All three of Chance The Rapper's mixtapes have been free to download. From 10 Day in 2012 to the Grammy-winning Coloring Book, Chance has never charged for his music. However, in a new interview with Complex, the Chicago rapper suggested that his debut album proper may be the first fans have to pay money for.
In part, this is down to chart eligibility and the struggle to dominate the charts when your music is only available to stream. "I might actually sell this album," Chance said. "That's a big step in itself. I kind of hate the fact I can't chart, really. I can chart but the way they have the stream shit set up is weak as fuck. It's unfair."
Speaking about his new music, which sounds like its in it's very early stages, Chance went on to say that he wants to broaden his horizons and perhaps invite a "visual component" such as a film or even a play into the release.
"Having it for purchase would be dope," he said. "This is hypothetical. There is no album. I don't have anything sitting. I have songs recorded but... I'm chilling right now. I want to make something with a wider scope. 10 Day was all about getting suspended. Acid Rap was a lot about acid. Coloring Book was about being a father and God. I think whatever this album is, it'd wouldn't be so centered. Whatever my next thing is, it'll be a bit bigger. Maybe it'll have some sort of visual component to it. A movie or a play. Something a bit different."
Check out the full Complex interview below. The conversation about new music begins around the 25m mark.