Published on August 1st, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Rhymefest Discusses New Album “James & Nikki: A Conversation”

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

Exploring the Influence of Literary Giants James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni with Rhymefest

I recently sat down with Che “Rhymefest” Smith for an exclusive interview for The Hype Magazine, digging into his latest album, “James & Nikki: A Conversation” via Golden State Entertainment, the music, entertainment, and content vertical under the Golden State Warriors, with whom he signed in 2022. This project, inspired by the 1971 conversation between literary giants James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, serves as a tribute to their enduring influence. This interview rapidly turned into a conversation and our discussion spanned various topics, including the significance of historic elections, the evolution of music, and the profound impact of Baldwin and Giovanni’s works on contemporary culture. As a result of his contribution to the fabric of Hip Hop, Music, and Film, Rhymefest has earned a couple of GRAMMYS, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe award, a Critics Choice award, etc., and was invited to speak at the British House of Commons on Hip Hop and Policy. You can watch our entire conversation after the jump and let me share with you a BTS moment, this conversation went wide and deep like two cats on the fishing bank, and the PR rep texted me to please reign it in to focus on the album LOL…so check the transition about 30 minutes in…we went there!

Highlights

Our conversation was timely as, across the globe, celebrations of the 100th birthday of global literary icon James Baldwin kick-off, and Rhymefest is set to appear on August 2nd, Mr. Baldwin’s birthday, at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture along with Yahdon Israel, Senior editor at Simon Schuster, in a conversation about the critical voice of James Baldwin and the use of popular culture to further elevate important figures and ideas. Rhymefest’s latest project, James & Nikki: A Conversation, as mentioned above, is inspired by and includes clips from the historic 1971 conversation between literary icons. Additionally that evening, Rhymefest will join the Baldwin family and luminaries of art, literature, and culture at the Lincoln Center for a one-night celebration of Mr. Baldwin’s lasting impact. During these turbulent times, when too many people feel trapped in shared history, the haunting words of Baldwin have become a spiritual inspiration for courageous change and radical love – Lincoln Center

The Collaborative Spirit of Hip Hop

Rhymefest emphasized the collaborative nature of his project, highlighting the inclusion of women co-authors on each song. This approach was designed to challenge his perspective and introduce diverse viewpoints, ensuring the album resonates with a broad audience. He articulated his vision of making the project reflective of the community’s experiences, moving beyond a self-centric narrative to one that speaks to collective struggles and triumphs.

Addressing Trends and Challenges in Hip Hop

During our conversation, Rhymefest also tackled the commercial trends within Hip Hop, critiquing the exploitation of the community and the perpetuation of one-dimensional messages. He reflected on past mistakes within the industry and underscored the responsibility of artists to use their platform to promote values and advocate for positive change in legislation and community development. His insights shed light on the potential of Hip Hop to be a force for good, influencing not just music but also societal norms and policies.

Hip Hop and Education: A Transformative Intersection

Rhymefest has consistently used his music and public platform to advocate for policy changes that benefit marginalized communities. His work with Donda’s House and other initiatives has focused on education reform and the importance of arts in education. By integrating Hip Hop into educational curricula, Rhymefest demonstrates that the genre is not just a cultural expression but also a powerful educational tool.

In this session, Rhymefest who is currently running for a position on the Chicago School Board in November also touched on the intersection of Hip Hop and education. We discussed the academic achievements of Hip Hop artists and the genre’s significant societal impact. We agreed on the transformative power of Hip Hop in shaping legislation and communities, advocating for the recognition and support of educational Hip Hop projects within the music industry. Our dialogue reflected a shared commitment to leveraging Hip Hop’s cultural influence for social activism and community empowerment, calling for a shift in how the genre is perceived and utilized for educational and societal advancement.

“The purpose of education, finally, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions…to ask questions of the universe, and then learn to live with those questions, is the way he achieves his own identity.” – James Baldwin

More Than Meets the Eye

This opportunity to speak with Rhymefest provided a deep dive into the motivations and inspirations behind “James & Nikki: A Conversation.” The album stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni, offering a contemporary take on their pioneering dialogue. Rhymefest’s dedication to collaboration, community representation, and social change underscores the profound potential of Hip Hop to foster meaningful conversations and drive positive societal impact.

Full Interview

Global Outreach: South Africa Collaboration and the British House of Commons

Rhymefest’s influence extends beyond the United States. In partnership with South African artists and educators, he developed programs aimed at using Hip Hop to address social issues and educational disparities. This international collaboration underscores the universal language of Hip Hop, illustrating its potential to unite diverse cultures and promote social justice globally.

A notable highlight of his global outreach was his appearance at the British House of Commons. In 2018, Rhymefest was invited to speak on the impact of Hip Hop on policy and education. His speech emphasized the genre’s role in articulating societal issues and influencing public policy. He highlighted the importance of engaging young people through cultural expressions, and advocating for policy reforms that recognize and harness the educational potential of Hip Hop. This appearance significantly bolstered his international profile and underscored the global relevance of his message.

Rhymefest’s Enduring Legacy

Rhymefest’s journey from GRAMMY-winning artist to global educator and political activist is a testament to Hip Hop’s transformative power. Through his music, advocacy, and community involvement, he has illuminated the complexities of the Black experience and challenged cultural misunderstandings. As we celebrate figures like James Baldwin, Rhymefest’s work reminds us of the enduring need for voices that articulate the struggle and resilience of marginalized communities.

Rhymefest’s efforts to create conversations around policy, education, and literature through the lens of Hip Hop continue to inspire and educate. His ability to bridge these worlds underscores the genre’s potential to foster critical dialogue and promote social change on a global scale…we salute him!

The Conversation Continues

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Tags: James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Rhymefest

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.