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Rhymefest Information
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Biography
'Rhymefest', whose real name is 'Che Smith', is a rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He originally pursued a degree in elementary education and even served as a substitute teacher. However, he eventually decided to pursue music instead. He earned his reputation as being charismatic, intelligent and humorous on the circuit as a freestyle battle rapper.
Rhymefest appeared on DJ and producer Mark Ronson™s "Here Comes the Fuzz,ť in what would prove to be a long-lasting musical relationship. In February of 2003, Rhymefest decided to sign his record contract with Ronson's Allido Records. This was despite an offer on the table from producer Kanye West to sign with his own record company. Rhymefest was also featured prominently on the official soundtrack to the film The Rundown along with Ronson.
Along the way, Rhymefest worked often with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West. Most notably, he collaborated with West on the record "Jesus Walks," off the ground-breaking album The College Dropout. On February 15 2005, Rhymefest earned a Grammy Award with West for co-writing the track. Rhymefest suggested the sample that West used, Arc Choir's "Walk With Me," and is also credited with co-writing the first verse. There is also a third verse written and performed by Rhymefest himself that did not make the final version of "Jesus Walks." He is a rare example of an artist that earned a Grammy before debuting his own studio album.
Rhymefest's much-anticipated first album Blue Collar is projected to be released January 24 2006. On the album he works with long-time collaborators and producers Kanye West and Mark Ronson, as well as producers No ID and Cool and Dre. The first single off the album is titled, "Brand New," and features West. Other artists he collaborates with are Carl Thomas, Mario and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard.
Discography
Studio albums
*2005: Blue Collar (to be released January 24, 2006)
Mixtapes
*2001:Raw Dawg
*2004:Mark Ronson presents, A Star is Born, Volume 1
*2005:The Blue Collar Collection
Quotes
śI used to get teased like you wouldn™t believe, Kids said I acted white because I could read"
: - "These Days"
"Jesus Walked me to the Grammys, Thank you God, now I can sin again!"
: - "These Days"
"Excuse me, I'm wacktose intolerant."
: - "Brand New"
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