A New Stage for Rhymefest

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 14, 2007 10:59PM

You’ve won a Grammy with Kanye West, you’ve bested Eminem in a freestyle battle, you’ve even got a recording contract and your own Crank Yankers puppet. That’s all good, Rhymefest. But how will you fare in Chicago’s super competitive theater scene?

We’ll soon find out. The rapper born Che Smith will premiere Che, a hip hop musical/concert/performance art piece based on his Jeffrey Manor childhood, right around the time his next album drops. He’s working with Collaboraction on the Chicago premiere, with a national tour to follow. As Pitchfork reports, Rhymefest’s is a positive message which he hopes will get the kiddies excited about the art form. Whether the show’s a hit or not, the man can be captivating on stage, for masses of indie types on the West Side or for a more-intimate-than-expected crowd on the South Side.

Mr. Smith’s next Chicago gig is Collaboraction’s Friday night benefit at Rednofive, assuming he’s recovered from partying with Hef tonight.