Business & Tech
Chance The Rapper Reveals He Owns Chicagoist In New Song
The Chicago native hopes to relaunch the news site as "an independent media outlet focused on amplifying diverse voices and content."
CHICAGO, IL — This might be a first: press release via song. That's how Chance the Rapper let people know that he had purchased the Chicagoist, a news website that was recently shut down.
The Chicago hip-hop artist's Social Media LLC acquired the Chicagoist and all its assets — which includes the site’s archives, internet domain and social media channels — from New York City public radio station WYNC, the outlet said in a more traditional, non-musical press release. The station gained ownership of the Chicagoist when it picked up the assets of the Gothamist and its group of city news websites in February.
"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. “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.”
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RELATED: Chicagoist, DNAinfo Shut Down, Owner Joe Ricketts Announces
The Grammy winner broke the news about becoming the Chicagoist's new owner on "I Might Need Security," one of four tracks he dropped Thursday.
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"I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist bitches outta business," he says in the song.
The Chicagoist, as well as DNAinfo, were shut down in November by previous owner Joe Ricketts, one of the co-owners of the Chicago Cubs. The closing came a week after staffs at the websites voted to unionize. Last month, WNYC handed over DNAinfo's assets to Block Club Chicago, a new local news website started by former DNAinfo editors.
Go to Soundcloud or Chance the Rapper's website to listen to all four songs.
LISTEN: Chance the Rapper's "I Might Need Security," the song that reveals he now owns the Chicagoist website. (WARNING: Harsh language)
Chance the Rapper in June. (Photo by Scott Olson | Getty Images)
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