ENGLEWOOD — The Resident Association of Greater Englewood and the nonprofit Donda's House are collaborating to identify new talent during an open mic competition that features Grammy-award rapper and music producer Che "Rhymefest" Smith as a judge.
The competition is part of the "So Fresh Saturday" summer series sponsored by RAGE and runs from 3-8 p.m. Saturday at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave. Free food, music and games are part of the series, which ends Aug. 30 at Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St.
The open mic portion will begin at 3:30 p.m. for performers from 15-24 years old. The winner will perform at the AAHH Fest! on Sept. 21 at Union Park, which is sponsored by the Common Ground Foundation, said Asiaha Butler, president of RAGE. Chicago-native, actor and rapper Lonnie "Common" Lynn Jr. started the foundation.
"Each contestant will be able to perform for the length of one song as long as they are not cursing or singing about negative situations like violence. This is a family event and there will be lots of children present and we want to keep the atmosphere kid friendly," she said. "But the competition will not be limited to rapping. A person could do poetry reading if they do not want to sing."
Smith, a Chatham resident whose wife Donnie is the executive director of Donda's House in Auburn Gresham, said he will not perform at the event because it is not about uplifting adults but young people.
"I know some people may be wondering if I will perform Saturday and the answer is no," said Smith, who also teaches creative writing classes for Donda's House. "I am a judge because I want to support young people and help them recognize their talent."
Donda's House was founded by Grammy-award rapper Kanye West, who named it after his late mother Donda West. Smith said students at the organization paid tribute to West's mother earlier this month by producing a documentary showing what an impact the organization is having on Chicago youths from urban neighborhoods.
"All our children need is a little guidance and they can go far in life," added Smith. "That is what I am trying to do every day."
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