‘I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist bitches outta business’
Earlier this week, Chance the Rapper revealed that he’d be releasing a new album before Saturday. He later walked back his comments, but he’s still treating fans to new music – last night, he dropped four new tracks, his first since 2016’s Coloring Book.
“Work Out,” “Wala Cam,” “I Might Need Security,” and “65th Ingleside” appeared on streaming services yesterday ahead of his headline performace at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Special Olympics in Chicago. “Wala Cam” features a collaboration with local rapper Supa Bwe, and “I Might Need Security” features a very interesting line: “I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist bitches outta business”.
Chicagoist is a local news, food, and culture website, and part of the -ist publishing network that includes Gothamist, LAist, and DCist. Gothamist report that a purchase between parent company WNYC and Chance the Rapper’s Social Media LLC did, in fact, take place.
So Chance The Rapper donated a million dollars to Chicago schools, & the Chicago Sun Times responds with a hit piece about his child support pic.twitter.com/LkqCuDd2gN
— Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) March 10, 2017
“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 the 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.”
Laura Walker, President and CEO, New York Public Radio, which includes WNYC, also released a statement: “We are delighted that the Chicagoist assets are finding a new home in the hands of a proud Chicagoan. 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.”
Chance’s motivation for buying Chicagoist is outlined in the “run you racist bitches outta business” line. Earlier in the verse, Chance describes his frustration with local news publications, particularly the Chicago Sun Times, who he characterises as racist for publishing an article that “call(ed) me a deadbeat daddy”.
More generally, however, Chance is a big supporter and investor in his home city, having previously donated over a million dollars to public schools, set up the SocialWorks charity and getting involved in events like Open Mike Chicago, and frequently giving interviews to local press rather than national.
Listen to the new tracks below.