Ciphers and rap battles may be commonplace for him, but recently Che Smith, better known as Rhymefest, has decided to take on a beast of another sort: politics.
Sources have confirmed to AllHipHop, that Grammy award-winning rapper and community activist, Che “Rhymefest” Smith will be running against Alderman Willie Cochran for alderman of Chicago’s 20th ward in the November general election.
In a recent YouTube video, Rhymefest walks through his native Chicago declaring, “With your help, we can develop. With your help, we can rebuild. As a community, we can unify. Chicago, it’s time to take care of business.”
He seems to be the perfect candidate, but the politically aware content in his music, his Grammy awards, nor his conversation with British Prime Minister David Cameron about violence in hip-hop music could shield him against opposition in the race.
“It’s already starting! I talk about helping my community and the villains are attacking my character and family! I won’t stop!” said Rhymefest on twitter in regards to the pending announcement of his candidacy.
“The 20th Ward in Chicago needs help, shorties are out here selling dope to pay the family bills. Grandmothers are raising their children’s children, people are un-employed and under employed & leadership is absent!”
Rhymefest has made his big announcement today at a press conference at Exclusively Yours Auto Spa in the 20th Ward of Chicago, IL.
El Che, Rhymefest’s latest album is also now in stores. The artist turned politician career move is not new to hip-hop, Rhymefest’s bid for Alderman arrives on the heels of Wyclef Jean’s attempted entry into the race for president of Haiti.
What do you think of Rhymefest’s announcement, should he run for Alderman? Will he win? Drop us note!
-Brittany Epps
Photo: Andreas Hale
