Chance the Rapper revealed in his new song, titled 'I Might Need Security', that he purchased the now defunct Chicagoist, a local news site that was shuttered after the staff voted to unionize. The site was shut down in November 2017 by millionaire owner and CEO Joe Ricketts due to his displeasure with his staff's decision to unionize. Ricketts also shut down Chicagoist's sister sites DNAinfo, Gothamist, LAist, and DCist. There was a public outcry after 115 journalists were left unemployed. Many begged Ricketts to change his mind, while others criticized his decision. Ricketts didn't budge.
The Chicagoist has been defunct for six months, despite being purchased by WNYC, a New York Public Radio station that acquired the assets of Gothamist, as well. Gothamist has since been relaunched. Now it looks like there's hope for Chicagoist, too, after Chance announced he is now the owner of the site.
"I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist bitches out of business," the 25-year-old rapper announced in "I Might Need Security," which dropped late Wednesday night. According to Buzzfeed News, Chance's purchase of the Chicagoist includes the site's archives, internet domain, and social media accounts.
"I’m extremely excited to be continuing the work of the Chicagoist, an integral local platform for Chicago news, events and entertainment," Chance said in an official statement after the song was released. "I look forward to re-launching it and bringing the people of Chicago an independent media outlet focused on amplifying diverse voices and content."
It's not yet clear what role Chance will play once the site is up and running again. No matter how directly involved Chance is with the local news outlet, this purchase shows the rapper is still showing up for his hometown. From donating $1 million to Chicago public schools last March to making sure the Chicagoist gets another shot at life, Chance has made it clear he has Chicago's back.