Chance the Rapper has prevailed in his legal battle against his ex-manager Pat Corcoran.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, a Cook County jury found Corcoran had not proven that Chance owed him “$3.8 million in unpaid commissions and royalties” as stated in the lawsuit.
“I claim victory in the name of the. Lord,” Chance said after the verdict was handed down at the Daley Center.
In Chance’s countersuit, he sought $1 million in damages, but the jurors decided Corcoran must pay $35. Also, Corcoran must “turn over the internet domain name ChanceRaps.com, which Corcoran had used to sell Chance the Rapper merchandise.”
According to Corcoran’s attorneys, the final verdict was a split decision because no side was granted a substantial monetary award.
“We respect the jury’s decision, but the message to music managers is clear: Get it in writing,” said Jay Scharkey, one of Corcoran’s attorneys. “The jury award of $35 speaks to how seriously the jury viewed Chance’s case.”
Precious Jacobs-Perry, Chance’s attorney, said the verdict was “a complete vindication” for her client.
“The jury heard the evidence for more than two weeks and reached the correct conclusion: Mr. Bennett never agreed to pay commissions after his management relationship with Pat Corcoran ended, and Mr. Corcoran breached their contract,”the statement read. “This ruling is not only a victory for Mr. Bennett, but it is also a victory for independent artists everywhere. … And, above all, we are happy for our client who has been standing on principle for years.“
In November 2020, Corcoran sued Chance for breach of contract, claiming he was owed over $3 million in unpaid commissions. The suit alleged that Chance failed to honor a 2013 oral agreement that entitled the manager to a 15% share of net profits from music, merchandise, and touring.
After the release of Chance’s 2019 debut studio album, The Big Day, and the subsequent cancellation of its tour due to low ticket sales. Corcoran’s suit specifically sought “sunset clause” payments—commissions for three years post-termination.