Who would have suspected that for the second week in a row I’d be writing a piece linking hip-hop stars to politics? Jay-Z may have lent his visage and voice to a PSA, but Chicago rapper Rhymefest is really putting his money where his mic is. The Windy City better get ready, because if he has his way, we’ll be calling him Alderman Che “Rhymefest” Smith by the end of next spring.
The Grammy-winning artist released a video today confirming his run for 20th Ward Alderman. For those perhaps not up on their political nomenclature, an Alderperson is essentially a member sitting on a city council (the term is used differently in various areas, but that’s what it means to Chicagoans). If elected, Rhymefest would represent parts of Back of the Yards, Englewood, New City, Washington Park, and Woodlawn in Chicago’s legislative branch.
Those familiar with the artist may not be utterly surprised by the announcement. For one thing, it has been whispered about for some time. For another, Rhymefest himself said he made a point of switching to indie label dN|Be Entertainment in part because it “serves a greater purpose in Hip Hop and the Black community.” According to Wikipedia, Woodlawn is about 94% black. You’ve got to respect a man who really follows through on his principles.
If you want to support Rhymefest in his race against incumbent Alderman Willie Cochran, you can join him on October 21st for what is sure to be the first of many campaign rallies. You’ll find him Thursday at Exclusively Yours Auto Spa, 5820 S. State Street at 10:30 am. Check out the announcement video below, and for more information, contact his campaign via Unify20thWard@gmail.com.