{"id":13701,"date":"2026-05-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/?p=13701"},"modified":"2026-05-01T21:25:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T01:25:24","slug":"chanel-ellis-chicagos-smooth-rb-rising-star-turning-passion-into-empire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/?p=13701","title":{"rendered":"Chanel Ellis: Chicago\u2019s Smooth R&amp;B Rising Star Turning Passion into Empire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><br>In the vibrant heart of Chicago\u2019s music scene, Chanel Ellis stands out as a multifaceted force \u2014 a silky-voiced R&amp;B singer, dynamic performer, savvy CEO, video director, event planner, and podcast host who\u2019s building her career on her own terms. With a sound that blends soulful grooves, feel-good energy, and heartfelt lyrics about love and relationships, she\u2019s carving out her lane as one of the city\u2019s most exciting independent artists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Born and raised in Chicago (with heavy ATL influences woven into her branding), Chanel proudly reps her roots while delivering music that feels both intimate and universal. Her vibe is positive, motivational, and unapologetically confident \u2014 the kind of artist who doesn\u2019t just drop tracks but creates full experiences through visuals, live performances, and community connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">A Growing Discography Full of Vibes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chanel\u2019s catalog is stacked with smooth, replay-worthy singles that showcase her versatile R&amp;B\/soul style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/song\/chocolate-dove\/1536862100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Chocolate Dove<\/a>\u201d (2020) \u2014 a fan favorite with strong streaming numbers<br>\u2022 \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/playground\/1690280876?i=1690280877\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Playground<\/a>\u201d (2023)<br>\u2022 \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/down-low\/1758619074?i=1758619075\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Down Low<\/a>\u201d (2024)<br>\u2022 \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/itz-chanel-single\/1819119427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">ITZ CHANEL<\/a>\u201d (2025)<br>\u2022 \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/fallin-in-love-single\/1815074670\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">FALLIN IN LOVE<\/a>\u201d (2025)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her latest chapter is generating serious buzz: the upcoming single \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/empire.ffm.to\/intoyouchanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Into You<\/a>\u201d featuring Megastar (produced by Megastar2414), is set to drop May 14, 2026 via GT Digital \/ Loud Money Music Group \/ Empire. <a href=\"https:\/\/empire.ffm.to\/intoyouchanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Pre-save<\/a> it now \u2014 this one is positioned as a potential summer anthem with its infectious energy and smooth chemistry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Beyond the Music: Multi-Hyphenate Hustle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chanel isn\u2019t just an artist \u2014 she\u2019s a true independent boss as CEO of Chanel Entertainment. She directs her own videos, plans events, and uses her platform to uplift others. She co-hosts the Vibe Check Podcast (with Steven Tyran Ragsdale) every Thursday on Intellectual Radio, delivering authentic conversations, celebrity interviews, and great vibes from 9\u201310 PM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She\u2019s also been recognized in the scene as an Award-Winning R&amp;B Artist and has received nominations\/votes for categories like Best Female Vocalist at the 312 Music Awards. Whether she\u2019s performing live, cooking up features with Chicago and ATL talent, or dropping motivational content, Chanel\u2019s hands-on approach shines through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Online &amp; Streaming Presence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong>Instagram<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chanelellis552\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">@chanelellis552<\/a> (Rising Star energy with consistent music updates)<br>\u2022 <strong>TikTok<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@chanelentertainment4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">@chanelentertainment4<\/a><br>\u2022 <strong>YouTube<\/strong>: Active <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC2gO29CNofBADO2AlK7HMbg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">channel<\/a> for visuals, interviews, and podcast clips<br>\u2022 Available on <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/artist\/2IUOCqF7RNh0r7rChxDhb1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Spotify<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/artist\/chanel-ellis\/1536849539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Apple Music<\/a>, and more \u2014 with growing monthly listeners and dedicated fans returning to tracks like \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/music.apple.com\/us\/album\/chocolate-dove\/1536862098?i=1536862100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Chocolate Dove<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chanel Ellis represents the new wave of independent artists: talented, business-minded, and deeply connected to her city and supporters. As she gears up for \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/empire.ffm.to\/intoyouchanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Into You<\/a>\u201d and continues expanding her empire, one thing is clear \u2014 the soulful siren from Chicago is just getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay locked in. The vibe is strong, and Chanel Ellis is bringing it all the way.<br>Pre-save \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/empire.ffm.to\/intoyouchanel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Into You<\/a>\u201d now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;IG:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/chanelellis552\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">CHANELELLIS552<\/a> \/ FACEBOOK: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ChanelEllisEntertainment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">CHANEL ENTERTAINMENT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13702\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Chanel-Ellis-Into-You-cover.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"audioigniter-13714\" class=\"audioigniter-root \" data-player-type=\"simple\" data-tracks-url=\"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/?audioigniter_playlist_id=13714\" data-display-track-no=\"false\" data-reverse-track-order=\"false\" data-display-tracklist-covers=\"true\" data-display-active-cover=\"true\" data-display-artist-names=\"true\" data-display-buy-buttons=\"false\" data-buy-buttons-target=\"false\" data-cycle-tracks=\"false\" data-display-credits=\"false\" data-display-tracklist=\"true\" data-allow-tracklist-toggle=\"true\" data-allow-tracklist-loop=\"true\" data-limit-tracklist-height=\"true\" data-volume=\"100\" data-tracklist-height=\"185\" ><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"font-size:25px;\" class=\"wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__avatar\"><img alt='Avatar photo' src='https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/cropped-megastar-e1700581462815-96x96.jpeg' srcset='https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/cropped-megastar-e1700581462815-192x192.jpeg 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' \/><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__byline\">THE FLEET MAG &#8211; HOST \/ WRITER<br>lmmg.fleetmag@gmail.com<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">Steven Ragsdale<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the vibrant heart of Chicago\u2019s music scene, Chanel Ellis stands out as a multifaceted force \u2014 a silky-voiced R&amp;B singer, dynamic performer, savvy CEO, video director, event planner, and&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":13702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,280],"tags":[1039,1041,345,440,1043,1040,359,1044,344,1042,351,347,348],"class_list":["post-13701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artist-spotlight","category-rb","tag-chanelellis","tag-chicagorb","tag-fleetdjs-2","tag-fleetnation","tag-independentartist","tag-intoyou","tag-musicnews","tag-rise4lifemgmt","tag-thefleetmag-2","tag-vibecheckpodcast","tag-webreakrecords-2","tag-webringtheurbanculturetou-2","tag-welivetheurbanculture-2"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13701"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13719,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13701\/revisions\/13719"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefleetmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}