Chance The Rapper Shares DM From Bobby Caldwell

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2019 Urban One Honors - Show
OXON HILL, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 05: Rapper Chance The Rapper speaks onstage during 2019 Urban One Honors at MGM National Harbor on December 05, 2019 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Bobby Caldwell gave Chance The Rapper his blessing to sample his music.

The death of Bobby Caldwell led to many tributes online, including one from Chance The Rapper. The Chicago rapper took to his Instagram page where he reacted following the news of Caldwell's death. Chance shared a DM from Caldwell via Twitter where he personally thanked the soul singer for clearing a sample to an unreleased song. “Wow is this really u?” Chance’s DM read. Caldwell confirmed before extending his gratitude for having his music sampled. “Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll be honored if you sample my song,” he wrote. 

Chance The Rapper explained that his interaction with Bobby Caldwell is a rare one for any artist who he samples. “This never happens. I’ve never received a message from an artist thanking me for sampling their record,” Chance captioned his post. “This is a record that hasn’t even come out, and the legend himself reached out. I was so excited to meet you, I have not felt broken like this at a strangers passing in so long. You are a true legend and incredible person who I know I will see one day 🕊️ RIP THE GREAT BOBBY CALDWELL.”

Chance The Rapper Reacts To Bobby Caldwell's Death 

Caldwell passed away on Tuesday night at his home after years of battling illnesses. The “What You Won’t Do For Love” singer dealt with neuropathy and a torn tendon that prevented him from walking over the past five years. Though there hasn’t been any confirmation of his cause of death, his wife Mary said that his health issues progressed over the years and became significantly worse.

“Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken,” Mary wrote on his official Twitter account. “Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been ‘FLOXED,’ it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love,” she concluded. Fans will miss Bobby Caldwell but his imprint in music, including hip-hop, will live on forever. Check out Chance The Rapper’s post above and share your favorite Caldwell song in the comments. 

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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