Chance the Rapper

He also challenged big companies and corporations to follow his lead.

Schools in the US city are being threatened with early closure this summer or laying off staff because of funding shortages.

Speaking to reporters he said: "This isn't about politics, this isn't about posturing, this is about taking care of the kids."

Chance handed over a giant cheque to students at a primary school in the West Chatham area of Chicago, part of its infamous South Side.

He grew up the area and his lyrics often reference his childhood.

It made music history at the ceremony in Los Angeles, winning best rap album.

The unsigned 23-year-old, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, also won best new artist and best rap performance for No Problem.

"This is for every indie artist, everybody who has been doing this mixtape stuff for a long time," he said.

It's a huge rise for the artist, who's gone from releasing his first mixtape to Grammy-winner in five years.

"I didn't think I was going to get this one so I don't have cool stuff to say," he said after picking up best rap album.