Taylor Bennett (rapper)
| Taylor Bennett | |
|---|---|
 Taylor Bennett in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
January 19, 1996 (age 20 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, singer, songwriter, |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Labels | Independent |
| Associated acts | |
Taylor Bennett (born January 19, 1996) is an American hip-hop artist from the West Chatham neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. He released a free album titled Broad Shoulders featuring artists such as Donnie Trumpet, King Louie, and his older brother Chance the Rapper.
Life and career
Early years
Taylor Bennett's father, Ken Williams-Bennett worked for the Mayor of Chicago and his mother Lisa Bennett formerly worked for the attorney general, who ensured that he would pursue his dreams while also making it through school.[1] He attended Urban Prep High School.[1] He and his brother demonstrated an interest in the arts very early on, rapping with each other and building their skills.[2]
Post-high school
Bennett has had an active role in his community, putting all the proceeds of a sold out show towards Kids Off The Block,[3] a local nonprofit aimed towards ending violent crime in Chicago.[4] He has also contributed to the same cause through his SaveChicago campaign with his brother, hoping to give back and improve the community that he has been a part of his whole life.[3]
Bennett went through some legal trouble when on September 28, 2014 when he and his friend reportedly assaulted a man at a party in his hometown. An intoxicated 19 year old reportedly stepped on Bennett's foot, sparking a brawl that left the 19 year old in need of surgical staples. Bennett later turned himself in and was charged with aggravated battery for causing great bodily harm.[5]
Music career
Much like his brother, Bennett has developed a unique sound and style of rapping.[2] Some artists that have influenced his growth as a musician include Twista, Nas and Kendrick Lamar, which has had a noticeable impact on his music. He also claims that Kanye West's College Dropout had a significant role in his ability to see the fun-loving side of music.[1]
Bennett's brother preferred that he build his own fanbase before he began working with and promoting him. Chance believed this was an important step in his development as an artist. Bennett finally started selling out shows at local venues such as Reggie's and even opened for his idol Nas at a Lollapalooza after party in 2014.[6] Following his success, he and his brother released a track "Broad Shoulders", which is also the title track of one of his most recent mixtapes.[7]
Bennett has continued to grow as an artist through 2015, reaching an impressive milestone with his mixtape "Broad Shoulders". It features new artists such as Logan Parks, Talia Stewart and Jordan Bratton, most of whom are native Chicagoans.[7] This was also his first full album without any elements sampled from preexisting songs.[8]
Discography[7]
| Title | Project Details |
|---|---|
| The Taylor Bennett Show |
|
| Mainstream Music |
|
| Freshman Year:First Semester |
|
| Broad Shoulders |
|
References
- 1 2 3 Karpowicz, Katie (2014-03-03). "Taylor Bennett Is Headed For Big Things, Just As Soon As He Graduates High School". Chicagoist.com. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- 1 2 Zack Green (2015-11-30). "Chance the Rapper's brother, Taylor Bennett, sounds an awful lot like him". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- 1 2 "Taylor Bennett pleads to high school students to 'save Chicago'". Chicago Tribune. 2014-09-10. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ↑ "Home | Kids Off The Block". Kidsofftheblock.us. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ↑ "Chance The Rapper's Brother, Taylor Bennett, Charged With Battery After Party Assault". MTV. 2014-10-20. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ↑ Michael Douglas Loring (2014-07-30). "[WATCH] Local go pro: Taylor Bennett opens for Nas at Lollapalooza aftershow". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- 1 2 3 "Taylor Bennett | Free Listening on SoundCloud". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ↑ Spanos, Brittany (2015-11-19). "Hear Chance the Rapper Join Brother on 'Broad Shoulders'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2016-03-27.