The Root’s Young Futurists, Where Are They Now: Chance the Rapper

We. Love. Chance. Suggested Reading Black Shows To Look Forward to In 2026 Trump’s Christmas Day Airstrikes in Nigeria Spark Outrage and Divide Black Things to Do in New York City This Holiday Video will return here when scrolled back into view Bakari Sellers Names the Most Effective Ways for Black Americans to Organize and…

We. Love. Chance.

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Chancelor Bennett, also known as Chance the Rapper, is a 23-year-old who is soaring high within the music industry, even without a record deal. From his first mixtape, 10 Day, which was released in 2012, to his 2016 release, Coloring Book, the artist has defied the odds as a self-released superstar.

The best part: His message is inspirational. Bennett is a living, breathing representation of #BlackBoyJoy. We’re here for it!

Every year The Root selects 25 young people, ages 15 to 22, who excel in science, business, the arts, environmental work and social justice. Here is a look at Bennett, a 2015 Young Futurist, and how he’s sprinkling his joy on the world.

Straight From The Root

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