In his new track "I Might Need Security", Chance The Rapper airs grievances about the Chicago media, which he doesn't think is giving him a fair shake. Then he announces that he's bought the Chicagoist website.
And I can’t do nothing right, they gon’ always be at me
I missed a Crain’s interview, they tried leaking my addy
I donate to the schools next, they call me a deadbeat daddy
But Sun-Times get in that Rauner business
I got a hit-list so long I don’t know how to finish
I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist bitches out of business
Chance is pissed at the Chicago Sun-Times because one of their columnists mentioned his child support case in a column about how he donated money to Chicago schools. He's angry at Crain’s Chicago Business for reporting that he bought a condo. (Which is sorta what they do.)
Chicagoist is one of the -ist websites (the most prominent being the NYC-based Gothamist) which were purchased by public radio station WNYC in February after their previous owner shut them down because they weren't profitable. WNYC has been trying to find good homes for the sites, and it looks like they found one in Chance.
“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 a statement about the acquisition. “WNYC’s commitment to finding homes for the -ist brands, including Chicagoist, was an essential part of continuing the legacy and integrity of the site. I look forward to re-launching it and bringing the people of Chicago an independent media outlet focused on amplifying diverse voices and content.”
Chicagoist hasn't published since November of 2017. But expect it to be up and running (with pro-Chance content) shortly. We don't have the financial terms of Chance's deal with WNYC, but we suspect he got the site at a bargain price.