Chance The Rapper has witnessed enormous success these past couple of years. His lastest mixtape Coloring Book released in May last year became the first project to chart on the Billboard 200 solely based on streams, peaking at number eight.
Following widespread appreciation from fans and critics alike, it also won an award for Best Rap Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards, becoming the first streaming-only album ever to win a Grammy. Coloring Book was released exclusively through Apple Music in May last year and seeing Chance’s stardom grow, some industry experts have questioned his “independence”. Some of them believe that he’s secretly pushed by a major label but projected to be an independent artist.
But unlike most artists, Chance has taken to social media and cleared up all rumors surrounding his business in a transparent way. The Chicago rapper reveals that he received half a million dollars in addition to a commercial from Apple Music to have Coloring Music exclusively on the service for two weeks before it hit Soundcloud.
Chance is currently working on his debut album which he might put on sale.
I never felt the need to correct folks on my relationship with @apple but now that more people have tried to discredit my independence..
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
I wanna clear things up. @apple gave me half a mil and a commercial to post Coloring Book exclusively on applemusic for 2 weeks https://t.co/dMWwptrHHH
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
That was the extent of my deal, after 2 weeks it was on SoundCloud for free. I needed the money and they're all good people over there https://t.co/5kIhv0YaKS
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
I feel like if I didnt clear it up people would keep trying to discredit all the work we did to make Coloring Book what it became https://t.co/05v81I38ur
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
I think artist can gain a lot from the streaming wars as long as they remain in control of their own product. https://t.co/6agVO3uIdf
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
I just wanna remain transparent. Folks out there without a deal need to know they're doing everything right just keep at it. https://t.co/5udstMPX62
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
If you come across oprtunities to work with good people, pick up cash and keep your integrity I say Do It https://t.co/yF0gBPkLhY
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017