Rhymefest For City Council

Grammy-winning rapper Rhymefest, aka Che Smith, is running for a seat on the Chicago City Council during an election year where the mayor and approximately 10 aldermen are retiring.

Smith is said to be one of four candidates challenging incumbent Alderman Willie B. Cochran for the 20th Ward, one of the poorest in the city, and presents himself and his ideas as an alternative to business as usual.

Some analysts speculate the rapper, who once went toe-to-toe with Eminem in a war of words, has a shot at winning. Rhymefest’s lyrics can attract the youth vote in his direction. He’s also held fundraisers during his nightclub gigs and reportedly has the support of the Chicago Teachers Union among others.

The voters were to decide on a new mayor, city council and other positions Feb. 22.