Breaking Down Chance the Rapper's Iconic Career Before The Voice

The Voice Season 23 is on the horizon, premiering Monday, March 6, 2023 at 8/7c on NBC. And fans are gearing up for an exciting new lineup of aspiring Artists and a bit of a red chair remix. 

Blake Shelton will return for his final season, and adored alumna Kelly Clarkson is coming back. We'll l also see two brand new Coaches make their Voice debut, Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper. 

Chance the Rapper built a music empire off his independently-released mixtapes, taking the music world by storm throughout the 2010s. Chance the Rapper boasts an acclaimed career, beginning in music but expanding to include acting, producing, television, advertising, and fashion. 

Below, some of his career highlights. 

Chance the Rapper releases 10 Day

2012

Producing his first mixtape, 10 Day, in high school, Chance's music career began young. He recorded the mixtape over eight months after being suspended from high school, spending that time producing and promoting the project in his hometown of Chicago.

Chance the Rapper releases Acid Rap

2013

After a great reception from 10 Day, Chance began working with numerous prominent rappers in the industry, even touring with Childish Gambino. The increased exposure led Chance to create the mixtape that led to his widespread recognition, Acid Rap. The 2013 project features Childish Gambino, Action Bronson, Vic Mensa, and Twista. With hits like "Cocoa Butter Kisses," "Juice," and "Favorite Song," Acid Rap led Chance to become a Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Artist.

Chance the Rapper teams up with Nico Segal and The Social Experiment for Surf

2015

Part of what sets Chance apart from the crowd is his versatility, like his collaboration with Nico Segal and The Social Experiment. The group consists of lead vocalist Chance, trumpeter Nico Segal (formerly Donnie Trumpet), drummer Greg Landfair Jr. (Stix), keyboardist Peter Wilkins (Peter Cottontale), and their producer, Nate Fox. 

Chance the Rapper launches his acting and TV career

2014-present

While Chance has proved he's an incredibly talented musical Artist, he's expanded his résumé to include numerous film and TV projects. He landed his first TV role as Bob Marley in the Black Dynamite series, and then took a turn for a much darker part by starring in the short film Mr. Happy. Directed by Colin Tilley, the 2015 horror-comedy flick follows the life of a mentally ill man who meets the mysterious force, Mr. Happy. Spoiler: There is no happy ending.

Chance the Rapper releases Coloring Book

2016

While Chance had already made a name for himself from his first two mixtapes, his third one, Coloring Book, skyrocketed him to astronomical success. Receiving over 57 million streams in the first week through Apple Music, Chance made history as the first Artist to be featured on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart exclusively through streams. (He reached number eight.)  After the Recording Academy adjusted the rules for Grammy eligibility to accommodate streaming releases, Chance made his way to a glorious Grammy circuit. He received seven nominations and took home three for Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album. 

Chance the Rapper stars in Slice

2018

Chance starred in the A24 horror-comedy Slice, and it's a wild ride. Centered around the murders of numerous pizza delivery drivers in the deserted neighborhood of Kingfisher, Chance plays Dax Lycander, a werewolf and former pizza deliveryman. 

Chance the Rapper releases The Big Day

2019

While many of Chance's albums feature gospel choirs and jazz-influenced harmonies, Chance keyed into this big time for his debut studio album, The Big Day. The album follows the story of Chance on his wedding day (inspired by his real-life marriage to Kirsten Corley in 2019). The gospel rap record features many songs about family, growth, and his children. 

Chance the Rapper is announced as a Season 23 Coach of The Voice

2022

“I’m thrilled to join The Voice as a Coach for the next season,” Chance revealed in a statement following the announcement. “I’m excited to help other Artists get to the next level and make the most of this life-changing experience. Get ready for #TeamChance.”

While you wait for this, watch The Voice Season 22 on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c and the next day on Peacock.