Chance the Rapper and Lisa Bennett; Lauryn Hill.Photo:Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic, Erika Goldring/Getty
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic, Erika Goldring/Getty
Lauryn Hill’s music is a special part ofChance the Rapper’s relationship with his mom, Lisa Bennett (née Thompson).
The rapper attended Hill’s concert at United Center in his Chicago hometown on Saturday and brought Lisa along to enjoy the music, which meant a lot to their bond during his childhood, the “No Problem” performer explained in areflective Instagram poston Monday.
“In the ’90s my mom owned Touches, an incredibly successful hair salon and barbershop on the South Side of Chicago, (ask Yehia, Ossama or any of the Egyptians in hair about Lisa Thompson). She employed a lot black folks and got a lot of people started in the industry. Her business fostered relationships, built marriages and friendships and was a cornerstone of the community,” wrote Chance, 30.
Lisa met Ken Williams-Bennett at the salon, “and eventually they got pregnant with” Chance, he explained: “It was then that she was faced with the difficult decision of whether to begin on a new path of motherhood and family for herself or to continue in her purpose of her art and livelihood. My mama chose me.”
Chance acknowledged that at the time, his mom “was at the top of her field, a black woman in her 20s with ownership and investment in her community, but she chose the difficult yet beautiful path to family.”
He added, “My mom sold the salon and spent all her time raising me and teaching me so many of the things i love about myself. She taught me so much about love and faith and kindness and most importantly music. This Lauryn Hill album was our soundtrack, specifically ‘To Zion’.”
Mom Lisa Bennett, wife Kirsten Corley, Chance the Rapper and daughter Kensli in Los Angeles in July 2019.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Hill wrote “To Zion,” a touching song off her 1998 albumThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, about her son Zion David Marley shortly after giving birth in 1997. Its lyrics discuss her decision to follow through with his birth despite her career taking off as well as her relationship to spirituality.
His post concluded with a sweet shout-out to Hill, her fellow Fugees members (who also performed at the Chicago concert) and Lisa: “Thank you Ms Hill, Thank you Clef, Thank you Pras and most importantly thank you mama.”
Lisa continued, “Thank you my son@chancetherapperfor letting your Ma hang out! You and@taylorbennettare truly The Joy of my World! I Love You!”
source: people.com
