Rhymefest further explains his support for Walmart's second Chicago store

The debate about Walmart looking to open a second store in Chicago has drawn protesters, a Walmart-driven push-poll, and more than a few heated opinions from aldermen. Rules Committee Chairman Richard Mell (33rd ward) told the Sun-Times that he doubts city council will vote on whether or not the Walmart will open until after the Oct. 2 announcement of the Olympics host city.

Last week, word spread that Chicago rapper Rhymefest supported the new Walmart, and he was among the pro-Walmart protestors outside of city hall earlier this week. The rapper offered his reasoning behind his decision to HipHopWired.com today:

"It's a food desert,” he said. “As an artist, an activist, and a South Side resident, let me put it plainly. If you can't come in and provide living wage jobs and fresh affordable produce, then how can you say anyone else can't?"

Perhaps his status as co-writer of “Jesus Walks” is enough to open the store. After all, that’s how Kanye West opened a Fatburger in Orland Park and one on 95th Street. Want more Rhymefest-style social activism? Here's a song he did for the movie Half Nelson about the hardships of inner-city life: