Smith, who is known for controversial songs like "Bullet", an anti-military song; and "Jesus Walks", a song about Jesus' purportedly blind-love for pimps, pushers, and prostitutes, which he co-wrote with rapper, Kanye West; wants to revitalize his south side, Lawndale community.
The rapper turned politician, has promised, that if elected, he will attempt to involve fellow rappers Common and Kanye West, in business ventures designed to bring economic stability to his neighborhood.
As a rapper, he is undoubtedly a clever lyricist, but Mr. Fest's image isn't exactly squeaky clean. The images and messages in some of his songs and videos are extremely controversial.
For example: the video for the song, "Give It To Me", shows negative, stereotypical images of African-Americans eating watermelons and lyrically; passively supports a Robinhood-esque sort of criminality. One line in the song even suggests that O.J. Simpson's decision to (allegedly) force his way into a Las Vegas hotel room and demand his sports memorabilia back, at gunpoint no less, was acceptable behavior.
Although the decision to elect Che Smith as the next alderman of the 20th ward has no bearing on me, personally; I still hope the residents of Lawndale choose wisely.
Rhymefest performs "Give It To Me":
20th Ward = mostly Woodlawn
ReplyDelete24th Ward = mostly Lawndale