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This week, Rhymefest finally dropped his long (LONG) awaited sophomore album, El Che. An outspoken intellectual and a Grammy winner for his work writing "Jesus Walks" for Kanye West, Rhymefest was at one time considered a formidable rising star in the alternative Chicago rap scene that included now household names like Kanye, Common and Lupe. He was handpicked by super-producer Mark Ronson, who helped catapult Amy Winehouse and Lilly Allen to superstardom, to join his inner circle. But plagued by label troubles, internet leaks, and bad luck (at one point his iPod was stolen and an early version of Che was leaked in its entirety), Rhymefest's once buzzing career languished. Many wondered if he would ever return with a proper follow up.  

We called Rhymefest (and interrupted his haircut) to talk about the new record, which was released on Tuesday devoid of any connection to a major label or any of his early production partners. (He did however, link up with S1, who has since found fame for producing Kanye's own comeback "Power"). 

But as fans who have followed his career for years, and have often been frustrated with some of his actions, we had a lot of other questions as well. Our occasionally intense conversation  touches on subjects including his own naivete in dealing with record labels, homophobia and political correctness in hip-hop, his beef with Charles Hamilton, the way new media presents new opportunities for underplayed rappers, what makes a real revolutionary and more. Check it out now after the jump.