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Chance The Rapper has covered The FADER, played SNL, and even met with President Obama. But despite these accolades, one of rap's biggest names is ineligible for the Grammys, because of his long-standing policy of giving away his music for free—including the fast-approaching mixtape Chance 3. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences only considers music that is sold for Grammy awards, but one petitioner is hoping to instigate a change.
Mike Krasowitz, the author of the petition spotted by 2 Dope Boyz, writes “artists like Chance the Rapper... are being punished for making their music available to everyone, rich or poor, by releasing their music for free. It's obvious that these artists are making their music more accessible to people who deserve it even if they can't afford it, as well as decreasing pirating and illegally downloading music.”
Needless to say, if free mixtapes became eligible for Grammys, it could potentially shift the entire industry. “And the award goes to...Slime Season 2?” The possibilities are tantalizing. You can sign the petition here, and then watch Chance perform “Blessings” from Chance 3 on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.
