chicago

Rhymefest, born Che Smith, officially announced his run for alderman of Chicago's 20th Ward on Thursday, saying he would incorporate his hip-hop background "as a tool to speak to youths and engage the community," wrote the Chicago Tribune...

Rhymefest has finally confirmed that he is in fact running for political office in his hometown of Chicago. The rapper and Kanye West associate has been teasing a run since last month but refused to name the specific office he was targeting...

Back in June, Chicago rapper and Kanye West associate Rhymefest had some tough words about his local government. The rapper accused the Windy City's politicians of corruption and advocated for increased attention to the poor. Now, perhaps taking a cue from Wyclef Jean, Fest, real name Che Smith, wants to take things a step further...

Lupe Fiasco has been added to his hometown's inaugural North Coast Music Festival, taking place over Labor Day weekend at Chicago's Union Park. The three-day event will be heavy on the hip-hip: De La Soul, Nas & Damian Marley and Jay Electronica are among the MCs joining Lupe on the bill. Fl...

On June 19, Mos Def, Brother Ali and the Rock Steady Crew will gather with 97 other artists over four stages at the free 'Takin' It to the Streets' music festival in Chicago. The one-day festival, which is being produced by the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), has a goal of exploring how social change can be produced through artistic expression, creativity and spirituality...

The former home of R. Kelly that served as the backdrop for the controversial sex tape that dented the singer's career is up for sale. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the house will go on the Chicago market on Monday (June 7) for a price tag of $3...

Hip-hop's masked villain MF Doom pulled another concert no show this past Saturday night at the Congress Theater in Chicago. Billed as "MosDoom," with longtime supporter Mos Def also scheduled to perform, fans in attendance are claiming that Doom once again tricked them into thinking they would see him perform live...

Chicago-native Common is taking his charitable efforts back to his hometown and raising money for Haiti. The Grammy-winning emcee will participate in 'Chicago's Hope for Haiti' concert to raise funds for earthquake victims. Aside from Common's hip-hop influence the fundraiser will showcase performances from local gospel, jazz and R&B artists. Fo...

Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams is making some big changes for 2010. The Illinois songstress will make her first appearance as Roxie Hart in the Broadway play 'Chicago' beginning this February. In light of her push to make forward moves, Williams has decided to find herself new management...