Marc Lamont Hill
@marclamonthillnetwork·234K subscribers·2.8K videos
Rhymefest's NEW Video; Role of Artists in Community & Governance! | ASCENDING EXCLUSIVE (Rewind)
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April 5, 2026
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1:18:02Now Playing[THIS IS A REBROADCAST FROM DECEMBER 6, 2025]
In this episode of ASCENDING with APRIL R. SILVER (host), we discuss hip hop as well as the role of artists in the community and in the governing of those communities. One of THE BEST to dig in on this topic is RHYMEFEST!
Dr. Che "Rhymefest" Smith is a multi-GRAMMY and Academy Award–winning artist, civic leader, cultural theorist, and global humanitarian. As an elected member of the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education and Fellow at both Dartmouth College and the University of Chicago, he brings a hip hop lens to everything he seeks to uplift, including his vision for leadership, mental wellness, culture, and community impact.
To many, Rhymefest is best known for his work with fellow Chicago rapper Ye (fka Kanye West). He co-wrote Ye’s “Jesus Walks" (Best Rap Song, 2004). He also co-wrote (with Common and John Legend) "Glory" which received GRAMMY and Golden Globe wins for Best Original Song (2015).
*FAST* *FACTS* *ABOUT* *RHYMEFEST*
• Multi-GRAMMY and Academy Award–winning artist
• Elected Board Member, Chicago Public Schools
• Fellows: University of Chicago Institute of Politics and Dartmouth College
• Starred in the acclaimed featured documentary In My Father's House, co-starred in the major motion picture The Public and guest appeared in HBO's South Side television series.
• Featured on NPR, PBS, GMA, VH1, and Chicago/Midwest Emmy-winning You Don't Know Chi.
• Global humanitarian (Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania)
From centering the world through a hip hop lens toward a broader view for everyone to appreciate, we're talking about it all here on ASCENDING so do chime in. Share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear from you!
*WATCH* *LIVE* *OR* *WATCH* *LATER.* The show livestreams every Saturday at 11a ET. Tap in for enriching conversations focused on today's cultural, artistic, and social justice topics, as well as spiritual health matters! The focus is typically on people of African ancestry and people who whose work embodies progressive agendas. Every episode is nourishment for the soul! ASCENDING inquiries are directed to Drake R. Holliday at drake@akilaworksongs.com
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