The landscape of hip-hop is constantly shifting and with that comes new waves of sound, influence, and culture. The trap sound has permeated the airwaves, becoming the most predominant sound at the moment. Even though its critics loathe the lack of substance that “mumble-rap” scene brings and the influence it has on culture, hip-hop is still looking for more substance.

At twenty-five years old, Chance the Rapper for many seems to be the next major influencers that will inform the culture for the next couple of decades. Chance’s entrance into hip-hop solidified that labels were not the only avenue for success. Chance has made a career by releasing mixtapes on Datpiff (A mixtape sharing website) to wide acclaim. His first two mixtapes 10 Day and Acid Rap rocketed him into the spotlight.  His third mixtape Coloring Book, which was promoted as Chance 3, not only became the first mixtape to ever land a number 8th spot on the Billboard top 100 based solely on streams but it also became the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy. To say the Chicago native is an influencer would be an understatement.

Chance’s self-made and positive persona mirrors his mentor Kanye West’s younger days.  When Kanye first entered the scene of hip-hop, as a scrappy young producer who had an ear for creating soul beats, he did not fit the image of rappers. The pink polo and backpack sporting rapper became the much-needed antidote for the bling era of hip-hop. The College Dropout and Late Registration ushered in a change in hip-hop with its positive soul and gospel inspired vibes. Kanye created a lane for rappers who didn’t fit the conventional norms of hip-hop at the time. Much like Kanye, Chance has infused gospel and soul into his music and created a lane for himself without the help of a major label. Chance in many ways is the recipient of Kanye’s baton.

Many hip-hop commentators like Charlemagne Tha God claim Chance is the next major influencers that will inform the trajectory of hip-hop to come. Chance’s presence in hip-hop alongside his contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar and J Cole serves as the antithesis to the trap movement coming out of Atlanta. It proves that even though trap is the popular sound at the moment, which is laced with hedonism and drug use, hip-hop fans still need more substance. Chance for many fills that role of influencers who will carry hip-hop into its next phase.  His influence, positive image, Chicago ties (including former president Obama) and quality of music, is setting Chance up to carry hip-hop.

While his fans eagerly await Chance’s next project, he recently dropped four singles “I Might Need Security” “Work Out” “Wala Cam” and “65th and Ingleside”. “I Might Need Security”  which talks about his purchase of the Chicagoist website, which is in-line with his positive Chicago persona, to his surprise charted on the Billboard 100 at number 60. This prompted Chance to get back into music mode full-time which he expressed in an Instagram post.

“WOAH WOAH WOAH. This ain’t supposed to be on @billboard. This is ridiculous,” Chance wrote on Instagram, adding that he might just be inspired enough to get back in the studio: “I understand how badly u guys want new music now, headed to the lab.”

Hip-hop clearly want’s more music by Chance and what he brings with it. Chance’s presence is one that cannot be ignored by the way he has shaken the landscape of music. Many look to his reach to be a guiding factor in where hip-hop should go. Trap, like many of the scenes before it, will inevitably prove to be fleeting and when the dust settles, Chance may be on the other side wearing his signature 3 New-Era snapback which fits snuggly like a crown.