas story. Tyler also specified that the EP contained “Christmas-themed music,” “keeping the 7-year-olds in mind but also wanting the parents to listen.”

His Grinch-inspired passion project is not at all cringe, containing beautifully produced tracks that explore holiday traditions like Christmas lights, “Hot Chocolate,” and a “Big Bag” of toys. The EP may not be entirely hip-hop but Tyler does rap on songs like “Lights On” and “Big Bag.” Tyler, The Creator’s Grinch-inspired work is one of the all-time great holiday hip-hop albums.

Passport Gift & Parks – Gift Wrapping 3 (2020)

Since 2018, Passport Gift and Parks, co-host of The Joe Budden Podcast, have been releasing Christmas-themed albums. Five projects deep, 2020’s Gift Wrapping 3 is the best work from the rapper/producer duo. What makes the Gift Wrapping series special in the scope of holiday hip-hop albums is that they include street raps but do not deviate from the Christmas theme. A short, 18-minute listen, Gift Wrapping 3 has features from Stove God Cooks, Ransom, Che Noir, and Marc Stro, resulting in the perfect Christmas present for rap purists.

Noveliss & Hir-O – Sage Of The Season (2020)

Noveliss of Clear Soul Forces teamed up with producer Hir-O in 2020 for a 4-track Christmas EP titled Sage of the Season. The project reimagines classic Christmas stories in hip-hop form. Noveliss skillfully spits descriptive bars about Santa Claus and Jack Frost with his signature choppy flow. The beats are relaxing, but do not venture far from Noveliss’s ear for lo-fi Detroit-style boom bap. A delightful and comforting listen, Sage of the Season is far from cringe and is one of the better holiday hip-hop albums in recent memory.

[via]

The post 7 Holiday Hip-Hop Albums That Aren’t Cringe appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Chance The Rapper Makes His Return With “Writing Exercise #5”

October 31, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Ever since the copious amount of backlash Chance the Rapper got for his 2019 record, The Big Day, it seems he has taken a step back. Sure, the Chicago artist has some singles after that release, but there has been little headway if any toward a new LP. It is crazy to think after such tremendous success earlier in his career is nullified by one less favorable project. This just goes to show how unforgiving music fans can be and it is part of the problem.

However, that topic can be talked about at another time. Let us focus on this brand-new single from Chance. One of the things that makes him so great is his wit and fun wordplay. He has put this on full display throughout his career and he does it even more so in his “Writing Exercise” series.

Listen To “Writing Exercise #5” From Chance The Rapper

Chance last put one of these tracks back in 2022 with VIC MENSA and Smoko Ono. It was titled “Wraith,” but it is also considered the third one. Before that, in March, he released the second one. After about a year he is back with number five. You can check out the latest entry up above.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new track from Chance the Rapper, “Writing Exercise #5?” Is this the best installment in the series so far? Do you think we will get a new album from Chance in the near future? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Chance the Rapper, as well as all of the hottest song drops.

Quotable Lyrics:

Empty love
Joy and grief
Watch your back
Brush your teeth
Kiss for now
Back to bed

The post Chance The Rapper Makes His Return With “Writing Exercise #5” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Chance the Rapper Closes Out Epic Acid Rap 10th Anniversary With Sold-Out L.A. Show

September 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Last Thursday, Chance the Rapper concluded his highly anticipated Acid Rap 10th Anniversary Celebration with a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. This remarkable sold-out show marked the final stop of a triumphant tour that had previously graced the stages of the United Center in his hometown of Chicago and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, both of which garnered widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Chance was nothing short of spectacular; with his boundless energy and charismatic stage presence, he delivered a captivating performance that had the audience on their feet from start to finish.

Chance’s performance was a musical journey that paid homage to the formative mixtape, which remains a pivotal work in the evolution of hip-hop. The tour saw him revisiting the tracks that solidified his place in the music industry and left an indelible mark on the genre. From iconic tracks like “Cocoa Butter Kisses” to “Juice”, fans were treated to a nostalgic trip down memory lane as Chance flawlessly recreated the magic of the mixtape that started it all.

Critics and music enthusiasts have lauded Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap 10th Anniversary Shows as a triumphant return to his roots, showcasing not only his growth as an artist, but also his commitment to authenticity and innovation within the genre. As the tour comes to a close, all are left with an enduring impression of a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience that celebrated the artistry, authenticity, and evolution of one of hip-hop’s most influential voices.

The post Chance the Rapper Closes Out Epic Acid Rap 10th Anniversary With Sold-Out L.A. Show first appeared on The Source.

The post Chance the Rapper Closes Out Epic Acid Rap 10th Anniversary With Sold-Out L.A. Show appeared first on The Source.

Lil Reese Flashed Gang Signs As A Toddler, Opens For Chance The Rapper

September 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During his recent appearance on the No Jumper podcast, Lil Reese opened up about his early years. The Chicago-born performer revealed that he was exposed to gang culture at an extremely young age, even repping BD as a toddler. Lil Reese says older guys from his neighborhood had him throwing gang signs at as early as 3 years old.

“They looked at me like I was [their] son,” he described. “They used to make me shoot dice, all type of sh*t. For real.” He even started smoking weed in elementary school, sharing that he “hit the blunt” at only age 10. “My mom and them didn’t know though, like I was sneaking and doing that sh*t.” Though he was exposed to that as a child, Lil Reese claims that he doesn’t want his own kids to have the same experience. “I ain’t gonna let my son do no sh*t like that though,” he explained.

Lil Reese Opens For Chance The Rapper

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It’s no secret that Lil Reese was up to no good as a kid. During an interview earlier this year, he revealed that he used to steal bikes with his friends, including the late King Von and Fredo Santana. “I used to take n***as bikes back then… All them n***as from 63rd, we used to go down on they block and beat them up and take they bikes, real sh*t. Catch them on the bus and up guns on them and sh*t. We used to torture them boys,” he explained. Though the rapper is open about the antics of his early day, it appears as though he’s making an effort to turn things around. Recently, he even returned a bike he stole from DJ Univercity.

Earlier this week, the artist also opened up for fellow Chicago native Chance The Rapper at one of his LA shows. In a new clip, he’s seen performing his 2012 track “Us,” as fans cheer him on. What do you think of Lil Reese throwing up gang signs as a 3-year-old? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Lil Reese.

[Via]

The post Lil Reese Flashed Gang Signs As A Toddler, Opens For Chance The Rapper appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vic Mensa Puts Boxing Skills On Full Display At Album Release Party

September 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Vic Mensa sure knows how to throw a party! He’s throwing hands while he’s at it! Over the weekend, the Chi-town rapper celebrated his new album VICTOR with an album release party in his hometown. He labeled the event “The Mensa Melee.” This involved Vic setting up a boxing ring and staging a boxing exhibition with the album as the soundtrack – a unique listening event unlike any other. The atmosphere seemed high-energy as fans got to witness not only a musical listening experience but also a boxing match all in one night. This made it a night to remember in Chicago.

Vic teased an early preview to the event last week, where he posted a video of himself in the boxing ring with Omari Hardwick as his coach. During the clip, he was reciting “Sunday Morning Intro,” a monologue that opens the album features Omari Hardwick as narrator. The video circulating social media shows a highlight from the event, where Vic can be seen throwing hands at his opponent and landing a few solid punches in. Chance The Rapper also appeared in the audience in the recap video. The end of the clip shows a photo of Mensa holding up his champion belt, taking home the gold.

Vic Mensa Threw A Unique Party

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Vic Mensa’s new project VICTOR features a line up of star-studded appearances. Some of the features include Ty Dolla $ign, G-Eazy, Jay Electronica, Common, Rapsody, and more. This release holds particular significance as it represents a two-year journey of newfound sobriety for the seasoned rapper. VICTOR is only Mensa’s second solo album, which may come as a surprise given his extensive history in the music industry and the abundance of music he has already released.

As far as what’s next for Mensa, he’s going to continue promoting the new project. In fact, he’s taking his talents to California to perform as the main opening act for his longtime friend and collaborator, Chance the Rapper. The two will be at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 21. Stay tuned to HNHH for more stories and updates.

The post Vic Mensa Puts Boxing Skills On Full Display At Album Release Party appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vic Mensa’s New Album ‘Victor’: Everything To Know Including The Release Date, Tracklist & More

September 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In a little under two days, Vic Mensa is finally releasing his second studio album, more than six years after his solo debut. He’s been rolling out Victor since January, when he shared the first single, “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” with Thundercat. Since then, he’s released a music video for “Swish” with Chance The Rapper and G-Eazy and a trailer for the project inspired by the world of modern art. He also joined Chance at a series of shows celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Rapper’s career-making mixtape, Acid Rap, opening with a salute to Vic’s own early fan favorite, Innanetape.

Below, you can find everything we know about Victor ahead of its release.

Release Date:

Victor is due on September 15 via Roc Nation Records.

Features:

In addition to longtime collaborator Chance The Rapper, G-Eazy, and Thundercat, the album will include appearances from actor Omari Hardwick, Chicago rap veteran Common, New Orleans hip-hop mystic Jay Electronica (incidentally, Vic received decidedly less backlash for Jay’s inclusion than fellow Windy City native Noname got), singers Ant Clemons, Dixson, Lekan, and Ty Dolla Sign, and Inglewood indie rap champion D Smoke.

Tracklist:

1. “Sunday Morning Intro” Feat. Omari Hardwick
2. “Victor”
3. “Rumors”
4. “Lvln Up”
5. “The Weeping Poets” Feat. Jay Electronica
6. “Swear”
7. “$WISH” Feat. G-Eazy & Chance The Rapper
8. “Sunset On The Low End”
9. “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” Feat. Thundercat & Maeta
10. “$outhside Story” Feat. Common
11. “Law Of Karma”
12. “Blue Eyes”
13. “Blue Eyes (Interlude)”
14. “Sunday Evening Reprise” Feat. Dixson & Lekan
15. “All I Kno”
16. “Ble$$ings” Feat. Ant Clemons & D Smoke
17. “14 Days”
18. “Eastside Girl (Bonus Track)” Feat. Ty Dolla $ign

Singles:

Previously released tracks include “Eastside Girl (Bonus Track),” “Blue Eyes,” and “Lvln Up.”

Tour:

While a tour has yet to be announced, Vic has a performance with Chance later this month:

Chance The Rapper’s “Acid Rap” Turns 10

September 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Every artist has a distinct career-defining moment that propels them to a wider audience. For Chance the Rapper, that was Acid Rap. The classic 14-track mixtape helped cement Chance as a rising force in Hip Hop. Acid Rap notably marked its 10th anniversary on April 30th, 2023. Despite the modern age of rapid musical evolution, the mixtape has remarkably aged like fine wine. From its now-iconic artwork, to standout tracks like “Acid Rain,” there’s no shortage of important moments that helped shoot Chance the Rapper to the stars.

The Rise Of Chance The Rapper

chance the rapper acid rap — NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 19: Chancelor Bennett Aka Chance The Rapper visits the SiriusXM Studios on June 19, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images)

Chance the Rapper kicked off his musical interests, thanks to Michael Jackson. However, a pivot to rap soon followed. He has cited Kanye West as one of his earliest Hip Hop influences and stated that he was inspired by West, a fellow native of Chicago, to start rapping. In 2012, at the age of 19, Chance released his debut mixtape 10 Day. The project also marked his introduction to the public as a rapper and was the starting point of Chance the Rapper’s rise to stardom.

The Birth Of Acid Rap

Following his early buzz, Chance the Rapper hit the ground running with his second mixtape, Acid Rap. The mixtape catapulted the rapper to international fame. Furthermore, it received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of Hip Hop, Gospel, R&B, and Soul. Acid Rap also made a significant impact on the Hip Hop scene, garnering praise for its eclectic and genre-blurring style.

His fusion of elements from several different genres of music has become a hallmark of Chance’s artistry. Following the album’s instant success, many were keen to understand the rapper’s creative process. This was also due to Acid Rap’s trippy, psychedelic sound, unique artwork, and title. In an interview with MTV, Chance revealed he did in fact indulge in some LSD while making the project.

“[There] was a lot of acid involved in Acid Rap,” he said. “I mean, it wasn’t too much– I’d say it was about 30 to 40 percent acid… more so 30 percent acid.” He also admitted the reason for his indulgence. “It was something that I was really interested in for a long time during the making of the tape, but it’s not necessarily a huge faction at all,” he said. “It was more so just a booster, a bit of fuel. It’s an allegory to acid, more so than just a tape about acid.”

Lyricism

Chance’s lyrics on Acid Rap are marked by their introspection, vulnerability, and vivid storytelling. He explores personal struggles, relationships, drug use, and the challenges faced by young people in Chicago. The quality of the mixtape is hoisted even higher by its diverse and rich production, featuring contributions from several producers. Notable guest features include: Twista, Childish Gambino, Ab-Soul, and Action Bronson, among others. Consequently, these features elevate the respective tracks they appear on, allowing for a balanced and well-rounded project.

Acid Rap’s Legacy

Acid Rap is an influential project in the Hip Hop sphere. Its impact and significance are undeniable, and felt even now, 10 years after its initial release. It continues to be celebrated as a classic marking Chance’s career-defining moment. A 10th Anniversary Complete Edition of the mixtape was released in 2023. Also, in his native Chicago, Chance is largely revered as one of the rappers pushing the new school wave of Hip Hop.

Importantly, the love is reciprocated. Chance moved back to Chicago after spending a couple of years in Hollywood. He told Ebro Darden on Apple Music 1 that while he may not be labeled an “OG” in Chicago, he’s definitely garnered a ton of respect. He also took the time to praise the Chicago natives who assisted him in the manifestation of Acid Rap. “I look at this as my Chicago project,” he said. “This was through and through from the juke and footwork influence to the use of all these different Kanye or Common interpolations, the samples, all of it, the features. It was a community project. It was like everybody was coming in working with me.”

The post Chance The Rapper’s “Acid Rap” Turns 10 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.