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

We. Love. Chance. Suggested Reading Books By Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read in April 2026 Black Nurse Details Terror, Heroism After Plane Crash on LaGuardia Runway Brandy Reveals Her Last Conversation With Whitney Houston The Day Before Her Death Video will return here when scrolled back into view 17 Fashion Trainwrecks from Met…

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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