Rhymefest Teaches You How To Freestyle

By Jon Graef in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 25, 2010 9:00PM

No, he’s not subsidizing his income by teaching rap at corporate retreats and Bar Mitzvahs. Rather, rapper and community activist Rhymefest is coaching viewers on freestyling for the cost of free. In a video posted on the Tribune's website, the El Che rapper relates tips on executing freestyles. Oddly, Rhymefest makes freestyling easier and harder than it looks. Shot against a simple white backdrop, Rhymefest summarizes freestyling as an art of surprisingly patient free association. You can make a compelling freestyle about the mundane objects around you, which is what exactly what Rhymefest does.

Interestingly enough, Rhymefest also connects freestyling with political debate, which makes us wonder if we’re about to see some hardcore spittin’ just in time for the elections. (Sure, Mark Kirk has made some odd statements recently. But isn’t the real question whether or not MK can wax Alexis Giannoulias like a chump?)

While we ponder the answer to that query, you can learn about the art of freestyle here from the man who famously defeated on Marshall Mathers in a battle. Next up: Who at Chicagoist wants to try freestyling first? Marcus? Tankboy? Anyone?

In other Rhymefest news, the rapper has invited his fans to create a pictorial video for El Che song “Mermaid”. Details here, but if you help him out, it will be the eighth clip for Che. Not too shabby at all.

Watch the amusing clip for “One Hand Push-Up” off El Che after the jump.