Chance the Rapper Wins Countersuit Against Ex-Manager Pat Corcoran
Chance the Rapper was awarded $35 in a countersuit against his former manager, Pat Corcoran, following a two-week trial in Chicago, concluding a legal dispute that began in late 2020. The Cook County jury’s decision, delivered Friday, March 20, at the Daley Center, effectively sided with the rapper in a case centered on disputed commissions and a lack of formal contract.
The initial lawsuit, filed by Corcoran in November 2020, alleged breach of contract and claimed he was owed approximately $3.8 million in unpaid royalties and commissions stemming from his nearly eight-year management of Chance the Rapper, born Chancelor Bennett. Corcoran managed Bennett’s career from 2012 until his termination in April 2020. The claim included a “sunset clause,” entitling Corcoran to continued payments for three years after their separation, based on earnings from projects initiated during his tenure.
Chance the Rapper subsequently filed a countersuit in February 2021, alleging that Corcoran had breached his fiduciary responsibilities, diverted business opportunities to his own companies, and improperly accepted kickbacks. That countersuit sought at least $1 million in damages.
The core of the dispute revolved around the absence of a written contract outlining the terms of their professional relationship. Both sides maintained that their agreement was based on a handshake deal, a point repeatedly emphasized by Chance’s legal team. “There’s not one single document in the seven years they worked together that shows any evidence of a sunset,” Chance’s attorney, Precious Jacobs-Perry, argued, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Corcoran’s legal team contended that a verbal agreement existed, entitling him to 15% of net profits from all revenue streams, even after his dismissal. They cited potential commissions from a canceled 2019-2020 tour with Live Nation, a brand partnership with Ben & Jerry’s, and the 2019 Netflix rap competition series, Rhythm & Flow.
After two hours of deliberation, the jury rejected Corcoran’s claim for $3.8 million. The $35 awarded to Chance the Rapper was accompanied by a suggestion that Corcoran relinquish the internet domain name ChanceRaps.com, a website previously used to sell merchandise related to the artist.
“I claim victory in the name of the Lord,” Chance the Rapper told the Chicago Sun-Times following the verdict.
Jay Scharkey, an attorney representing Corcoran, stated, “We respect the jury’s decision, but the message to music managers is clear: Get it in writing. The jury award of $35 speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance’s case.”
Chance the Rapper has since replaced Corcoran with his father, Ken Bennett, and brother, Taylor Bennett, in management roles.