Chance The Rapper Wins Legal Battle, Gets $35

It’s been a long road, but Chance The Rapper has officially won his legal dispute against his former manager, Pat Corcoran. While the victory might not come with a massive payday, it’s a significant win for the artist, allowing him to finally move past this chapter.

The Case of the Unpaid Commissions

The legal drama kicked off in November 2020 when Pat Corcoran sued Chance The Rapper, alleging that the artist withheld commissions and royalties. Corcoran claimed he was owed $3.8 million. In response, Chance filed a countersuit seeking $1 million in damages, accusing Corcoran of mismanagement and dishonesty regarding a supposed “sunset clause.”

After a two-week trial in Cook County court, a jury sided with Chance. They found that Corcoran failed to adequately prove his claim for $3.8 million. However, when it came to Chance’s countersuit, the jury awarded him a surprisingly small judgment of just $35.

A Message to Managers: Get It In Writing

Despite the minimal financial award, Chance declared victory, stating, “I claim victory in the name of the Lord.” His legal team’s argument centered on the lack of a written contract between Chance and Corcoran, who managed the artist from 2012 until 2020. This lack of formal agreement was a key factor in the case.

Corcoran’s attorney, Jay Scharkey, acknowledged the verdict, noting, “The jury award of $35 speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance’s case.” He also added a cautionary note for others in the industry: “Get it in writing.” In addition to the monetary judgment, the jury reportedly recommended that Corcoran relinquish the ChanceRaps.com domain, which he had been using for merchandise sales.

Moving Forward

With this legal battle concluded, Chance The Rapper can now focus entirely on his music and future endeavors. Both parties have already moved on to new management, and this verdict effectively closes the book on their complicated professional relationship. It’s a true “sunset” on their shared, albeit contentious, journey.