Before Nikki Giovanni's death, poet heard — and praised — tribute album by Chicago's Rhymefest

Since renowned poet Nikki Giovanni died at 81 on Monday, accolades have been pouring in from fans, including President Joe Biden, writer Roxane Gay and countless others across social media.

But one Chicagoan was lucky enough to honor Giovanni while she was still alive.

Rapper and newly elected Chicago School Board member Che “Rhymefest” Smith released an album inspired by Giovanni and celebrated writer James Baldwin in February. Titled “James & Nikki: A Conversation,” the project features samples from a 1971 discussion between the two icons for the TV program “Soul!” Several women rappers and poets perform alongside Rhymefest on the record, issued by the Golden State Warriors' entertainment division.

Giovanni not only heard the music, but gave it her blessing.

“I'm so honored to be able to, in 2024, give Nikki her flowers while she could smell them,” Rhymefest said. “Don't wait to honor those who have made an impact in your life. Do it right now. And that's what we call a warm gift. If you wait until they transition, that's a cold gift. We’ve got to start giving warm gifts.”

Reflecting on the album, Rhymefest said he wanted to preserve the teachings of the two elders, both now “ancestors,” for younger audiences. Like many others in recent years, he discovered clips from the interview on the internet and was captivated. For two hours, Giovanni, 28, and Baldwin, 47, tackled romance, religion, politics, oppression and more in what Rhymefest describes as "poetic freestyling" and "pure alchemy."

“They were boyfriend and girlfriend. They were father and daughter. They were poet to poet," he said. "I knew that when I added beats and rhymes to it, it would be a forever project.”

Rhymefest explores the subject matter on nine tracks with co-writers and guest performers, including Helixx C. Armageddon, Teefa, Frayne Vibez, Brittney Carter, Rell Suma, Freddie Old Soul, EP Da Hellcat, C-Red and D. Lylez.

On tracks like "Déjà Vu" and "Creator," listeners can hear clips of Giovanni and Baldwin discussing relationships, with Giovanni challenging him on how men should treat women. Rhymefest said the conversation inspired him to consider how he, too, should listen to women, accept their correction and allow them to hold him accountable.

The song "Blackman," which addresses religion, features clips of Baldwin and Giovanni discussing the topic.

"What I wanted people to understand is what I believe James and Nikki were saying, which is that God is bigger than dogma," Rhymefest said. "It is the expansion of spirituality. It is taking religion and making traditions that are culturally and communally relevant that will keep God as big as ever in the center of our hearts."

Other songs, like "Elderberry" and "Surprise," touch on lineage and legacy.

"When we're talking about legacy, we're really talking about the transference of the wealth of ideas and and generational power that has been gained so that the next generation doesn't have to repeat oppression," Rhymefest said. "The only true power is the power to give power. The way you prove that you're powerful is who you empower and how powerful they become."

Rhymefest said he was empowered during a discussion with Giovanni, who praised the album and considered how Baldwin, whom she called "Jimmy," would feel.

"I love it," she said. "Jimmy would love it, too."

Giovanni also spoke positively of the project during an appearance on Tavis Smiley’s podcast in July.

“I’m really pleased that the youngsters are listening to us and finding a way to use us," she said at the time.

When Rhymefest heard that Giovanni died, he said he was "frozen" when considering what to say publicly.

"I couldn't even post anything," he said. "I thought, 'What would Nikki say in a time like this?' And I heard her voice. She said, 'Don't mourn for me. Mourn for yourself. You're the one still there. I served my sentence.' "

As Rhymefest embarks on his new journey representing the 10th District on the Chicago School Board, he said he is keeping a 2007 quote from Giovanni in mind: "Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it."