Che Smith, the rapper better known as Rhymefest who's running for 20th Ward alderman, is bringing in some star power to support his candidacy.
Rhymefest will be performing at his fundraiser on Sunday night with fellow Grammy winner Lupe Fiasco, at a South Loop Bar.
The "campaign kick-off event" will be held at The Shrine, with the $40 door price ($35 advance, $75 VIP) going to Smith's aldermanic campaign fund.
Fest and Fiasco have something of a political history together. The two Chicago rappers got into a very polite beef around the Democratic presidential primaries, in which Lupe backed Hillary Clinton and Rhymefest supported President Obama.
This time around, Che Smith is taking it local, and he's got Lupe on his side. But just a few weeks in to his bid for City Council, he's already gotten a taste of the nasty side of politics, as the media has reported on two criminal charges against him, one in 2001 and one in 2005.
With his kick-off party, Smith is hoping to get past all that and concentrate on a positive campaign. "The people of the Woodlawn, Park Manor, Washington Park, Englewood, New City, and Back of the Yards neighborhoods deserve TRUE representation that not only helps local government work for its residents, but that actively educates residents on all services available to them," he wrote in a press release for the event. "Che will dedicate himself everyday to building a safer, more prosperous community."
What: Che "Rhymefest" Smith Campaign Kick-Off Event feat. Lupe Fiasco
When: Sunday, November 14, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Where: The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash, Chicago
Price: $40 at the door, $35 online, $75 VIP