Chance the Rapper Purchases Local News Site Chicagoist

The hip-hop star announced that he had bought the Chicago-specific website in his new song "I Might Need Security."

Chance the Rapper has purchased the local news, food and culture website Chicagoist, announcing the news in his new song "I Might Need Security."

Hip-hop stars boasting idly about buying things in their songs is as old as the genre itself, but the rapper really did buy the Chicagoist, according to a report in sister site the Gothamist. In the song, Chance raps: "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's Social Media LLC purchased the site from WNYC, the public radio station that was part of a consortium that purchased the "-ist" network of sites through an asset sale process in February. As well as the Chicagoist and Gothamist, the network includes LAist and DCist.

In a statement, Chance said: "I’m extremely excited to be continuing the work of the Chicagoist, an integral local platform for Chicago news, events and entertainment. 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."

On Wednesday, the Chicago rapper dropped four new songs, “Work Out,” “65th & Ingleside” “Wala Cam” featuring Supa Bwe, and “I Might Need Security,” ahead of his headline performance this Saturday at the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Special Olympics.