Chance the Rapper shared that Lauryn Hill advised him to focus on his music rather than pursue commercial opportunities, such as appearing on The Voice. In an interview with Bootleg Kev, Chance explained that Hill sent him a text expressing that while financial opportunities in the industry can be significant, nothing should take precedence over an artist’s creative work. He described the message as deeply meaningful, saying it brought him to tears and comparing the experience to J. Cole’s “Let Nas Down” moment, highlighting the personal impact of receiving guidance from an artist he considers among the greatest of all time.
Chance also discussed his views on current political issues, specifically ICE raids conducted under the Trump administration. Speaking on The Cruz Show, he called the raids “disgusting” and emphasized the importance of challenging systems that enforce injustice. He reflected on how the United States has a history of revolution, radical thought, and self-determination, noting that many people today may feel uncertain about how to respond to such issues. He said that his voice and writing serve as his primary tools for resistance, while acknowledging that, if necessary, he may need to use his physical presence to take action in the future, though he hopes that time does not come soon because of his responsibilities as a parent.
He continued by sharing his perspective on growing up in Chicago, where he and his peers were involved in after-school programs that encouraged activism and awareness of global issues, such as advocating for Palestine. He described himself and his peers as “radical children” who have carried those values into adulthood. Chance stressed that artists have a responsibility to use their talents to address current social and political challenges, and that everyone will eventually need to contribute in some way, whether through their work, their voices, or their actions, to support causes they believe in.
