“Chocolate City” is showing up and showing out against gentrification in Washington, DC, with many artists and musicians letting their talents do the talking. When these peoples’ champions work together to make a statement, the impact is astounding.
Back in April, DC experienced a newly impassioned stand against gentrification and a resurgence of love for go-go music after a luxury condo resident threatened to sue a store to silence the loud go-go music that has been playing from it’s speakers since 1995. From holding go-gos in the streets to composing new hip hop in the studios, DC’s artists are speaking their stories.
A crowd favorite emerged in the past week when Priest Da Nomad (@priestdn) released “Can’t Lose The Soul” complete with a clean version and a star-studded video. Movers and shakers, we have an anthem on our hands.
Using music and art to protest gentrification is hardly a new phenomenon among Washington’s Black creatives. DC Brand 99 was created and is curated to lean heavily on the subject.
“Oooh, I like hip hop mixed wit the go-go, baby…” – Salt-N-Pepa, Shake Your Thang
#ARTofGoGo