Che Smith (born July 6, 1977), known by the stage name of Rhymefest, is an American hip hop artist from Chicago, Illinois whose first official album, Blue Collar, was released on July 11, 2006. He co wrote Kanye West's "Jesus Walks", which won a Grammy at the 47th Grammy Awards. In October, 2010, Rhymefest announced his candidacy for Chicago's 20th ward alderman. He placed second in the February 22nd, 2011 election, and was defeated by incumbent Willie Cochran in the April 5th, 2011 runoff election, placing 45.4 to Cochran's 54.6.