Words by Megan Ambers
It has become a safety precaution to film yourself when you have been pulled over during a traffic stop. A precaution that even Chance the Rapper took on Instagram Live after he was pulled over in Chicago yesterday. Along with his long time girlfriend Kristen Corley and their two year old daughter, Kensli, Chance filmed quietly through the side view mirror, while patiently waiting for the Officer’s return.
During the stream, Chano explains that an officer pulled him and his girlfriend over while they were driving home from church. He wanted to stream the incident “in case it gets out of hand.” At some point, he notes that he has his daughter in the car stating, the viewers can “help me out if it goes sideways.” However, Chance reassured his fans that he wasn’t worried and trusted that things would go well. “I have great faith in humanity, in the men and women that put on the badge.” Shortly after, the officer returned with just a warning for the driver. “See? I knew he was a good dude,” Chance said, with relief. “I don’t have any problem with the men and women that are brave enough to put on the badge. As a system, policing is racist and oppressive.”
However, it has been quite a powerful year for the Chicago rapper as he continues to grow not only as an artist, but a philanthropist too. Some time after the traffic stop, Chance shared a photo of himself with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West and legendary Comedian Dave Chappelle. Although Chance did not reveal what was discussed during the meet up, he did refer both West and Chappelle as his “mentors” in his caption.
The three men are not strangers to one another, both Chance and Kanye appeared on each others’ albums last year. Chance was featured on Ye’s opening track “Ultralight Beam,” from his 2016 album The Life Of Pablo. In return, Kanye appeared on the track “All We Got,” off Chance’s Coloring Book . Dave has also worked with the emcee, appearing as a special guest at an open mic night, hosted by Chance in January. In July, while announcing the dates for his Radio City Music Hall residency, Dave announced Chance as one of his guests, including Lauryn Hill and Donald Glover. Coincidentally, Radio City Music Hall is where the comedian met Kanye several years prior. Three heads are better than one, so we know that if anything comes from that lunch meeting, it is something good.
