In the year since Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book debuted as an Apple Music exclusive for two weeks, his independence —his ability to create music free of any label or entity — came into question. It was a reasonable question to ask, though after two weeks on Apple Music, the project was released for free on SoundCloud.
In the lead up to and celebration since winning a couple GRAMMYs, his independence was the subject of many of his interviews in the mainstream media, which got the “is he really independent?” crowd ramped up again. Hell, I even dedicated a 45-minute discussion with some friends about independence. (We brought up dumb conspiracy theories and arguments from the opposition, but I settled that yes, Chance is independent as hell and should get money from these sponsorships when he can.)
Chance took to Twitter to clear up his relationship with Apple, which many have used against him to say he’s not really independent.
He said Apple gave him $500,000 and a commercial to put Coloring Book on there for two weeks, and that was the extent of the deal. He also said that artists can take advantage of the streaming war as long as the artist keeps their integrity.
I never felt the need to correct folks on my relationship with @apple but now that more people have tried to discredit my independence..
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@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
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) March 17, 2017
Get that money and be free, Chance.