Most rappers have humble beginnings, and 23-year-old Chance the Rapper is no exception. In a recently rediscovered YouTube clip via Pigeons and Planes, the Chicago rapper can be seen performing "Nostalgia" from his debut mixtape, 10 Day, at a YOUmedia open mic event held in the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. Although Chance looks noticeably younger in the clip, his performance reveals that even as a teenager, he was developing his inimitable sense of flow, delivery, and vocal intonation.
According to Complex, Chance credits his start as an artist to the YOUmedia programs and events. "The majority of the dope, young artists that are in Chicago came out of that bitch. I came out of there, Vic Mensa, Nico from Kids These Days," explained Chance. "The big thing was the open mic. They used to have this open mic there every Wednesday that we would all go to, and it was from 5 to 7 every Wednesday. 200 people would come out to see us perform, 200 kids."
Watch 17-year-old Chance the Rapper perform "Nostalgia" above. Read how Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book makes a case for black joy here.
