Che Smith (born July 6, 1977), known by the stage name of Rhymefest,
is an American hip hop artist from Chicago, Illinois whose first
official album, Blue Collar, was released on July 11, 2006. He
co-wrote Kanye West's "Jesus Walks", which won a Grammy
at the 47th Grammy Awards. In October, 2010, Rhymefest announced
his candidacy for Chicago's 20th ward alderman. He placed
second in the February 22nd, 2011 election, and was defeated by
incumbent
Willie Cochran in the April 5th, 2011 runoff election, placing
45.4 to Cochran's 54.6.
Fest was seen on the MTV show Punk'd when Kanye West was the subject
of a practical joke on the set of his second music video for "Jesus
Walks." Rhymefest was the first to greet West as he stepped
out of a van after it had been revealed to him that he had just been "Punk'd." Rhymefest
was on the set of the video to give his input as he was writing the
track. Also appeared on TRL along with Kanye West and other stars
introducing new artists to the game such as Pharrell Williams introducing
Robin Thicke.
Rhymefest was also featured heavily on the episode of the VH1 show
Driven that dealt with the life story of Kanye West as told by his
family, friends and colleagues. They met as 15 year-olds in Chicago
and have been close friends ever since.
Rhymefest guest starred in an episode of the second season of Nick
Cannon's Wild 'N Out on MTV, originally aired on Thursday, February
23, 2006. During the "Wildstyle" segment of the show, Fest
freestyled to Nick Cannon, "The black team, a real hard team
to deal with, what the hell is this? A little baby Will Smith? I
don't understand, by all accounts, Nick Cannon, get out of here,
you need to Roll... Bounce!" After that, in response to a rap
about his lisp, he rapped, "Yeah I got a lisp, I understand
this, but why you look like a piece of big Suge Knight's shit? I
don't understand, wait a minute, don't buzz me, Celie from The Color
Purple, 'You sho is ugly!'" He also performed "Brand New" with
Kanye West on the episode.
"Brand New" was featured on the series premiere of the
MTV program 8th & Ocean. It was being played in the Miami club
Privé while Britt danced with Adrian.
Fest appeared on Chicago PBS station's local affairs program Chicago
Tonight as the first rap artist ever on the program.
Appears in puppet form and performs the new Crank Yankers theme
song.
Appeared on an episode of Chancers with Matthew Knowles.
Appeared on an episode of Last Call with Carson Daly, where he performed
his single "Fever". Instead of reciting the third verse,
he broke into a freestyle about Carson and people in the audience.
Collaborated with A.J. Crew on "Destiny & Desire" for
Ruby Hornet, Dope Couture and Soundscape Studios presented album, "Nightmares & Daydreams".
[edit] Rhymefest the Goodwill Hip Hop Ambassador
On October 19, 2006, Rhymefest met with the United Kingdom's Parliamentary
Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron of the Conservative Party.
They discussed the issue of violent rap lyrics which Cameron had
highlighted as a problem and they both agreed that hip hop music
should not be banned, but that rappers should portray the positive
side of life in their music. According to the London Metro, Rhymefest
treated the British politician to a performance in his House of Commons
office and even invited him to venture with him to a nightclub. However
this was turned down by Cameron due to his busy schedule. In a March
2011 interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio, Rhymefest discussed
his relationship with David Cameron, including a frank discussion
regarding Mr Cameron's reaction to him,[4] Rhymefest Uncensored Radio
Interview
[edit] Che Guevara namesake
Che Smith, named for the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, addressed
the matter, stating:
"When you have a name, a real name, like Che, it's definitely
something, whether you want to or not, something that you have to
live up to. How could I be named Che and then do all songs about
dancing in the club and who got the fattest ass? That would be an
oxymoron to who I am. I think there's something very important in
a name. So I think when we name ourselves and name our children,
I think we have to think about what the future will look like. I
named my son Solomon, and when people look at him they say, "Oh,
Solomon, the wise king," and I think he's growing into that
role. It's evident even in hip-hop. You see people who are Lil' this
and Young that. What do they do? They act just like their name dictates."[5]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
2006: Blue Collar
2010: El Che
[edit] Singles
1997: "This Is How We Chill (Pts. 1 & 2)"
2006: "Brand New" (featuring Kanye West) #32 UK
2006: "Dynomite (Going Postal)"
2006: "Fever"
2006: "Wanted"
2007: "Angry Black Man on the Elevator" (featuring Lil Jon) [6]
2009: "Chicago"
[edit] Mixtapes
2004: Brand New
2005: A Star Is Born, Vol. 1
2006: Plugg City: City on My Back
2008: Mark Ronson Presents: Man in the Mirror
2009: El Che: The Manual Mixtape
2010: Dangerous: 5-18
2010: Man in the Mirror 2.0