Chance the Rapper buys Chicagoist

Chance the Rapper announced a deal to buy Chicagoist, a local news site in Chicago. The rapper announced the purchase in a new track, “I Might Need Security,” Variety reports.

Chicagoist.com has not been publishing since fall of 2017, when owner Joe Ricketts shuttered the site along with Gothamist, DNAinfo and others. 

“I’m extremely excited to be continuing the work of the Chicagoist, an integral local platform for Chicago news, events and entertainment,” said a statement from Chance the Rapper. “I look forward to relaunching it and bringing the people of Chicago an independent media outlet focused on amplifying diverse voices and content.”

Chance the Rapper bought Chicagoist from New York Public Radio’s WNYC, through the artist’s new Social Media LLC. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

“We are delighted that the Chicagoist assets are finding a new home in the hands of a proud Chicagoan,” said Laura Walker, president of New York Public Radio, in a statement. “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.”

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