In an era when most music videos consist of an artist rapping and grabbing his crotch while video “models” shake their money makers on cue, it’s refreshing to see a creative video every now and then.

On “Stolen,” Rhymefest isn’t just content with creating buzz for his upcoming sophomore album, El Che, he’s calling our attention to real issues that affect us all indirectly. “Stolen” weaves three narratives of African struggle, while referencing conflict-torn regions like Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Rwanda. The video is set in a classroom full of students as diverse as the countries in question. Ultimately, ‘Fest pays homage to the motherland by highlighting some of its darkest challenges.

Fela would be proud.

Rhymefest is prepping a new video titled “Stolen” to jumpstart his El Che campaign. No, it has nothing to do with this incident. He’s dealing with much bigger social issues.

‘Fest’s statement on the video had me rolling:

I just wanted to let everyone know that this is a song and a video that needs to be viewed with a bit of perspective. First of all, dumb ass niggas that can’t think past the club, the block, or fat booty bitches, DO NOT WATCH THIS! Your brain will explode. Second, self-righteous hip-hop nerds who expect to hear me go line for line in a metaphorical circus, DO NOT WATCH THIS! You will be sorely disappointed.

Andrew has the full statement if you’re interested.

Rhymefest - “Real Nigga Quotes” [HQ] [Prod. by Premier]
Rhymefest - “Bring It Back”

I almost spilled my drink while reading the backstory of these 2 songs’ emergence on the web. According to Andrew at Fake Shore Drive, some Rhymefest stan stole his iPod and decided to leak all the songs from his 2nd album, El Che. Mr. Superfan, who calls himself Prometheus (no less), says he’s so exasperated with the suckiness of Fest’s label that he’s decided to take matters into his own hands.

Prometheus my ass. This is either one of his weed carriers or Rhymefest himself attempting to pull a fast one on us. I’m not complaining though.

Anyhoo, head over to Fake Shore Drive and read Prometheus’ statement in its entirety.

[Thanks to smokeYYY for the tip.]

“Ain’t Heard It From Me”
Scram Jones whips up a jazz-rap special, while one of DC’s finest trades rhymes with one of Chicago’s finest. Good to see that Fest’s sense of humor is still intact: “Call me 80G kid, you can fill a whole iPod with me. Yeahhh…” Prepare to be wowed.

Wale - “Whole Time” (Feat. Young Chris)
Young Wale teams up with Young Chris (remember him?) over a hard-hitting joint. Is it just me or is Chris doing his best Hov impression on this track? “Say hello to the bad guy?” More like say hello to the wack guy from State Prop.

Rhymefest wants to meet Michael Jackson. Instead of taking the conventional approach, ‘Fest decided to record a tribute mixtape to the King of Pop. Check out his hilarious MySpace blog post , in which he talks about Man in the Mirror and why he’d like to meet Wacko Jacko.

Tracklist and download link after the jump. (more…)