Hip-hop artist Kanye West performs at the Chicago Theater Thursday, in a free concert for Chicago Public School students. (Tribune photo by Lane Christiansen / June 11, 2009)

Kanye West hasn't always loved being followed by cameras, but he was more than willing to answer questions and smile for pictures Thursday in Chicago.

The Chicago-rooted rapper was in town to perform two shows in one day at the Chicago Theatre on behalf of his Kanye West Foundation (co-founded with his late mother, Donda West). His day began with a news conference alongside Mayor Richard Daley at the Hotel Sax and culminated that night in the second Stay in School Benefit, which airs July 25 on cable channel Fuse.

The red carpet was rolled out for Kanye West and the celebrities in attendance Thursday night. Singer (and Rockford native) Michelle Williams arrived sporting a much shorter hairstyle from her Destiny's Child days. NBA free agent and Mt. Carmel alum Antoine Walker came to see West perform for the second time ever and to support the cause of motivating kids to stay in school.

"I think what Kanye is doing is terrific," said Walker. "Crime is growing in Chicago -- senseless crime. As athletes, it's important we give back in some type of capacity. It's important we continue to do events like this to raise money and push positive programs like this for the youth."