Spike Lee's newest film, Chi-Raq, has racked up quite a bit of controversy. Many have criticized the film, and Lee, over what they view as exploitation of the Chicago's gun violence crisis. "Chi-Raq" is a common colloquialism that draws comparisons between the war torn Middle Eastern country and one of America's most violent cities. The title alone rubbed people the wrong way, but it appears some prominent Chicagoans were unsupportive of the film's greater message. As it turns out, Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, and Common all turned down roles in the film. Kanye was offered the lead, but declined because of the image of Chigaco he felt the film promoted.
According to rapper Rhymefest, all three rappers were offered substantial roles in the film, but found the screenplay "wack." Some worried over the use of violence while others were concerned that the film described itself as a parody. Many in Chicago feel the nickname "Chi-Raq" is derogatory at best, and hope to put this reputation of the city in the past.
"I can tell you who wasn't in the movie," Rhymefest said. "The guy who was supposed to play Chi-Raq was named Kanye West. When Kanye West read that script-Why wasn't Kanye West in the movie? Cause the s**t was wack. Yo, then he went to Common. 'Common, get in the movie, man.' Why wasn't Common in the movie? Cause the s**t was wack. So, the people who are closer to the streets and closer to understanding where we are in Chicago, declined to be in the movie. Does Spike Lee want to talk about why? When Kanye asked Spike Lee 'Yo, can we get some Chicago writers on this, so we can have some more authentic voices?' Spike Lee said 'Nah, I just want you to act.'"
Rhymefest goes on to tell of how Chance The Rapper declined the role for similar reasons.
