A Chicago rapper has announced his candidacy for alderman in the 20th Ward. Che “Rhymefest” Smith is best known for co-writing the song “Jesus Walks” with his friend Kanye West. As a hip-hop artist, he has rapped about social issues.
Smith, a Woodlawn resident, said he’s running for alderman because his community and the surrounding South Side neighborhoods need more small businesses – not necessarily big chain stores.
“The development does not only need to be everybody coming in here doing a run-off. There are people in this community that would like to develop and they need to be given that opportunity,” Smith said.
Smith launched his campaign at a car wash on south State Street. He’s challenging first-term alderman Willie Cochran. Smith said he plans to use his celebrity to engage youth in the upcoming election.