When Mac Miller encountered a young Chance the Rapper in a Los Angeles recording studio in 2012, he recognized something special in the Chicago artist’s nervous vocal quirks. During the recording sessions for Chance’s debut mixtape “10 Day,” Miller observed Chance making spontaneous, anxious shrieks at the beginning of “14,400 Minutes.” Instead of suggesting they be removed, Miller insisted these seemingly unprofessional sounds remain in the final cut.
The collaboration occurred while Chance was working with producer Chuck Inglish in Los Angeles, still an unknown artist trying to establish his identity. Miller, already gaining considerable recognition in the hip-hop community, took on a mentorship role with Chance, whom he affectionately referred to as “the little brother with no name.” This relationship proved pivotal for Chance’s artistic development, providing both technical guidance and emotional support during his formative creative period.
What began as nervous energy—manifested through the now-iconic “ah, ah!” ad-lib—transformed into one of Chance’s most recognizable sonic signatures. Chance had been experiencing anxiety and hyperactivity during these recording sessions, which almost derailed the entire take. Miller’s artistic intuition recognized authentic expression where others might have seen imperfection, demonstrating his ability to identify unique talent. The preservation of this vocal element helped shape Chance’s distinctive sound, which would later captivate audiences worldwide.
Following this early collaboration, Chance’s career accelerated considerably. “10 Day” established his presence, while subsequent releases “Acid Rap” (2013) and “Coloring Book” (2016) catapulted him to Grammy-winning status. Throughout this trajectory, the foundation built during those Los Angeles sessions with Miller remained evident in Chance’s approach to music. This creative partnership exemplifies how voice training and artistic development can help establish an artist’s unique sound in the industry.
The relationship between these artists extended beyond the studio, with touring opportunities and personal bonds forming an important part of Chance’s professional growth. Years later, Chance publicly credited Miller for this pivotal moment, highlighting how established artists nurturing emerging talent can profoundly impact careers. This mentorship exemplifies how collaborative relationships can diversify income streams for up-and-coming artists who may lack industry connections needed for lucrative opportunities.
Their connection also manifested through parallel philanthropic efforts, with both artists dedicating considerable resources to arts education and community support, demonstrating how creative mentorship can yield benefits far beyond music itself. Miller’s tragic death in 2018 from an accidental drug overdose left a void in the hip-hop community, but his legacy of supporting fellow artists continues to inspire.
