Rhymefest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rhymefest
|
|
|---|---|
Rhymefest in 2008
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Che Armond Smith |
| Born | July 6, 1977 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels |
|
Che Armond Smith (born July 6, 1977), known as Rhymefest, is an American rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He is famous for working with fellow Chicago artist Kanye West. Rhymefest helped write popular songs like "Jesus Walks" (which won a Grammy Award in 2004) and "New Slaves" (2013).
He also co-wrote "Glory" for Common and John Legend in 2014. This song won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. As a recording artist, Rhymefest released his first album, Blue Collar, in 2006.
Contents
Rhymefest's Music Career
Che Smith, or Rhymefest, started his career by competing in battle rap events. He even competed against famous rappers like Eminem.
Songwriting Success
Rhymefest helped write the song "Glory" with John Legend and Common. This song was for the 2014 movie Selma. "Glory" won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Beyond Music
Rhymefest has also worked on films. He was the main subject of a documentary called "In My Father's House." In this film, he bought his childhood home and found out his father had been homeless. The documentary shows Rhymefest trying to fix their relationship. He also acted in the 2018 movie The Public, playing a character named "Big George." Rhymefest has announced that he plans to release a new album soon called Love Lessons Pt. 1.
Rhymefest in Politics
Rhymefest has been involved in politics. In 2006, he was invited to the British House of Commons. There, he talked about hip-hop music and government policies with David Cameron, who later became the Prime Minister.
Running for Office
In 2010, Rhymefest announced he would run for a local government position in Chicago. He wanted to be an alderman for the city's 20th ward. He came in second place in the first election but lost in the final round in 2011.
In 2016, he started a series of events called "Truth & Reconciliation." These events aimed to raise awareness about gun violence in Chicago. Rhymefest is currently running for a spot on the Chicago school board in the 2024 election. He is running for the 10th district, which is in the southern part of Chicago.
Art of Culture (formerly Donda's House)
Rhymefest is a co-founder and the Executive Director of an organization called Art of Culture. This group was first named Donda's House, after Kanye West's mother, Donda West. The organization helps young artists develop their talents.
Personal Life
Rhymefest is a Muslim. He is married to Heather Michele Smith and they have three children.
Awards and Nominations
Rhymefest has won and been nominated for several awards for his songwriting.
Grammy Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Here are some of Rhymefest's albums, singles, and mixtapes.
Albums
- 2006: Blue Collar
- 2010: El Che
- 2024: James & Nikki: A Conversation
Singles
- 1996: "This Is How We Chill (Pts. 1 & 2)"
- 2005: "Dirty Dirty" (Featuring Ol' Dirty Bastard)
- 2006: "Brand New" (featuring Kanye West)
- 2006: "Dynomite (Going Postal)"
- 2006: "Fever"
- 2006: "Wanted"
- 2007: "Angry Black Man on the Elevator" (featuring Lil Jon)
- 2009: "Chicago"
- 2024: "Creator" (featuring Brittney Carter and Rell Suma)
- 2024: "Pop" (featuring EP Da Hellcat)
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
