Chance The Rapper's seminal mixtape Acid Rap is one of the most beloved mixtapes of the 2010s decade, whether you ask Chance fans or hip-hop heads at large. However, that era also represented a dark time for the Chicago star. Moreover, he recently spoke to Complex and reflected on his heavy drug use at the time, which he believes would've killed him if he continued down that path. As the project celebrates its tenth anniversary, this context sheds a dark light on an otherwise bright start to his mainstream success. As a treat to fans, he will perform an anniversary concert at Chicago's United Center on August 19.
Still, such celebration is underscored by the 30-year-old's reflections on his personal struggles. "I probably would have died,” Chance The Rapper remarked to the publication. “Definitely, the way that I was living at that time. I had everything in excess. Right after I dropped the project, I went on a few tours where I really didn’t make any money. Then I went on my first tour, my headlining tour, where I made some money."
Chance The Rapper Reflects On His Heavy Drug Use
After that monetary boost, the "Same Drugs" artist said that he went through a lot of changes in his personal life. Despite his burgeoning success, he said that drugs followed him along the way. "I went and rented a crib,” he explained. “This is my first time living outside of my parents’ house in another city and having money and doing a lot of drugs." From his perspective, substance dependency made him a "different" and also "lesser" person than he is today. Later on in the interview, he theorized what his place in hip-hop would be if he hadn't had an awakening.
"If I hadn’t had my spirit tugged on- literally- and a calling to become a better version of myself, then I would have died for sure,” Chance expressed. “Then I would just be the representative of acid and I’m so much more." If you want to read Complex's full interview with the Coloring Book star, check it out here. Also, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Chance The Rapper.