Chance The Rapper Opens Up About Growing Up in Special Ed and How Labels Can Break a Kid’s Confidence

Chance The Rapper is getting real about his childhood struggles and how they shaped the man he is today.

In a new sit-down on Way Up With Angela Yee, the Chicago rapper revealed that he was in special education classes as a kid. Chance spoke openly about how those early experiences impacted him and how society labels children who learn differently.

“I was in special ed,” Chance admitted, explaining that being separated into different classes often made him feel singled out. He said the stigma attached to those labels can do more damage than people realize — especially for young kids who are just figuring out who they are.

Chance went on to reflect on the importance of mental health and positive reinforcement, stressing that teachers, parents, and communities should focus on building up children instead of boxing them in with categories that limit their confidence.

Despite the challenges, Chance says those experiences gave him perspective — fueling both his music and his community work today. From investing in Chicago’s schools to pushing for youth programs, the rapper has consistently made education a central part of his mission.