Taylor Bennett: Chicago's Dynamic Hip-Hop Voice

Taylor Bennett is an independent hip-hop artist and entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois, carving his own distinct path in the music industry. The younger brother of Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper, Bennett has built a substantial catalog and a loyal fanbase through a series of mixtapes and studio albums that blend introspective lyricism with vibrant, melodic production.

Early career

Born in 1996, Taylor Bennett grew up in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, immersed in the city's rich musical culture. He began releasing music as a teenager, dropping his debut mixtape, The Taylor Bennett Show, in 2014, which immediately showcased his confident flow and knack for catchy hooks.

Breakthrough

Bennett's 2015 project, Broad Shoulders, marked a major step forward, featuring production from Cam Osteen and a high-profile collaboration with his brother on the track "Speed Racer". The mixtape's success, driven by independent promotion and digital sales, established him as a serious emerging talent in the Chicago hip-hop scene beyond the shadow of his famous sibling.

Key tracks

Broad Shoulders — The title track from his 2015 mixtape solidified his artistic identity with personal storytelling over soulful production.

Neon Lights — This 2017 single featuring Jeremih became a streaming favorite, highlighting Bennett's versatility with a smooth, R&B-infused sound.

Grown Up Fairy Tales — A standout from his 2018 album Be Yourself, this track tackles themes of self-acceptance and mental health with raw honesty.

Be Yourself (feat. Bianca Shaw) — The affirming anthem and title track from his 2018 album became a live set staple and a mission statement for his career.

Following his early mixtapes, Taylor Bennett has consistently released music, including the albums Restoration of an American Idol (2017) and The American Reject (2021). He founded his own independent label, Taylor Bennett Entertainment, and has collaborated with artists like Supa Bwe, Blended Babies, and Sebastian Mikael. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in hip-hop, Bennett publicly came out as bisexual in 2017, using his platform to promote messages of authenticity and self-love. His entrepreneurial spirit also extends to ventures like the annual Be Yourself Tour and his Still Lit podcast.

Fans of Taylor Bennett's brand of melodic, conscious Chicago hip-hop often appreciate the work of Chance the Rapper for the shared familial roots and gospel-tinged optimism. Vic Mensa explores similar thematic depth and genre-blending from the same city scene. The introspective and melodic style of Saba offers another compelling parallel in modern hip-hop. Listeners might also connect with the vibrant energy of Kyle, who shares a penchant for positive, upbeat anthems.

Taylor Bennett's music receives regular airplay on a variety of independent music radio stations and online hip-hop radio streams that champion emerging and authentic voices. His tracks are featured in rotations focused on modern rap, alternative hip-hop, and artists pushing the genre forward from cities like Chicago.

The music of Taylor Bennett can be heard on hip-hop and modern rap radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his evolving discography and catch his latest singles by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.