Chance the Rapper is not signed to a label and gives his albums away to fans for free—and that's not how things usually go in the music industry.
Coloring Book, his third project, was released on Apple Music exclusively for two weeks—prompting some to question whether or not he had inked a deal with the company, therefore altering his independent status.
But in a series of tweets on Friday afternoon, Chance cleared the air. In response to people questioning his independence, he explained the terms of his deal with Apple Music last May and the role in the rollout of his much-anticipated Coloring Book.
"I never felt the need to correct folks on my relationship with Apple but now that more people have tried to discredit my independence," Chance wrote.
"Apple gave me half a mil and a commercial to post Coloring Book exclusively on Apple Music for 2 weeks," he said, before explaining that the album was available for free on SoundCloud two weeks after the initial release date.
"I needed the money and they're all good people over there," he explained.
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"I feel like I didn't clear it up people would keep trying to discredit all the work we did to make Coloring Book what it became," he wrote. "I think artist can gain a lot from the streaming wars as long as they remain in control of their own product."
Chance's mixtape Coloring Book pretty much changed the way the Grammy's handled streaming-only releases and it earned him three Grammys because of it, including one for Best Rap Album.
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"I just wanna remain transparent. Folks out there without a deal need to know they're doing everything right just keep at it," he said before imparting advice. "If you come across opportunities to work with good people, pick up cash and keep your integrity, I say do it."
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Duly noted, Chano.
