Honoring the soldiers: Rhymefest releases ‘4th of July’ video

While everyone’s talking about the homicides over this Fourth of July weekend, Rhymefest is bringing more shine to the soldiers. The Chatham-based rapper and community activist’s new song and video (below) “4th of July” tracks a soldier who serves in Iraq and returns home to Chicago.

“As we celebrate America’s 238th birthday, we would like to honor the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives everyday,” is the descriptor sent along with the video.

Unfortunately, the soldier in the video – and the song – struggles with civilian life once he’s back home. Cars backfire and the soldier thinks he needs to “fire back.” As Rhymefest says in his rap, the hero of the song doesn’t even like to bring his daughter to the beach because the sand reminds him of the desert. (Obviously, this soldier suffers from PTSD, a major issue amongst American troops.) On a lighter note, the video also features images of soldiers reuniting with their children. And the catchy hook is sung by local vocalist Russoul.

On this 238th Independence Day weekend, it’s a good reminder that Independence Day isn’t all about barbecues and parties.

It also showcases the work done by Donda’s House, a youth initiative founded to celebrate the memory of Kanye West’s late mother. The “4th of July” by Rhymefest video also features two Donda’s House Inc. students, Noel Malpica and Kendall “Mos Hii” Williams.

— Adrienne Samuels Gibbs