Chance the Rapper has taken the world by storm for the last couple of years, and all of that came to a head at the 2017 Grammys. Chance won three Grammys for his solo mixtape “Coloring Book”.
This is Chance’s third project and it’s one that will go down in history. ‘Coloring Book’ became the first streaming-exclusive project to be nominated and win a Grammy. Chance didn’t do this alone though, as ‘Coloring Book’ had over 25 guests both handling vocals and production.
Here are 5 fast facts on Chance the Rapper’s, “Coloring Book.”
1. ‘Coloring Book’ debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200
Chance The Rapper performs at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Debra Lee at The Beverly Hilton (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
“Coloring Book” released in May of 2016 exclusively on Apple Music. Out the gate, the project received rave reviews and even debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200. In the debut week, Chance generated 38,000 equivalent album units. This was the first streaming-exclusive project ever to do so.
After receiving critical acclaim for his sophomore project “Acid Rap” Chance the Rapper’s popularity soared through the roof. Anticipation for “Coloring Book” increased even further after Chance appeared on Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo” not just as a vocalist but also as a songwriter.
2. The release date for ‘Coloring Book’ was announced on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
On May 6th, 2016, Chance the Rapper appeared on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Not only did he perform “Blessings” but he announced that ‘Coloring Book’ would be releasing a week from that performance.
Chance brought the house down performing alongside his group The Social Experiment. That’s not all, though, along side Chance you can also catch Ty Dolla Sign, D.R.A.M and others. The all-star lineup mixed with Chance’s passionate yet still relaxed vocals, had the internet clamoring in anticipation for ‘Coloring Book’.
This wasn’t Chance’s last time dominating late performances either. Chance would eventually go on to perform tracks from “Coloring Book” on Ellen, Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
3. Chance the Rapper won 3 Grammys for ‘Coloring Book’
Chance the Rapper at The 59th GRAMMY Awards (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NARAS)
Chance the Rapper became the first artist ever to have a streaming-exclusive project be nominated for a Grammy. That alone is a huge win for independent music everywhere, Chance took it to the next level though and went home with three Grammys for his work on “Coloring Book”.
Chance won Best New Artist. Best Rap Album for ‘Coloring Book’ and Best Rap Performance for ‘No Problem’. Chance was also nominated for Best Rap Song for his work on Kanye West’s ‘Ultralight Beam’ and ‘Famous’.
4. ‘Coloring Book’ features over 25 guests
Justin Bieber (R) performs with Chance The Rapper duringthe 2014 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella)
For an independent artist with a low budget, it can be difficult to nail down guest features, let alone guest features from high caliber artists. This wasn’t an issue for Chance, who had plenty of voices on his project.
“Coloring Book” boosts features from Lil Wayne, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Kanye West, DRAM, Future, Anderson Paak and more. Chance even brought in the Chicago Children’s Choir for the first track ‘All We Got.’
5. This is Chance the Rapper’s third independent project
Chance The Rapper performs on Camp Stage(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
What makes Chance’s accolades so impressive is that he’s gotten to this point by being an independent artist. Chance released his debut independent album 10-Day in April of 2013. The very next year Chance would return with his sophomore album ‘Acid Rap’.
Outside of his solo work, Chance also released “Surf” independently with his group The Social Experiment. Last year Chance worked with California emcee Lil B for the “Free (BASED FREESTYLES MIXTAPE)” and late last year he closed December releasing “Merry Christmas, ‘Lil Mama” with Jeremih.