Blue Collar

“Blue Collar” is the debut studio album by Chicago rapper Rhymefest, released on July 11, 2006, through Allido Records and J Records.

The story

Rhymefest, born Che Smith, built his name on the battle circuit, where he faced a young Eminem, and later as a writer alongside Kanye West, sharing in the Grammy for Best Rap Song for “Jesus Walks.” He signed with Mark Ronson’s Allido imprint under J Records, and the album was recorded between 2003 and 2006 in studios from Chicago and New York to Atlanta and Miami. The songs draw on his South Side upbringing, balancing humor with stories of street life and relationships.

Sound and production

The producer list includes Kanye West, Just Blaze, Mark Ronson, No I.D., Cool & Dre, Emile, Cochise, Animal House and Terry Hunter. Guests include Kanye West, Q-Tip, Citizen Cope, Bump J, Mario and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, whose sung hook anchors the Ronson-produced “Build Me Up.” No I.D.’s “Fever” leans on a sample of Sharon Jones material.

Legacy

Singles included “Brand New,” featuring and produced by Kanye West, which reached No. 32 on the UK singles chart, plus “Dynomite (Going Postal)” and “Stick.” The album debuted at No. 61 on the Billboard 200 and No. 10 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and reviews were favorable. Rhymefest later shared an Oscar and Golden Globe for co-writing “Glory” from the film “Selma.”