Chance The Rapper

April 16, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Chance the Rapper, real name Chancelor Johnathan Bennett was born on April 16, 1993. He released his first debut mixtape in 2012. Years later, he has released multiple mixtapes and garnered critical acclaim and attention. In 2016, he earned three Grammy Awards following the release of his third mixtape, “Coloring Book.” We’ll help you celebrate his special day right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Chancellor Johnathan Bennett

Nickname:

Chano

Birth date:

April 16, 1993

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Aries

Height:

5' 10"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$25 million

Background

Chance the Rapper was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a middle-class family. His father, Ken Williams was an aide to Mayor Harold Washington, and then Barack Obama. His mother, Lisa Bennett worked for the Illinois Attorney General. Chance attended Jones College Prep High School and soon discovered his interest in music. While growing up, his parents were constantly listening to music, and Chance picked up the habit. He started listening to Michael Jackson in the fifth grade. One day, as he was walking through Hyde Park, Chicago, he heard Kanye West’s song, ‘Through the Wire’ which influenced him to begin rapping. When Chance was 16, his father started working in the Department of Labor. This gave Chance the opportunity to meet President Obama, and he discussed his musical aspirations to become a rapper, to which Obama responded with “word.”

When Chance was in the sixth grade, his cousin allowed him to use his studio to record music. He formed a hip-hop duo alongside a friend. The two began performing at the “YOUmedia Lyricist Loft” at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. Chance spent his final junior years, and a small amount of his senior year writing a draft for his debut project, “10 Day.” He released the mixtape following a 14-day suspension from school after being caught smoking marijuana.
That same year, Chance released a song entitled ‘Windows,’ and publicly announced his “10 Day” mixtape. This put him in the spotlight and grabbed the attention of “Forbes” magazine, which featured him in their ‘Cheap Tunes’ column.

Career timeline

2011

Debut Album

Chance records his first full-length project, “10 Day,” grabbing the attention of “Forbes” magazine, “Complex” magazine, and well-known producers.

2012

North America Tour

In July, Chance appears on “Royalty,” Childish Gambino’s sixth mixtape, and is invited to join him on his concert tour.

2013

“Acid Rap”

On April 30, Chance releases his second mixtape, “Acid Rap,” which is nominated for Best Mixtape at the 2013 B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards.

2015

“Forbes” List

In January, Chance is listed as number seven on the Forbes 30 Under 30 music list.

2016

“Coloring Book”

On May 12, Chance releases his third mixtape, “Coloring Book,” which debuts at number eight on the US “Billboard” 200 chart.

Why We Love Chance The Rapper

He cares about his home city
Chance is an active philanthropist. He donated $1 million to city schools.
He launched an anti-gun campaign
Chance started a campaign on Twitter that stopped gun violence for almost two days in Chicago. We love this about him.
He believes in good education
Chance uses his fame for good. For instance, he raised $2.2 million to support Chicago’s public school system.

5 Surprising Facts

He made history
At the 2017 Grammys, Chance became the first independent artist to win three Grammys without selling any physical copies of his music.
The Hip Hop rapper lifestyle
Chance is a family man and does not involve himself with the rapper lifestyle, women, drugs, and luxurious cars.
A close connection to Barack Obama
Chance’s father served as Obama’s state director, and the family often visited the president.
He had haters early on
Chance was ridiculed by his teachers when he was young for his musical aspirations.
He was roommates with James Blake
Chance was roommates with the British musician James Blake in Los Angeles at the beginning of their careers.