![Chance The Rapper](./media_15489d854445e0594dc029c0b83b2b6ee408a9d61.jpeg?width=750&format=jpeg&optimize=medium)
Chance The Rapper knows that his career may not have turned out the same if it wasn’t for Soundcloud – and with the music streaming platform in dire financial straits, Lil Chano is ready to help.
Soundcloud announced this week that it laid off 173 employees and shut down offices in San Francisco and London, all in an effort to save money. Even worse, TechCrunch reported on Thursday (July 13) that the company only had enough money to stay afloat for two more months.
Chance The Rapper triumphs with “No Problem” at Essence Music Festival
Chance plans to do what he can to help, though: hours after the TechCrunch report, he vaguely tweeted, “I’m working on the SoundCloud thing.”
Soundcloud has been a go-to platform for millions of independent artists, helping them release art on their own terms and connect with fans who can follow their music, comment on their favorite songs, and share them with other listeners.
Chance attributes Soundcloud to much of his success – he used it on his way to his 2016 breakout year of Grammy Awards, epic tours and live performances, and critical acclaim, and still uploads his music there now. He famously thanked the platform while accepting a Grammy, and in April he teamed with Soundcloud to throw a Magnificent Coloring World 2 show exclusively for his most loyal listeners from the platform.
Lil Chano has shown that when he’s passionate about an issue, he’s willing to put his money – and his influence – where his mouth is. After criticizing local government for its poor handling of the state’s educational system, Chance donated $1 million of his own money to Chicago Public Schools and has helped raise $2.2 million more in donations.
Insider Access | Chance the Rapper donates $1 million to Chicago Public Schools