Chance The Rapper has widely been applauded for his work as an independent artist. The Chicagoan won three Grammy awards this year, including Best Rap Album for Coloring Book, which he had dubbed a mixtape and didn’t have available for purchase.
In the wake of his success (and just a few weeks after donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools), Chano felt the need to share some of the details of Coloring Book‘s release, which was an Apple Music exclusive for two weeks.
He explains that he accepted $500,000 and a commercial from Apple Music, which charges $9.99 per month for a standard subscription. As soon as the deal was up, Chance posted the project to SoundCloud where his fans could stream the project for free.
“I needed the money and they’re all good people over there,” he shares.
Chance further explains why he wanted to disclose these details and encourages fellow independent artists to maintain control of their art. He assures it’s not a bad thing to make strategic partnerships and “If you come across oprtunities to work with good people, pick up cash and keep your integrity I say Do It.”
Chano is reportedly working a new project now, which will be his first “album.”
Let’s be honest. Chance may not be signed to a traditional deal but he certainly is answering to the same channels that a traditionally signed artist would answer to. Who is the spearhead of Chance? Cara Lewis. who has worked for… and lets take a quote directly from Billboard “the famously tough and meticulous agent says she was given a mandate by her artists, who include established acts like Eminem and Pitbull as well as younger artists like Chance the Rapper and Bryson Tiller”
In her own words “The thought of building another agency and dealing with the insane politics did not excite me or my clients,” recalls Lewis. “Everybody unanimously agreed, ‘You should start your own company.'”
Is Chance independent of the traditional record label??? Sure… Is he following the model of let’s say Macklemore?
YES.
Word of advice to Indie artists that have the drive, determination, and financial backing… You should find yourself an agent on the outs with CAA or William Morris, et. al. the 360 deal participants that are not parts of Sony, Warner, Emi, Universal. Keep an eye on who is on who’s board of directors though… hint. hint.
At this rate they’ll clone his ass too.
This bug eyed shit is from a very wealthy family and has strong political backing. He has been forced on us by the media.
Made a million off of of the simplest rhymes….. where the multiples at