Che "Rhymefest" Smith, local rapper and Grammy winning writer of "Jesus Walks" (which was recorded by Kanye West), has announced his decision to put his music career on hold in order to pursue a career in local politics.
Announcing his candidacy for Alderman of Chicago's 20th Ward at the Exclusively Yours Auto Spa in Washington Park, Smith promised to bring economic prosperity to the 20th Ward, which includes Woodlawn, Englewood and Back of the Yards. He also claimed that he would use his hip-hop celebrity to encourage more development projects in the are and suggested that fellow Chicago rappers Common and Kanye West could be coaxed into helping the ward as well.
Prior to his official announcement, he released a video clip (seen above) on YouTube that made his intentions quite clear.