Chance the Rapper, the 24 year old rising musician, has been named one of TIME Magazine's most influential people in the world.
That is the perfect word to describe Chance the Rapper: influential. He refuses to sign with a label, stating that he doesn't want the industry to change him. He releases his music on streaming sites, and only makes money from his touring. He is one of the first musicians to make their music completely free, refusing to sell his "art." To say that Chance is unique in this industry is an understatement to say the least.
Chance also did something else groundbreaking: he forced the Grammy's to change their rules. Throughout the entire history of the "Grammy's", streaming-only music was not eligible to be considered for awards. When Chance released "Coloring Book", is was so widely praised that the Grammy's had to change their rules in order to avoid a possible protest. Chance was nominated and won for "Best New Artist".
Chance has drawn praise from some of the biggest rappers in the world, such as Kanye West, who he made five songs with, and Common, who spotted Chance at a very young age and pushed him to follow his dreams.
Chance the Rapper continues to talk about how he refuses to go towards record labels, and claims that they taint all music. As long as he continues this protest, he will continue to completely change the music industry.
I'm actually not a big fan of rap music, but after seeing Chance's performance at the Grammy's and hearing his story, I've grown to like his music. Not only is he changing the music industry, but he's gaining new fans in new places in the process. The way he markets himself in such a humble way makes him likable. I think he'll continue to be successful and that others will start to take after him.
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