And elsewhere, Rhymefest raps about the ineffectiveness of P Diddy's Vote or Die campaign.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up

On his debut album Blue Collar, Rhymefest draws on his years of less glamorous work.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up

West recorded Jesus Walks - a track Rhymefest had written - for his multi-platinum 2004 debut album.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up

From NPR News, it's DAY TO DAY, Chicago rapper Rhymefest is a Grammy-winning songwriter and a former battle-rhymer who once trounced Eminem in a rap off.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up

That's Chicago MC Rhymefest rapping about losing his job, borrowing money to pay his gas bill, and feeling pressured to sell drugs - all over a sample of the hip, New York band The Strokes.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up

But where other so-called socially conscious MCs get bogged down in brainy, all too righteous rhymes about social ills and politics, Rhymefest has a sharp whit, a sense of fun, and loads of other subjects to rap about - including his strong libido and how other lesser MCs have made him quote, whacktose intolerant.

NPR: 'Blue Collar': Rhymefest on the Way Up