Academy Award winning Chicago rapper and songwriter Rhymefest has bought the home that Kanye West grew up in, and has announced plans to turn the home into a "community arts incubator" and permanent home for the Donda's House charity foundation.
In a statement published on his Instagram, Rhymefest announced plans to turn the house into a community center that will allow inner city youth to grow and hone their creative skills. "It will be the first of our Nationwide Lite-Houses. A state-of-the-art recording studio, a curriculum space for Donda's House and Southside music museum. We want to show bright spots in communities that've been divested from, we know more Lights exist here, they just need to be activated," Rhymefest wrote.
Donda's House is a charitable organization run by Rhymefest and named after Kanye West's late mother, dedicated to connecting children in Chicago with teachers and mentors from the fine arts, music, and film industries.
"Donda's House envisions this facility as not only a homegrown hub of economic activity for the southside but also a gathering place for the community with events and concerts... Donda's House selected this location in particular, because it is the former home of the organization's namesake Dr. Donda West, who at one time provided similar services and support to incubate young artists. Donda's House is committed to the success of Chicago's young creatives and this property will help these young people flourish."
If you'd like to help the Donda's House initiative, the organization is taking donations here.
Rhymefest has collaborated with Kanye a number of times, including co-writing the Grammy award winning single "Jesus Walks." While the acclaimed songwriter is best known for his music, he is also a well known political and community activist. His rude treatment by the police following his attempt to report a mugging earlier this year sparked renewed discussion about the Chicago PD's treatment of the city's African-American residents.
By Michael Lacerna for RAPstation
