Ahead of its December release, Spike Lee's "Chi-Raq" has already caused quite a bit of controversy, especially in Chicago -- the subject of the upcoming film. The term "Chi-Raq," referring to the city's rampant, warlike violence, was brought into popularity along with the rise of the drill subgenre, and a few prominent rappers associated with said movement were unhappy with what they saw portrayed in the initial "Chi-Raq" trailer. Lil Durk, Lil Bibby, as well as veteran rapper Rhymefest all voiced their grievances with Lee making a "comedy" out of Chicago's inner-city violence.
Lee quickly responded to detractors by explaining that they confused "comedy" for "satire," and he proceeded to preview more "serious" footage from the film. The star of the film is Nick Cannon, who, in fact, plays a rapper named "Chi-Raq," according to Reel Chicago. Cannon, or Chi-Raq, has just released a song, "Pray 4 My City," that will appear on the film's soundtrack, along with an accompanying video, both which focus on the violence in Chicago.
"Pray 4 My City" is technically the first music Cannon has released since his 2014 album, White People Party Music, though the new song finds Cannon rapping in character as Chi-Raq. Watch the "Pray 4 My City" music video, featuring more footage from "Chi-Raq," below.
Rising drill rapper 600Breezy threatened Nick Cannon upon the release of the initial "Chi-Raq" trailer. How will Chicago rappers respond upon seeing "Pray 4 My City"?