It’s no secret, Chance the Rapper loves Chicago. After briefly relocating to Los Angeles during the early part of his music career, the 25-year-old emcee moved back to the Windy City and declared he’ll live there until he dies.
Since then, Chance has poured resources into local arts programs and donated more than $1 million to the city’s public schools. Now, he’s reviving one of Chicago’s most beloved publications, the Chicagoist.
The Chicagoist was hastily shut down in 2017 by owner Joe Ricketts after staffers voted to join the Writers Guild of America East. But thanks to Chance, the online mag will rise again. In “I Might Need Security,” one of four new songs the Grammy-winning rapper released today, Chance announced he bought the Chicagoist “just to run you racist b–ches out of business.”
In a statement officially discussing the acquisition, Chance said he’s excited to continue the Chicagoist’s mission to be an independent voice for his city.
“I’m extremely excited to be continuing the work of the Chicagoist, an integral local platform for Chicago news, events and entertainment,” Chance said. “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.”
Laura Walker, President and CEO of New York Public Radio, which owns WNYC, said the media organization was “delighted” the publication is now owned by a “proud Chicagoan.”
“We are delighted that the Chicagoist assets are finding a new home in the hands of a proud Chicagoan,” Walker said. “WNYC has a strong commitment to local journalism and building community, and we are pleased that these assets will be used to support local coverage in the great city of Chicago.”
While acquiring the Chicagoist is a big deal, Chance hasn’t forsaken his first love, music. Though he just told fans he wasn’t dropping a new album this week, he did release four new songs — “I Might Need Security,” “Work Out,” “Wala Cam,” and “65th & Ingleside”— to hold them over until his new project is released.