Rhymefest

Last updated

Rhymefest
Rhymefest 2008.jpg
Rhymefest in 2008
Background information
Birth nameChe Armond Smith [1]
Born (1977-07-06) July 6, 1977 (age 47)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
Years active1996–present
Labels
Website cheworldwide.com

Che Armond Smith (born July 6, 1977), [2] better known by his stage name Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West, with writing credits on his songs including "Jesus Walks" (which won Best Rap Song) in 2004 and "New Slaves" in 2013. He also co-wrote "Glory", for Common and John Legend in 2014, which received a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Contents

As a recording artist, he signed to Mark Ronson's Allido Records, an imprint of J Records in 2006, where he released his debut album Blue Collar in July of that year.

Career

Born Che Smith in Chicago, Illinois, [2] Rhymefest started off battle rapping at events such as JumpOff and ScribbleJam against acts like Eminem and Chalk. Smith co-wrote "Glory" alongside John Legend and Common, for the 2014 motion picture Selma . The song received the 2014 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the 2014 Academy Award for Best Original Song. [3] Che has expanded his gifts beyond the borders of music. The subject of the Showtime and Break Thru Films documentary, "In My Father's House", Rhymefest purchased the childhood home of his estranged father only to find that he'd been homeless for most of Che's life, Rhymefest then embarks on a journey to reconnect and redeem their relationship. Rhymefest's film debut was in Emilio Estevez's 2018 film The Public. He played "Big George", starring alongside Alec Baldwin, Gabrielle Union, Taylor Shilling, Michael K. Williams, Christian Slater, and more. [4] Rhymefest has revealed that he will be releasing an album soon titled Love Lessons Pt. 1. The track "OG Philosophy" featuring Black Thought and Raheem DeVaughn arrived in early 2020. [5]

Politics

In 2006, Smith was invited to the British House of Commons to discuss hip-hop and policy with David Cameron. [6] In October 2010, Smith announced his candidacy for Chicago's 20th ward alderman. [7] He placed second in the February 22, 2011 election, and was defeated by incumbent Willie Cochran in the April 5, 2011 runoff election, getting 45.4% of the vote to Cochran's 54.6%. [8] [9]

In 2016, he hosted a "Truth & Reconciliation" event series to enhance awareness about gun violence in Chicago. [10] He is running for an elected position as a member of the Chicago school board in the inaugural 2024 election for the post. He is running in the 10th district, which is located on Chicago's south side. [11]

Art of Culture (formerly Donda's House)

Rhymefest is Executive Director and co-Founder of Art of Culture (formerly Donda's House), Inc. [12] The organization was originally named after Kanye West's mother Donda West. [13] Artists who were accepted into Donda's House include Hex Hectic. [14]

Personal life

Rhymefest is Muslim. He has three children and is married to Heather Michele Smith. [15]

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." [16]

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2005 Jesus Walks (as songwriter) Song of the Year Nominated
Best Rap Song Won
2014 "New Slaves" (as songwriter) Best Rap Song Nominated
2016 Glory (as songwriter) Best Rap Song Nominated
Best Song Written for Visual Media Won

Discography

Albums

Singles

Mixtapes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanye West</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Ye is an American rapper and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Slow Jamz". He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles "Gold Digger" (2005), "Stronger" (2007), "E.T.", and "Carnival" (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanye West production discography</span>

The following list is a discography of production by Kanye West, an American rapper and record producer. It includes all of his work, as well as some of the music he produced and co-produced. The music is listed in sequential order by release date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesus Walks</span> Song by Kanye West

"Jesus Walks" is a song by American rapper Kanye West. It was released on May 25, 2004, as the fourth single from his debut album The College Dropout (2004). The song contains a sample of "Walk with Me" as performed by the ARC Choir. "Jesus Walks" was acclaimed by music critics, who praised its compelling sonic atmosphere and boldness in its open embrace of faith. It was met by widespread commercial success, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming West's fourth consecutive top-twenty hit in the United States.

Allido Records is a record label and production company co-founded by British DJ Mark Ronson and his manager, media executive Rich Kleiman in 2004 as an imprint of J Records, a division of Sony BMG. The label's name is derived from Stevie Wonder's 1980 song "All I Do".

Michael George Dean is an American record producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his synthesizer-heavy instrumentation and audio mixing for high-profile music industry artists. Beginning his career in 1992, he was first credited on releases for Texas-based rappers such as Scarface, Willie D, and Geto Boys, although he has since worked with artists including The Weeknd, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Jay-Z, Drake, Madonna, Selena Gomez, Playboi Carti, and Lana Del Rey, among others. As a non-performing lead artist, Dean has released five solo studio albums: 4:20 (2020), 4:22 (2021), Smoke State 42222 (2022), 4:23 (2023), and 424 (2024).

Dujeous is a live hip-hop band based in New York City. Dujeous songs are a diverse mix of topics, but they often talk about life in New York City, post-millennial paranoia, and sometimes, just having a good time. Their music has been featured on television and big screen. They've recently been promoting their weekly "No Clearance" free downloads, and leaks from their second album Day In Day Out.

Jeffrey Nath Bhasker is an American record producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He won the Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in 2016 and was nominated for the award in 2013.

Donda is a creative content company founded by American rapper and fashion designer Kanye West (Ye). The company was named after West's mother, Donda West, and shares the name with his tenth studio album, released in 2021.

"Coldest Winter" is a song by American record producer and vocalist Kanye West from his fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak (2008). The song was produced by West, with co-production from No I.D. and Jeff Bhasker. The producers served as songwriters alongside Roland Orzabal, who received a writing credit as a result of music that he wrote being interpolated. In October 2008, the song was previewed via Power 106. An electropop number, it interpolates Tears for Fears' "Memories Fade". In the lyrics, Kanye mourns the death of Donda West.

<i>Donda</i> 2021 studio album by Kanye West

Donda is the tenth studio album by American rapper Kanye West. It was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings on August 29, 2021. The album features a broad range of guest performances from artists, including The Weeknd, Jay-Z, Marilyn Manson, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Baby Keem, Playboi Carti, Jay Electronica, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Ty Dolla Sign, Fivio Foreign, Lil Durk, Pop Smoke, the Lox, Shenseea, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Young Thug, among others; as well as vocals from Chris Brown were also included prior to the album being updated. Its deluxe version features guest vocals from André 3000, Tyler, the Creator, and KayCyy. West himself, as well as BoogzDaBeast, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, and Ojivolta primarily helmed the album's production. West recorded much of the material at multiple locations in the summer of 2021, including Bighorn Mountain Ranch in Wyoming and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fivio Foreign</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Maxie Lee Ryles III, known by his stage name Fivio Foreign, is an American rapper from New York. He first saw mainstream recognition for his 2019 single "Big Drip", which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and spawned a remix featuring Lil Baby and Quavo. That same year, he signed with fellow New York rapper Mase's RichFish Records, in a joint venture with Columbia Records.

"Keep My Spirit Alive" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features vocals from fellow American rappers Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn and originally featured additional vocals from KayCyy.

"Jonah" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features fellow American rappers Vory and Lil Durk along with additional background vocals from frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign. It peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and made the top ten on the Billboard Christian Songs and Gospel Songs charts.

"Hurricane" is a song by American rapper Kanye West and Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring fellow American rapper Lil Baby, from the former's tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from the Sunday Service Choir and KayCyy. It came from a jam session at Archwood Music Studio and was passed on by Chance the Rapper to West, who shared a preview in September 2018. The song was originally slated for inclusion on West's since scrapped album, Yandhi, and went through multiple reiterations prior to release, with the final version being debuted in July 2021. On August 8, 2021, it was accidentally made available via certain streaming services before being pulled less than 24 hours later, but was officially released with the rest of the album on August 29, 2021. It was also eventually sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's lead single on September 14, by GOOD Music and Def Jam. An R&B, hip hop, and pop jam with an atmospheric beat, it contains organs and bass.

"Come to Life" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features overlapping pianos and guitar chords, as well as a sample of David Paul Moten's sermon. The lyrics allude to the emotional fallout from West's divorce, while showcasing themes of liberation and God.

"Moon" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song includes vocals from fellow rappers Don Toliver and Kid Cudi. The production was handled by West and E.Vax, with co-production from BoogzDaBeast and DJ Khalil. Alongside the vocalists, all the producers wrote the song. It initially only had an appearance from Toliver, however Kid Cudi was included after the album's first listening event in July 2021. Lil Yachty sought the rapper's appearance by reaching out to Vory, who arranged it through contact with West. The song had been crafted by West before Toliver worked on it in 2021, differing largely from the initial recording on the final version. A tender ballad, it features riffs of electric guitar and lyrics from Kid Cudi about reflecting to better himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donda West</span> American educator and mother of Kanye West (1949–2007)

Donda Clairann West was an American educator and chair of Chicago State University's Department of English, Communications, Media, and Theater. She was best known for being the mother of the American rapper Ye.

"Life of the Party" is a song by American rappers Kanye West and André 3000. It was intended for West's tenth studio album Donda (2021), but was left off the album due to André 3000 not agreeing to his verse being edited to a clean version. The song was later leaked by Canadian rapper Drake on Sound 42 radio amidst a feud with West. It was initially released as an exclusive to the Donda Stem Player in October 2021. The song was released fully in November 2021 on the deluxe version of Donda, and an explicit version as a single. The song ends with audio of a clip of DMX and his daughter on an amusement park ride.

Donda 2 is a demo album by the American rapper Kanye West. Although unfinished, it was exclusively released on the Stem Player, with four songs made available on February 23, 2022, and additional songs later included in updates, the first of which were added the following day. West began the recording and production of the album in early January 2022, continuing into the next month. It was preceded by the singles "Eazy" and "City of Gods", released in January and February 2022 respectively—both of which peaked within the top 50 of the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of Gods</span> 2022 single by Fivio Foreign, Kanye West and Alicia Keys, Playboi Carti

"City of Gods" is a song by American rappers Fivio Foreign and Kanye West and American singer Alicia Keys. It was released as the lead single from Fivio's debut studio album B.I.B.L.E. and the second single from West's album, Donda 2. On the song, Playboi Carti provides ad-libs, while Keys interpolates the chorus from "New York City" (2015) by The Chainsmokers. The track was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, indicating 500,000 units recorded in the US and was nominated at the 54th NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song.

References

  1. ↑ "Repertory". ASCAP. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Kellman, Andy. "Rhymefest Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  3. ↑ "Paramount Pictures – Selma – Consider". Paramountguilds.com. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  4. ↑ Gardner, John (February 11, 2020). "Rhymefest: American Rapper, Writer, Community Organizer, and Explorer". The World Music Foundation Podcast. The World Music Foundation. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  5. ↑ Gardner, John (February 11, 2020). "Rhymefest: American Rapper, Writer, Community Organizer, and Explorer". The World Music Foundation Podcast. The World Music Foundation. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Who is Rhymefest? Everything you need to know about the Chicago rapper". NME . May 27, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Political Rapper Gets More Literal About It". Chicago Reader . Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  8. ↑ "BLOG". www.friendsofrhymefest.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  9. ↑ "'Rhymefest' Smith loses in bid for alderman". www.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  10. ↑ Walker, Angus (October 9, 2016). "Rhymefest hosts Truth & Reconciliation event series". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  11. ↑ Kapos, Shia (March 28, 2024). "The Buzz". Politico Illinois Playbook . Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Kanye West's Charity Changes Name, Becomes Art Of Culture". Forbes. June 5, 2018. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
  13. ↑ Garcia, John (June 5, 2018). "Donda's House, charity named for Kanye West's mother, renamed after social media spat". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  14. ↑ Worsham, Malcolm (April 19, 2020). "OnTheRadar- Hex Hectic- "Wanna Be Me"". Respect Mag. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  15. ↑ "RHYMEFEST On Prosperity Gospel, Authentic Christianity, and Joel Osteen (pt. 1 of 2)". Rapzilla.com. August 23, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
  16. ↑ Rhymefest: El Che by Chris Dart, Exclaim! Magazine, June 2010 Issue
  17. ↑ "Audio: Rhymefest f. Lil Jon, "Angry Black Man On The Elevator"". Thefader.com. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.