@KanyeWest @Rhymefest #Chicago #alderman
I’ve spent some time recently talking about the Hip Hop politcal cosign and how the Democratic party in particular has recruited the endorsement of artists in the hopes they can have the same impact on the midterm candidates as they did in the Barack Obama election.

What we haven’t however seen is any of these artists feel so compelled to actually throw their hat in the political ring, that is until now.  Grammy award winner, Rhymefest has announced his candidacy for alderman of the 20th ward in Chicago.  While this election is far smaller than the govenatorial and congressional battles taking place across the country its encouraging to see an artist showing concern for issues in his community and perhaps being inspired by the political momentum of President Obama especially in his home state of Chicago.

“For too long our communities have been dictated to without them having any say so,” said the 33-year-old artist. “This election will represent a clear contrast between fresh ideas and the politics of the past.”

While Rhymefest may have chosen to run rather than endorse it doesn’t mean that he hasn’t adopted the Hip Hop cosign model to help his campaign.  He’s already received the “edorsement” of fellow Chicago native, and “Jesus Walks” co-author, Kanye West. Whether that helps or hurts his campaign is still to be seen.  You won’t see Che “Rhymefest” Smith on any ballot in November however, concerned local Chicagoans can look forward to pulling the lever for the artist when his election takes place this coming February. Its good to see rappers not only complaining about the issues in their lyrics but someone actually doing something about it.