Hip-Hop's Blue Collar Spitter
EL CHE FIGHTS BACK! - Part III
As always, I would like to begin by thanking all of the loyal readers, bloggers and introspective thinkers who log on weekly to experience a new perspective on what hip-hop is and what it, ultimately, can become. However, I must say that is blaringly obvious that some of you just don't get it.
I'm not just here to promote a record and sell it. I believe that it is time for artists, as well as any responsible member of a community in need, to stand up, speak out and take action on the behalf of said community. These last few pieces I have entitled EL CHE (I-III) were not intended for my own self-promotion or gratification. They were intended to show the power of revolution through action. By the end of this blog, if it be God's will, the true progressors of culture among you will see exactly what I mean.
When I left you last, I was contemplating a statement that Conservative leader David Cameron made to me about the people believing me over him, as it pertains to being genuine. I asked him what did he mean by that statement exactly, and he replied that if I were to make my music more positive & balanced and remove some of the profanities & misogynistic lyrics, then I could effectively influence the minds of young people who listen to Rhymefest across the world. He also suggested that this is part of my moral obligation to my community. As I sat back and took it all in, a smile came across my face as I thought to myself, "What does this dude know about my community, my moral obligation to it or the contributions I've already made?" I calmly shot back at him, "Mr. Cameron, you must understand: I don't make the decisions or put the money behind the records that you hear on the radio. For that, you would have to speak to Ged Doherty [chairman and CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment UK and Ireland]. This is the money guy. He makes the decisions on what records are marketed and promoted from the company."
Dave looked at me like a distant memory as he suddenly realized who the real boss was. He asked Ged, "What about it? Does your label have money to sponsor any programs that will promote music-for-good in various communities?" He explained that if artists like myself, Lyfe Jennings, Kanye West and even record execs could travel to certain communities and speak to young people about music, the making of it and various career opportunities within the industry, that [in his eyes] could constitute a positive change in urban music, overall.
He then repeated himself, "So, what about it? Does the label have the money to sponsor a program like that?" He then added that the government would not back such a program, but he would personally support it. He then asked again, "How about it? Does Sony BMG have the money to sponsor a music-for-good initiative?" Ged Doherty praised him for his suggestion and said, "Of course, something like that can be worked out." Whether or not this music-for-good program materializes remains to be seen. But, trust that I am staying on top of it, and I will let you know about any further developments.
- To those of you who criticize me for crossing the Atlantic Ocean to speak with a public official about Hip-Hop;
- To those of you who say I should stay home and start in my own neighborhood;
- To those of you who suggest that this is my self-righteous indignation manifesting itself;
to paraphrase Jay-Z: "Stupid, do you read this or do you just skim through it?"
I've never claimed to be the ambassador for Hip-Hop. I just responded to an issue dealing with our culture as a concerned artist and a member of the world community. I will NOT be restricted to my hood. I REFUSE to lay down in a "nigga-box."
My music affects and reaches people ACROSS the world. So at that point, I have a duty not only to my block but to the Earth that we all share. To those who don't know me or have NO idea what contributions I make to Chicago or Jeffrey Manor [my hood], it is unfair for you to suggest that I start there when you can't see how the young boys and girls in the community look at me as someone they can aspire to be. And I ain't just talking about being a rapper; this is about leadership and manhood.
Also, to those of you who question the meaning behind my statements of "El Che" or "revolution", Che is my real name; I was named after the great revolutionary Che Guevara. With such a name comes a responsibility to evoke revolution, which begins, I believe, with an idea that evolves into action. Through that action, mobilization is then necessary to overcome and change any obstacle. THAT is revolution. And, I am EL CHE.
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PEACE FEST. I GUESS I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SKIMMED THROGH YOUR BLOGS AND DIDN'T GET IT. IF YOU FEEL WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS NECESSARY, THAN MORE POWER TO YOU. EVERYBODY HAS THEIR OWN PART TO PLAY IN THE UPLIFTMENT OF A REVOLUTION. YOUR'S IS DIFFERENT FROM MINES AND SO IS THE NEXT MANS. PERSONNALY I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT WHAT GO ON IN THE U.K. WHEN IT COMES TO HIP HOP MUSIC. BUT SINCE YOU ARE A UNIVERSAL "ENTERTAINER" I CAN SEE YOUR VIEWPOINT. BESIDES, ARTIST SUCH AS deadPREZ, IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, A-ALIKES, COMMON, TALIB KWELI, AND MOS DEF SUPPLY ME WITH ENOUGH MEANINGFUL HIPHOP ON A CONSISTENT BASIS ANYWAY. SINCE I WAS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SUGGEST YOU START HERE AT HOME IN "AMERIKKKA", AFTER READING AND EXAMINING YOUR BLOG. I STILL FEEL THAT WAY BROTHER. YOU CAN JUSTIFY ALL YOU WANT TO YOURSELF AS TO WHY YOU WENT TO THE U.K.. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHAT PURPOSE WAS REALLY SERVED? YOUR RIGHT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN YOUR CHICAGO COMMUNITY. SO WHY DON'T YOU TELL US IN YOUR NEXT BLOG. GED DOHERTY IS NOT GONNA DO ANYTHING THAT WILL NOT FATTEN HIS POCKETS. SO I WON'T HOLD MY BREATHE ON HIM OR YOU. AND WHEN DID STAYING AND INVESTING AND BUILDING YOUR HOOD BECOME BEING STUCK IN A "NIGGA BOX". IF ANYTHING WE NEED MORE EDUCATED AND RESPECTED AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO DO THAT. CAUSE ALMOST OF ALL OF THEM, ONCE THEY MAKE IT OUT, LEAVE AND DON'T LOOK BACK. INSTEAD OF SHARING THEIR WISDOM AND INSIGHT TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION THEY TURN THEIR BACK ON THEM AND TRY TO PIMP AND EXPLOIT THEIR CULTURE FOR RECORD SALES, SNEAKER ENDORSEMENTS, CLOTHING LINES, PIMP BEVERAGES...ECT. THE ONLY THING THEY DO, IF ANYTHING, IS GIVE TURKEYS AWAY AT THANSGIVING TIME..LOL. NIGGA GIVE OUT SOME BOOKS AND OPEN UP SOME COMMUNITY CENTERS. GOOD LUCK ON RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EMCEES AND PRODUCERS. HOPEFULLY WE'LL GET SOME REAL MUSIC IN THE NEXT COMING YEARS.
JUST ONE LAST QUESTION FOR YOU. DO YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR POST OR DO YOU JUST SKIM THROUGH IT? LEARN TO TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO THE BRAIN AND NOT THE HEART. PEACE.
REVOLUTIONARY BUT GANGSTA
MR. Rhymefest if you can hear me, BLUECOLLER was a solid work of art and one of the better LP's of 2006, however, even after you explained your plan to gain platinum status after a #61 15,000 copy start like LYFE, MOROON 5 , AKON,
As of today you have yet to tap 300,000 in sales.
The point is, no matter how powerfull or "positive" your massage is if nobody is hearing you speak you are wasting your time.
Don't preach if the church is empty. REAL TALK
I've been reading your blogs for a few weeks, and I can't help but think of how self righteous you are. Sure, go to the UK and represent Hip Hop. Thats OK, I mean, Matt Bonner goes to Africa to represent the NBA. You and Matt Bonner are apart of cultures where you are bench warmers, while the more talented artists/players get the spotlight.
"My music affects and reaches people ACROSS the world."
This is your reasoning for why you went to the UK? Try find someone outside of your household that has heard your record. Wait, thats a bit inaccurate, try find someone outside of your circle of family and friends, your t-mobile "5" and your myspace friends list and you'll find you record fell on deaf ears, and your video was shown in facilities for the blind, all over the world.
Just because your name is Che doesn't foreordain you to be a revolutionary. Just because someones name is Dahmer doesn't mean they have to be a serial killer either. Life is what you make it and the name your parents chose for you does not determine your course in life.
First of all ^^ MC Duds (irony in a name) need a serious grammer check. 2nd, Rhymefest, homie, you keep doing what you do! There will be many non-believers & twice the haters, but as long as you feel the conviction & heat to bring your part to the table, you'll never be without RESPECT. As a female rep from the Windy City, I want you to know that my circle & demographic find your talent to be refreshing & unfourtunate for now, underrated. The build-up will only make you stronger, and them thirsty.
And absolutely, when we have meanings behind our birth names, and are raised to embrace that image, it can make for some compelling human contact. I say do all you can, & if your name is the inspiration... so be it!
Keep spreading your God-givens to other everywhere, and know that one day people won't only hear you, but have the sense to finally listen
Peace!
Fest,
Fam, Ive been reading your blog since the first time you posted it. Look dude I feel you and most of us feel you when you speak of the current status of hip hop. I just feel as though you are not addressing the problem(s) straight foward. The problem is the shit that is on the radio is the shit with the most influence, and yes it does give hip hop a black eye. But having a meeting with a UK polititon does what to address the glorified gangster lifestyle that is promoted across all of our mediams?
Again, props to you for atleast realizing what is going on, but what are you doing about it? What did your meeting accomplish? And people who read your blog confronted you about calling your self and Ambassator because that what you called yourself. I know you are walking a tight rope. You cant just go and start putting the niggerish sterotypes on blast, but I can:
Jeezy: dope dealer turned rapper
Rick Ross: dope dealer turned rapper
TI: dope dealer turned rapper
Nelly: sambo (sorry coley), cooning at its finest!
D4L: posse of Sambos
Franchise boys: posse of Sambos
Come the drug dealer turned rapper at one point was interesting and creative. Now its and industry standard, along with bullet holes and a conviction record. I just think that these type of artist, who get the majority of airplay is what is hurting our people by influencing our youth. CHE our revolution should not involve anyone else but us. It should be a revolution by blacks and for blacks to end the brain washing of our youth.
Man ain't nothing wrong with Hip Hop, Hip Hop is doing just fine, so what if fake thugs and rappers go platinum selling to the suburbs, in the streets, we all know where da realness is. AZ is hot, Skyzoo is coming up, Mos Def is killing it and Immortal Technique is on the come up with the Middle Passage real soon. Hip Hop is still Hip Hop, so what if they don't play our music on MTV ? So what if coons are running BET ? Hip Hop is about the streets. I don't see graffiti artists complaining that they don't get any airtime. I don't hear beatboxers complaining about not having a limo and a private plane. I don't hear breakdancers complaining that Justin Timberlake is killing the art. Come on, it's like Nas said, Hip Hop is dead, cuz nobody wants to do it for and ONLY for the streets, everybody wants to go platinum and sells the white suburbia. Ain't no revolution, negro please, this is bigger than Hip Hop, this is big business, from slavery to colonization and now globalization, people exploit people, that ain't never gonna change.
Hip Hop is another vernacular part of the African Diaspora, and it should remain that way. Let them have rap music, we'll keep Hip Hop right where it belongs, in the streets, cuz real niggaz knows.
By the way, ain't nothing with gangsta rap, Ice Cube was the shit, NWA was the shit, and they were on some NOI and Black Panther ish.
The problem isn't only with the spread of negative messages in lyrics. There's a deficiency in any musical aspect of rap music on most major releases. Jay Z is a dope dealer who's turned rapper, whatever. He's made some great music in his time, so who cares about the fucking backstory. Point blank--if you don't have any musical aspect to your rap record, you suck. This message shit and revolution shit is all extra...it's recorded music. If you want to be a revolutionary, fuck rapping, hit the streets and the internet and start organizing. Don't waste your time recording music.
But if you're trying to make brilliant music, then I'll support you monetarily. here's a sure-fire test...if your shit gives even YOU a headache, get the fuck out the game. No excuses.
Rhymefest made a dope rap record that had some great musicality to it. He's signed to a terrible label though and white labels don't know how to deal with rap.
Fest, you should take a cue from that whack ass Cassie chick...get an intern to run your myspace, organize like crazy, shoot your own video blog entries to get the fans hooked and just keep dropping product so they stick around. That bitch sold in the top ten when she came out and she can't even sing...it's cuz she's organized. But don't take my word for it...do it yourself and watch your album sales grow.
Rhymefest....Do Whut U Do....U don't have to prove shit to nobody..If u have plan follow ur plan....take constructive criticism and move on....Much Respect....myspace.com/bottlesbaby
You know...I find it really disturbing that a lot of the people commenting on this blog just don't get it. They obviously didn't read the beginning of this blog when you stated that this has nothing to do with selling records. Most of the comments are directed at the fact that you're not a platinum artist, and therefore you should not try and deal with social issues. That makes absolutely no sense. You are a person that cares about the true welfare of others, and that sir is what counts. You don't have to be number 1 in the "whatever" game you're in to make a difference in this world. Its a shame to see that so many young people feel like they need accolades in order to influence the world. You are who you are. It doesn't matter if you sell 2 records or if you sell 2 million. We are all here for a reason, we all have purpose, and its time we begin to focus on that, and start changing some things. Thank you again for taking a stand and attempting to change something in this world. We appreciate you.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Deeez Nuuutz will fund the revolution.
much respect due to you, my dude. I can't say I up on your music so much, but I am for sure up on your endeavors and i show the you up most respect for taking a chance that a lot of big name rappers won't. You could be spending your time buy Jewelery and ass, but you chosse to use it to better our culture. that's what's up. BIGGUP!!!!
suck my 42dd cup tits rhymefest! i love a workin man!
go 2 myspace/unknown@streetstructure.com
WAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAA *sniff* SNIFF *SOB* WAAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AH AHHHHAA AHHA AHH WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Do you Rhymefest! Fuck the haters, but I will say this man! You need to go ODB style and break into the Oscar's or the Grammy's and say this type of stuff! You will get your voice heard and if they censor you, you can say that your 1st Amendment Rights were being violated. White people love that type of Neo-Liberal Stuff. Talk to your boy, Kanye he is good at causing TV drama.
That's crazy how Ged(Sony CEO) says the governement would not support the music-for-good initiative... Now I wonder why?? Does that mean he is already being influenced by the government on what to promote?? You would think the Gang, Crack, Pimp and Hoe music would be the underground but its the exact opposite, that's what's being pushed.
you turn on the tv, and you got basically channels dedicated to making a joke out of black people. i'm not american, and i'm not black, but i'm in america, and my friend has a tv. i go there, and i sit with these white dudes and a couple far east guys and a brown guy, and they turn on the "black" channel (which is actually put on by black people i understand...which makes it even crazier) and they soak up the images of black people acting retarded. for a lot of people, their main image of black people comes from tv. from radio. maybe from website like this one. i feel like this is just so fucking obvious but people still seem to have the view that "music is just music, has no bearing on reality".
in korea, there are restaurants that say no black people please. how many black people do you think the owner of that restaurant has seen? maybe 50 in his life. then the rest is the images he sees in rap videos. and it's true, it's white corporate america putting the images up there. that makes perfect sense, doesn't it? it's money. and there's no shortage of black guys willing to play the part. that's money. and there's black people in positions of power doing the same thing. that's money. holy shit if every lyric that made gunplay and drugs cool in a rap song in the past ten years, if you went back in time and switched that with a positive lyric--not some geek shit but something real and positive--you really honestly think that would have no bearing on the present and how people are killing each other and feeling like it's a cool way to be? obviously, rappers play a huge role in making things cool. this is just obvious. you think cause a rapper has a charity, that can compare to the harm he's done while filling his pockets endorsing all sorts of mean shit? there's a reason nike spends most of its budget on ads. they work. a rap video is an ad for that dude's album, and it's just as effectively an ad for everything that rapper is doing in the video, is endorsing in the video. anyway, i could go on and state more obvious things, because there's a lot more to say on related issues, but basically, when Cameron said to you its your responsibility to your community, there's nothing to shoot back. he's right. nothing's gonna change until people stop sugarcoating shit and acting like they can have their cake and eat it too. he's right. he's probably ignorant about a lot of shit, but there ain't no excuse for how black people, which are a large portion of the poorest classe in america, are being complacent in corporate america's oppression of them. if you want to be helpful to your people and represent Che for real, it means accepting that you need to sacrifice. it's a joke to read this from someone who's not black i know. but it's just what's obvious i think. and it's not meant as disrepect. what's happening to black people in america is unjust, and i don't need to be black to perceive that.
i respect what you're doing, Rhymefest, but it still doesn't seem like your on the side Che Guevera would have been on. there can be no halfstepping with this. the wrong side is so complex and so selfsustaining right now, that basically anyone who steps to it will have to get past its self defense mechanism: the machine will offer you money to be tamed. if a dissenter gets too many people behind them, they will become marketable, and then to stay marketable they will need to soften up, and not many people don't sell out in that situation. it's a great self defence mechanism.
so throw up Che's face, OK, but don't half step if you're going to do that. Che gave his life for humanity. There can be no halfstepping if you're on his side. NYOIL, Mr Lif, Phonte...I'm sure there's more but I can't really name anyone else from the new school who seems to give a fuck.
the obvious says...
in korea, there are restaurants that say no black people please. how many black people do you think the owner of that restaurant has seen? maybe 50 in his life
-----------
THAT IS SO TRUE. I REMEMBER A WHILE AGO, I WAS WATCHING A PROGRAM THAT WAS PLAYING COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. IN SOME ASIAN COUNTRY(SORRY, I FORGET WHICH ONE BLAME IT ON THE CESS) THEY HAD THEIR COUNTRYMEN DRESSED IN BAGGY JEANS, SCULLYS, CHAINS AND JERSEYS. THEY WERE DOING A COMMERCIAL ON CARS(I THINK) AND THE ASIANS USED THE WORD "NIGGER". LIKE WHAT'S UP MY NIGGA. I WAS SO FUCKING SHOCKED. 1ST THAT IT WAS A COMMERCIAL AND 2ND BECAUSE IT SHOWED ME HOW THE REST OF THE WORLD TRUELY LOOKS AT AFRICAN-AMERICANS. THEY ONLY VIEW US THROUGH MEDIA OUTLETS. WHICH ONLY LIKES TO PORTRAY US DISPLAYING COONISH BEHAVIOR. THAT'S WHY I SAY WE NEED TO START A REVOLUTION RIGHT HERE. IT'S NOT LIKE FOREIGNERS JUST WOKE UP ONE DAY AND KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING OVER HERE. THEY WERE FEAD THE THAT NONSENSE FROM OUR OWN BACK YARD. BLACK PEOPLE SAMBOING TO BE ON TV AND MAKE THE ALL MIGHTY DOLLAR(which the faces on the front look nothing like you). SO ONCE WE STOP PORTRAYING OURSELVES IN THAT NEGATIVE IMAGE, THE REST OF THE WORLD WILL SEE US FOR WHAT WE REALLY ARE. A PROGRESSIVE, CREATIVE, SPIRITUAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE KNOWLEDGE AND SELF RESPECT FOR OURSELVES. NOT WHAT'S SHOWN ON THE TELL LIES TO YOUR VISION(television). BLACK PEOPLE WE CAN DO BETTER. PEACE.
You are probably one of the most arrogant rappers out there. You are not about revolution, you are about $$$$ - stop trying to fool us. You are not, and never will be be the self-professed "revolutionary" that you are trying to be. Stick to rapping!
"My music affects and reaches people ACROSS the world. So at that point, I have a duty not only to my block but to the Earth that we all share"....well does that include girls backing it up and putting it on your STD infested "STICK"???? Get over yourself - your career is over!
Shots out to OBVIOUS AND RBG.....
That shit is fucking real, especially everything you said Obvious. We got to clean up our own shit. Read my post doggie I am right there with you. I wish I could hack every hip hop/bet/mtv website and post your messege. That shit is real point blank.
Look for who ever is down after I make my money in my current carrer field I am really thinking of using my money to be on Mau Mau shit. if you dont know what that is PLEASE SEE THE MOVIE BAMBOSILED! Its pretty much where hip hop is today.
Lastly che if the revolution is going to be in my hands the first heads that are getting chopped off are the rappers who are selling us out. Some things are more important than money, and if you cant see the damage you do then bite the bullet bitch!
Hey I have one serious ?. With all this T.D. Jakes like preaching you are doing, so far how many albums have you sold. Are you @ 50k yet. If my memory serves me correctly you said that you were consistently selling 5 or 6k a week. Well If that was the case then you should be somewhere around a 115k. Where ya @. I don't think you are there yet but i may be wrong. Hey next time, if there is a next time buddy, make a album with 2 or 3 singles that are marketable. Not a half ass one with a recycled mixtape verse from Ye. Always have a back-up plan. I know when this music thing doesn't pan out for ya you will be able to get a nice Blue Collar Job @ home depot mixing paint. Hey not hating just being real. Really don't know why you are talking to People in England, when the issues with hip hop and how people portray it needs to be fixed here first. Oh and since we are paraphrasing JAY-Z now, "Fake Prophet Like T.D. Jakes". Throw some D's on that "CHE".
Rhymefest
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Rhymefest
Origin Chicago, Illinois
Country United States
Years active 2005–present
Genres Hip Hop
Labels Allido Records/J Records
Website(s) http://www.rhymefest.com
Che Smith, known by the stage name of Rhymefest, is an American hip hop artist and rapper (born January 1, 1977) from the south side of Chicago whose first official album, Blue Collar, was released on July 11, 2006. The Grammy Award winning co-writer of Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" is signed to Mark Ronson's Allido Records.
Contents [hide]
1 Biography
2 Notable Television Appearances
3 Rhymefest the Goodwill Hip Hop Ambassador
4 Discography
4.1 Singles
4.2 Studio albums
4.3 Mixtapes
5 Quotes
6 External links
6.1 Multimedia
7 See also
7.1 Interviews and articles
[edit] Biography
For years, Rhymefest gained the reputation as one of the most charismatic, intelligent and humorous rappers on the freestyle battle rapping circuit. He gained attention because his lyrics were both witty and honest, and addressed the daily struggles that the average working person goes through, and not the over-glorified life of a drug dealer or clubgoer. He returned to Scribble Jam in 2003, where he defeated Yo Momma's Pimp to capture the title. Rhymefest was born January 1, 1977 on the south side of Chicago in Jeffrey Manor. Although he dropped out of South Shore High School, he would go on to earn his GED and even enroll in college at Columbia College in Chicago to study radio broadcasting at night school. He also worked as a substitute teacher to inner-city preschoolers at the time. In addition to all this, he was also building a reputation as one of the better known freestyle battle rappers in the Midwest. After enrolling at Columbia however, he learned his girlfriend was pregnant. He married her and moved to Indianapolis because she had been attending Purdue University in nearby West Lafayette. His son, Solomon, was born in 1998 and Rhymefest was forced to work various low-paying jobs, including one as a janitor at a university, to support his family while his wife went to school. When his wife graduated and went on to get a job as a chemical engineer, Fest was then able to devote his time to his true passion, music.[1]
While living in Indiana, Rhymefest was introduced to Mark Ronson by then manager Ron "DJ Indiana Jones" Miner. In February of 2003, Rhymefest signed his record contract with producer and DJ Mark Ronson's Allido Records, a subsidiary of Sony BMG's J Records, managed by Clive Davis. This was despite an offer on the table from long-time friend and producer Kanye West to sign with his own record company, GOOD Music. Fest attributes this decision to having a better musical relationship with Ronson and also not wanting to be in an "employer-employee" relationship with West, where difficulties in business could lead to a disruption of their musical relationship and even friendship. Fest had a great admiration for Ronson's ability to mesh music of different genres.
Rhymefest was featured on the track "Bout to Get Ugly" on Ronson’s album "Here Comes the Fuzz” in 2003 along with Anthony Hamilton. He was also featured on the official soundtrack to the films The Rundown, Take The Lead, and Big Momma's House 2 with the track Private Dancer along with We Got Action. Fest was also a part of the Marc Ecko video game, "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" in 2005 and was most recently featured on the Kanye West track, "We Can Make It Better," on "Hurricane Relief: Come Together Now," a tribute CD for Hurricane Katrina.
Along the way, Fest worked with his childhood friend West quite often. A mixtape released in 2001 entitled "Raw Dawg" was largely produced by the then relatively-unknown producer, West. More recently and most notably, he collaborated with West on the record "Jesus Walks," off the ground-breaking album The College Dropout. On February 15, 2005, Rhymefest earned the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, along with West, for co-writing the song. Rhymefest had the initial idea for the song and discovered the sample used in the song, Arc Choir's "Walk with Me." Rhymefest played the song for West and then gave it to him to use for the album West was working on at the time, "The College Dropout." Fest didn't have a record contract at that time and he knew that if West could produce it and become famous, he would be able to gain some notoriety from it as well. Fest co-wrote the chorus and first verse with West and even wrote and performed a third verse that did not make the final cut, but is performed on his mixtape, "A Star is Born."
Rhymefest's much-anticipated first album "Blue Collar" was released July 11, 2006. On the album he works closely with long-time collaborator and producer Mark Ronson, as well as with producers Kanye West, No I.D., Just Blaze and Cool and Dre. The first single off the album is entitled, "Brand New," and is produced by and features West with a video featuring renowned Hip hop model Bria Myles. Artists he collaborates with on "Blue Collar" are Citizen Cope, Carl Thomas, Mario and the late Dirt McGirt.
[edit] Notable Television Appearances
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 co-wrote 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 years-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 bug 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.
[edit] Rhymefest the Goodwill Hip Hop Ambassador
Rhymefest recently on the 19th October 2006 met with UK opposition leader David Cameron of the right wing conservative party. They discussed the issue of violent rap lyrics which Cameron had highlighted as problem and they both agreed that hip hop music should not be banned but rappers should portray the positive side of life in their music.
According to the London Metro Times, 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.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Singles
2006: "Brand New" (featuring Kanye West) #32 UK
2006: "Dynomite (Going Postal)"
2006: "Fever"
2006: "All Girls Cheat"
[edit] Studio albums
2006: Blue Collar #61 US
TBA: "El Che"
[edit] Mixtapes
2001: "Raw Dawg"
2004: Mark Ronson presents, "A Star is Born, Vol 1"
2004: "The Blue Collar Collection," (released June 2, 2004)
2005: Mark Ronson presents, "Rhymefest - Brand New"
2006: Rhymefest presents Plugg City... "City on My Back" (released March 22, 2006)
[edit] Quotes
"The entire concept behind my project is to fight the wackness that rap has become... There are enough people trying to be gangsters without me going that route... What we need in hip-hop right now are rappers who are both truthful and entertaining."
- taken from Rhymefest.com
"This is stuff that happens in the streets and that's why I named my album 'Blue Collar,' because I feel like it's the hustle. The grind is a hustle. Like, if you go down to the Southside of Chicago, where I'm from you might not see six brothers out there slinging dope, you might see five people on the bus stop going to work, but ain't nobody talking about that."
- taken from interview atBallerStatus.net
"There's hardworking people that try to make ends meet that come home and have to deal with a drug addict in their family, or with children that's been molested, or with utilities that have been turned off. Hard times are something that great comedy has been made of. Hard times are something that great books have been made of. Why not great rap?"
- taken from article at The Meter
CHE SMITH what are you ASAIN!!! HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH SCUMBAG
@Bama Time
I think you meant "Bamboozled" by director Spike Lee. It's all good though. People should see that movie. It will open alot of eyes.
okay, your career is over, buh byeeee! it was fun while it lasted....moving on ----
Dont be HYPOCRITICAL African Americans....If ya'll feel bad about how the media portrays you and the stereotypical image portrayed to foreigners....then DON'T EVER make fun of an African guy's accent or way he dresses. Don't ever assume that we all live on trees and have AIDS and fucking wanna extort you.....The same media that portrays Africans as some tree climbing , spear throwing, cow-blood drinking motherfuckers, is the same media that portrays ALL YA'LL as lazy, drug dealing, brother killing motherfuckers..and your women as gold digging hoes....
WORD
I see you will do and say anything to try be known to sell more records. Well, let me warn you... It's not a smart Idea to try and pimp the system using "the revolution" and "God". You need to find another angle... I heard your album and you can rap pretty good, but you sound very confused on what you stand for. Real recognize Real... You are talking to a british politician about Hip Hop? Hell, go talk to Al Gore and Jed Bush... Matter of fact... Hillary Clinton can help you with the revolution... Go meet with her. Yeah, that's the solution to all of our issues...The "Puppetcians" can help... Just a bunch of talk... You will never be successful tryin to pimp a righteous cause for your record sales... El Che??? The real Che would smack the hell out of you for making a song that says... "Put it on my stick". Don't you hear the masses of bloggers tryin to tell you that you are off course??? Stop talkin and do it! Don't you know the revolution didn't begin with you... It was here all along... It's in the underground... It will surface when the masses are tired of dealing with the BS... Not when you want to sell some records... That is exactly how snakes move... Hidden agendas masked with righteous causes. But I know, you will probably ignore what I am saying... But I DARE you to respond to what I am saying... I don't even believe in saying negative things to "positive people", but sometimes people need to get checked. The Laffy Taffy Era makes these songs due to lack of knowledge and understanding... They are doing the best they can to make records and feed their families... And El Che decides to attack them and tear them down so you can bring your "revolution" to the forefront. You should be ashamed of yourself... One day, you will just decide to rap and speak from your heart and if you sell 1 copy or 10 mil, you won't be bitter because it was from your heart and not for attention. Good cause on the surface... Bad intentions...
Talk to ME... Mr. El CHE
go 2 myspace/unknown@streetstructure.com
Truth 24/7 says...
Dont be HYPOCRITICAL African Americans....If ya'll feel bad about how the media portrays you and the stereotypical image portrayed to foreigners....then DON'T EVER make fun of an African guy's accent or way he dresses. Don't ever assume that we all live on trees and have AIDS and fucking wanna extort you.....The same media that portrays Africans as some tree climbing , spear throwing, cow-blood drinking motherfuckers, is the same media that portrays ALL YA'LL as lazy, drug dealing, brother killing motherfuckers..and your women as gold digging hoes....
WORD
November 16, 2006 12:31 PM
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How is speaking about media images of African-Americans being hypocritical? I'm sure that the intelligent people know that Afican is a continent with many forward moving countries. All ethnics groups get portrayed in a negative light. The Asians are always brainiacs with no backbone or some martial arts specialists who snaps pictures 24/7. Middle Easterns are always towel head, religious fanatics who downgrade women. The list could go on and on. But the focus of this blog is the Hip Hop Community which is primarily African-American. So we speak on those issues because it affects us. No hate and not being hypocritical. Hip Hop is a global representation of the Africa-American culture. What we do here has an impact on the world( for the most part). I bet in any country across the globe someone can tell you 50 Cent or Jay-Z . But has no clue about deadPrez or Little Brother. An African artist can't say that. So it's up us to stop the brainwashing that has been going on for 2 decades. Not by globetrotting across the globe talking to people who have no clue about what's really going on in Amerikkka. But by attacking the issue head on here. Much respect to all my Afican sisters and brothers. But you have to be that voice for Arica. And let us be the voice for Amerikkka. Peace.
Shout out to Bama Time:
Get that money and start your own movement.
REVOLUTIONARY BUT GANGSTA.
1. wuddup Fest...i feel like you made it Clear that your real name was 'Che' becuz of what i posted last time..I questioned why you used his Name...that should've been made clear a while ago....props to having a revolutionary name.
my point was that you know as well as i do that Che Guevera's name and image has been hijacked by people who dont know about his life and his philosophy..political or otherwise. I jus hope that as a person who is claiming to be "El Che" himself, you could school some of these fools who wear the t-shirt as a fashion statement. make a track about his life..let me produce it..holla at me
2. I feel u Fest...the whole Blue Collar thing is dope...But i cant get past certain comments..especially the Kanye West thing.. comparing him to Outkast and making him seem so differnt from artists like 50 and Lil Jon...I know Kanye is your peoples and he put u on...BUT lets be real, he is a bad representative of what conciouss, enlightening..revolutionary Hip Hop is. If anything he is a glorification of materalitialism..the 'Louie Vutton Don'...fuck outta here!
How bout your boy Lupe Fiasco?...now thats some dope revolutionary hip hop if u ask me. compare him to outkast..dont tell polticians to go listen to Kanye..especially after he embarasses Hip Hop during the Euro-Awards...
p.s...as a producer I respect Kanye's skill and talent and creativity...as an MC..he's only ok
call me a hater
Definitely didn't mean to offend on my earlier comment...hope no offense taken by anyone reading the blog, I just felt a little heated, thats all
Cosign with you entirely KwameX....entirely...Kanye needs to learn how to act like a man...In his defense, I dont think he ever claimed to be a role model or ambassador of anything except pink polos and louis vuitton luggage
Thanks for the shot RBG. And dont trip cause I got all the Dead Pres albums and mixtapes, I love them brothers but I got to lay something down that most might not like or understand:
Look some call America, Amerikkka and still say malicous things about our country. Let me say this. It is pointless and truely unrewarding to dis America. I know our nation has a fucked up history as far as race and racism is concerned, but trust me there is no other country you would rather be a citizen of.
Dude I currently live in China, but homie Im from Gary Indiana. I know Chinese people that have graduated from College with degress in engineering and computer science that live in a truely one bedroom apartment. (and nothing else, no bathroom, no kitchen, no motherfucking closset) We are blessed as fuck to be americans. I work with brothers here in china that are from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameron. Americans got it good even if your Black and grew up in the fucking projects. I dont know if youi believe it or not but truely in America you can be anything you want to be, so dont waste your time hating on our (your) nation.
Dont believe me: we have had Black astronaughts, secrateries of State, numerous CEO's of fortune 500 countries, inventors, senators and congressmen. You can become anything in America. Its been proven. Is it completely even, no. But the reality check is that it isnt that way anywhere in the world. So its one thing to want to make our nation better and its another to unjustly criticise it. I think us as black people, cleaning our own shit and de-brainwashing our people is the most important thing we can do. Drugs are making niggas kill each other over money, sending niggas to jail and making junkies out of people we know. But we continue to sell to us. The real shit is we all know how its getting in; but we have known that for like 20years. Now lets clean it up.
This is the shit you should be on CHE.
OH yeah.... To anyone on here that says the will stick a cock in my mouth or to give them a blow job that shit is madddddddd gay. Stick it in my ass while I have a blinfold on so it seems like its normal. Love and shouts to all my strong men!
go 2 myspace/unknown@streetstructure.com
FRIDAY NIGHT AND A NIGGAS ST8 BLUNTED/SITTING AT THE CRIB COUNTING STACKS OF MY MONEY
real life
Yo BameTime, I had to sit back and think about your post for a minute. Truth be told, you was speaking the truth. We as Amerikkkans have it good. But not so good in the fact that we can't recognize the bullshit when it's in front of our eyes. At times we do take for granted that our country is lucky( i will not say blessed because of its foundation). The majority has the basic necessities(shelter, food, clothing, water, electricity, voting priviledeges, the right to an education). I can only imagine what it's like living in a third world or dictatorship country. But that's the point...I only can imagine.
All I can speak on is what I know. What I know is being a black man in Amerikkka. Trust me, everybody has a survival story. I've seen one of my boys bodied right in front of my eyes, niggas commit suicide in they teens, the baddest bitch on the block die of AIDS, been to more funerals in the past three years than I have in my whole life, hustled anything I could get off, beefed and went to war with niggas over spots, had my closest homeboy set me up to my enemies and the po-po, been shot at and shot at niggas, disrespected women including the mother of my seed, lost real blood family to the Feds, been to prison, got out and did the same shit that got me there. I'm no where near a saint and far from a devil. I was just fortunate enough to wake the fuck up before it was too late. Get my shit together and do something positive with my life. If I can stop the same thing from happening to anybody else I'm going to do it. Just because black people are making strides in corporate Amerikkka does not mean that things are okay and we should not get complacent. The racial barriers are still in effect and will continue to be unless we make a change.
We do not bring drugs into this country. That's true. But it is not by coincidence that they are flooded throughout our community. It's not a coincidence that the Rockerfella Laws were placed on the books. It's not a coincidence that the majority of the prisons are filled with Black and ethnic faces. Then we have dumb so-called smart niggas going out and voting Democrat, praising Bill Clinton like he was Malcolm or Martin. When the truth is this "black president" build more prison in his 8 year term than any President in history. Where are the up to date school books, computer labs, qualified teachers, gun control laws, and decent minimum wages for the real "blue collar" citizens?
I did not mean to get on a tangent but the herb got me vexed. I just pray for a better tomorrow. But the truth is it's in our hands. We control our own destinies. In the words of Goodie Mob "1 million niggas inside this state of mind". All I can say is live life the best you know how and stay true to self. Put positive energy into the universe and you will receive it back. Peace.
This message was brought to you by a honey green dutch and cali kush.
Bama Time I hope that was not you who posted that gay ass statement. If so I take back my shout out.
REVOLUTIONARY BUT GANGSTA.
why "revolutionary but gangsta"?
the obvious meaning of the word "gangsta" is someone who gangbangs. or at the very least someone who acts like someone who gangbangs. why do people who say "revolutionary gangstas" expect support? why the fuck would i want to support gangstas taking over shit. we already got people with that mentality in power.
i don't ask in a rhetorical way. the obvious answer is that people want to be pro-revolution, but they also are insecure enough to need people to fear them, or to respect the fact that they are gangsta, which obviously all comes from a weak place inside them. i ask sincerely because i think maybe this obvious answer is not the right one, and i want to know what it really is. i don't like the gangbangers walking down my street right now. i associate them with the same mentality as the president's. why can't we revolt against ALL the bullshit? cause if this is the revolution of the whining gangsta, i ain't down.
Come on now fam! Why would I post some stupid ass gay shit. Thats was done by one of the cats who cant come up with anything positive to contribute to this board.
Anyway man, I feel you on the reply. And for the most part I agree. The destiny is in our hands. I just feel that even though the drugs are brought here to be distrubuted and consumed by us, we dont have to take part in it. And the sad song; "this is the only why I can feed my family" is bullshit. But whatever. Im straight and my fam is going to be straight and I aint going to hurt my people either directly or indirectly to do it.
peace
question for the revolutionary gangsta says...
why "revolutionary but gangsta"?
the obvious meaning of the word "gangsta" is someone who gangbangs. or at the very least someone who acts like someone who gangbangs. why do people who say "revolutionary gangstas" expect support? why the fuck would i want to support gangstas taking over shit. we already got people with that mentality in power.
i don't ask in a rhetorical way. the obvious answer is that people want to be pro-revolution, but they also are insecure enough to need people to fear them, or to respect the fact that they are gangsta, which obviously all comes from a weak place inside them. i ask sincerely because i think maybe this obvious answer is not the right one, and i want to know what it really is. i don't like the gangbangers walking down my street right now. i associate them with the same mentality as the president's. why can't we revolt against ALL the bullshit? cause if this is the revolution of the whining gangsta, i ain't down.
November 18, 2006 12:09 AM
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GOOD QUESTION MY MAN. I WILL ANSWER THE BEST WAY I KNOW HOW.
Revolutionary- adj.: markedly new or introducing radical change "radical political views"
Gangster- n.: a criminal who is a member of a gang
LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT I AM NOT A GANGBANGER. I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT KILLING ANOTHER PERSON OVER COLORS IS WRONG. IF YOU WANT TO GET DEEP INTO IT. THE PROTOTYPE FOR GANGSTERS IS ITALIAN-AMERICAN MOBSTERS. THEY RACKETEERED AND DID THEIR OWN THING, ASIDE OF WHAT THE LAWS OF THE LAND PROHIBITED. STUCK TO THEIR OWN AND CAME UP BY ANY MEANS. THEY PIMPED(got over) ON THE ESTABLISHMENT BECAUSE THE RULES SET BEFORE THEM WAS NOT BENEFITING THEIR INTEREST.
I USE THE TERM "REVOLUTIONARY" BECAUSE IT APPLIES TO MY RADICAL THINKING ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES. I USE THE TERM "GANGSTER" AS A PHILOSOPHY. IF YOU STUDY THE HISTORY OF THE BLACK GANGS IN THIS COUNTRY. YOU WILL LEARN THAT THEY DID NOT START OUT AS CRIMINALS. THEY WERE ESTABLISHED TO PURIFY AND BE A POSITIVE FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY. BE IT CRIPS, BLOODS, VICE LORDS, GANGSTA DISCIPLES, LATIN KINGS HOWEVER. IT WAS ABOUT SOLIDARITY, BROTHERHOOD, AND BEING A STRONG PRESENCE IN POVERISHED AREAS. ALONG THE PATH THEY LOST THEIR WAY. DUE TO THE ILLS OF THE ECONOMY AND THE SLAVE MENTALITY THAT WAS PAST ON FROM OUR FOREFATHERS. BUT THEIR INITIAL INTENT WAS GOOD. WOULD YOU CALL THE BLACK PANTHERS A GANG OF RADICALS? THE GOVERNMENT DID. WOULD YOU CALL THE NATION OF ISLAM A GANG OF RADICALS? THE GOVERNMENT DID. WHY? BECAUSE THEY SAID FUCK THE SYSTEM. THEY CALLED OUT INJUSTICE AND STOOD SIDE BY SIDE WITH CONVICTION.
I SAY "GANGSTA" BECAUSE I HAVE THE MINDSTATE OF ONE BUT, IN A POSITIVE WAY. BY ALL MEANS I'M GOING TO COME UP. MARTIN GOT ARRESTED FOR MARCHING AND PROTESTING. TO ME THAT'S GANGSTA. HE HAS A RAP SHEET FOR THE CAUSE. HIS MINDSTATE WAS FUCK IT. I'M GOING TO DO WHAT I HAVE TO DO TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE. SAME WITH X, THE PANTHER PARTY, GHANDI, THE HAITIAN REVOLUTION PARTICIPANTS. FUCK IT THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. TAKING MATTERS INTO YOUR OWN HANDS IS WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A "GANGSTA". THAT'S THE BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT OVER A BLOG. I'M NOT REALLY A WRITER SO I HOPE YOU GET THE JIST OF WHAT I WAS SAYING. ANYTIME A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WHO COME TOGETHER FOR SOME TYPE OF CAUSE, OUTSIDE OF THE NORM WILL ALWAYS BE CALLED A GANGSTA(at least according to my philosophy).
ON ONE LAST NOTE. "WHINING" AND COMPLAINING IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY ARE TOLD THEY CAN'T DO SOMETHING AND HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO EXCEPT IT. EXPLAINING AND DEBATING IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DO WHEN THEY VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON ISSUES THAT THEY ADDRESS AMONG EACHOTHER. THEY EITHER COME TO AN UNDERSTANDING OR DON'T. BUT IN THE END THEY DO WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO AND SAY WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY REGARDLESS OF ANYONES OPINIONS. BECAUSE THEY ARE WHO THEY ARE. PEACE. SO WITH THAT SAID I'M STILL AND WILL ALWAYS BE....
REVOLUTIONARY BUT GANGSTA(hate it or love it).
You know fest what you are doing is stepping up and being accounted for. So many cats wanna talk bout the good side of life and not deal with issues that effect the community. But you brother are a blessing and a much needed change of thought in HipHop! Man f those who armchair quaterback..you know talk a good one but wont get their hands dirty. I always had an issue with jay z cause 1/2 way to being the "GOD MC" i know he had the "peoples" ear NOT TO THE LEVEL THAT PAC did but he aint talk about change and enlightenment like he does now or how he did with DP'Z....But know homes is using his celebrity for good cause and i got sooo much more luv for home art now...But im out and off the soapbox...ohh yeah that "niggabox" line classic but ya line on the bet awards b4 u passed to remmy keep spit'n tell the prez look like obama..go'n down in history
Revolutionary
Black
Genius
DUDE YOUR COMMENTS ALMOST MADE ME THINK YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT, ALMOST. THE PART ABOUT JAY-Z, YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS, CAN YOU? YEAH JAY HAS TOUCHED ON SOCIAL ISSUES SUCH AS KATRINA "MINORITY REPORT" AND SPOKE ON THE WATER CRISIS IN AFRICA. BUT WHAT ENLIGHTENING JEWEL HAS HE EVER REALLY DROPPED? AND IF HE DID, THE NEXT THING OUT OF HIS MOUTH WOULD BE "40/40 CLUB THIS, CHAMPANGE, MY CHAIN, MY BITCH, MY G5, THAT". I'M IN NO WAY HATING JAY-Z. I THINK THE MAN IS A VERY SMART WHEN IT COMES TO HIS BUSINESS. BUT PROMOTING BUDWEISER IS SOMETHING I CAN'T GET DOWN WITH. SO PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME ON HOW JAY-Z IS USING HIS CELEBRITY FOR A GOOD CAUSE? SERIOUSLY, NOT BEING A WISE ASS.
SINCE YOU PROFESS TO NOT BEING AN ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK AND UP OFF THE SOAPBOX, I GIVE YOU PROPS. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. BUT YOU LIKE RHYMEFEST AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO POST, THINK THEY WE ARE HATING OR BELITTLING HIS EFFORTS. THAT'S NOT THE CASE, WE JUST QUESTION SOME OF HIS TACTICS. LIKE ANY RATIONAL THINKING HUMAN BEING DOES.
YOUR RIGHT, HIS "NIGGA BOX" STATEMENT WAS CLASSIC...CLASSICLY STUPID. IF THAT'S THE CASE ANYBODY WHO STAYS AND TRIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY IS STUCK IN A "NIGGA BOX". BUT ANYWAY, STAY UP AND I HOPE YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE DOING THAT'S POSITIVE IN LIFE.
YOU KNOW THEY SAY IMITATION(in any form) IS FLATTERY. SO I AM FLATTERED BY YOUR TAGLINE. GENIUS. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME. LISTEN TO X-CLAN, 2PAC'S FIRST TWO CDs, deadPREZ AND A-ALIKES.
REVOLUTIONARY BUT GANGSTA.