Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” became the first album to debut on the Billboard 200 chart without being sold, hitting No. 8 in its first week of release. (@chancetherapper/Instagram)
Chance the Rapper might be declining multimillion-dollar payouts from record labels in favor of staying true to his independent brand.
The artist made history after he took home three Grammy awards for his streaming-only mixtape “Coloring Book.” The attention focused on Chance since his big night could be the cause for record labels reportedly wanting to sign him to lucrative deals. A source told Page Six that the MC has refused such agreements, which reportedly reach up to $10 million.
“Every label is still trying to get him,” the insider revealed to the publication. “He’s making too much on his own. … He was turning down $5 million advances before and now it’s like $10 million. He may do something with Apple, but not a label per se … He is going to remain independent.”
“He may do something with Apple, but not a label per se. … He is going to remain independent.”
Chance wanting to steer clear of signing a recording contract should not be surprising. He spoke about the choice to Vanity Fair in February, saying selling his music would restrict his ability to connect with fans. He did not always plan to continue on the independent route, though.
“After I made my second mixtape [“Acid Rap”] and gave it away online [in 2013], my plan was to sign with a label and figure out my music from there,” he said. “But after meeting with the three major labels, I realized my strength was being able to offer my best work to people without any limit on it.
“I make money from touring and selling merchandise, and I honestly believe if you put effort into something and you execute properly, you don’t necessarily have to go through the traditional ways.”
His decision has paid off. “Coloring Book” became the first album to debut on the Billboard 200 chart without being sold, hitting No. 8 in its first week of release and earning 57.3 million streams during that time.
