Grammy Award-winning rapper Rhymefest announced his bid to run for Chicago city alderman of the 20th ward Thursday.
Rhymefest, whose real name is Che Smith, is no stranger to political schmoozing. The hip-hop ambassador of goodwill got his feet wet in the political arena when he traveled to the UK in 2006 to meet with Parliamentary leader of the Opposition David Cameron of the Conservative Party. The two men discussed the controversial issue of violent rap lyrics at length. They came to the conclusion that instead of banning the music in the UK, rappers should serve up a more positive and inspiring view of life as a whole in their music.
The 33-year-old rapper and song writer, who has worked with major artists like Kanye West, is now prepared to deal with more challenging prospects, such as improving the problems (high incidence of crime, ineffective schools, affordable housing, jobs, health and economic development) that plague the 20th ward.
The Washington Park native plans on using hip-hop as a kind of tool to connect to the district's younger residents. Rhymefest also plans on using his music industry relationships to help boost fledgling businesses and rebuild boarded-up storefronts. Rhymefest says that calling upon mega celebs like West and Common would be an easy feat, and he plans on enlisting them to help start a 20th-ward renaissance.
Rhymefest will be running against current alderman Willie B. Cochran.
The 20th ward, which encompasses Chicago's Woodlawn, Washington Park, Park Manor, New City, Englewood and Back of the Yards communities, has struggled for quite some time.
"The wheel doesn't have to be reinvented," Smith said. "It just has to be reinstated."
When the performer made his announcement to run, he was surrounded by his grandmother; 12-year-old son, Solomon; and 2-year-old daughter, Amirah; and some community residents.
"We are the 20th Ward," Rhymefest proclaimed proudly.