Chance the Rapper Awarded $35 After 5-Year Legal Battle

Jury rejects former manager's $3.8M claim, finds no binding contract existed

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chance the Rapper, born Chancelor Bennett, has won a five-year legal battle with his former manager Pat Corcoran. A Chicago jury rejected Corcoran's claim that Chance owed him $3.8 million in royalties and commissions, and instead awarded Chance $35, finding no binding contract existed between the two. The two had worked together from 2012 to 2020, building Chance's career outside the traditional label system, before their relationship unraveled after Chance released his first studio album in 2019 without consulting Corcoran.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges and risks independent artists can face when working with managers, especially without clear contractual agreements. The ruling is seen as a victory for Chance and other artists seeking to maintain creative control over their careers.

The details

Corcoran sued Chance in 2020, claiming he was owed a portion of royalties after being fired. Chance countersued in 2021, accusing Corcoran of serious breaches of trust and seeking over $1 million. The jury ultimately found no binding contract existed between the two, despite their years of working together.

  • Chance and Corcoran worked together from 2012 to 2020.
  • Chance released his first studio album, 'The Big Day', in 2019 without consulting Corcoran.
  • Corcoran sued Chance in 2020.
  • Chance countersued Corcoran in 2021.
  • The Chicago jury reached its verdict on March 26, 2026.

The players

Chance the Rapper

An American rapper, singer, and record producer, also known as Chancelor Bennett, who rose to fame as an independent artist outside the traditional label system.

Pat Corcoran

Chance the Rapper's former manager, who worked with him from 2012 to 2020 and later sued him for $3.8 million in royalties and commissions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I claim victory in the name of The Lord.”

— Chance the Rapper

“The $35 award speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance's case, though managers should still 'get it in writing'.”

— One of Corcoran's lawyers

What’s next

Chance's attorney has framed the ruling as a win for independent artists, suggesting it could set a precedent for similar disputes between artists and managers in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance for independent artists to have clear, written agreements with their managers to avoid costly legal battles down the line, even if the relationship starts off strong. The ruling is seen as a victory for Chance and a warning to managers to 'get it in writing'.