The Capitol's Music: Go-Go Music in the D.C. Area by Brittany Morris
Go-Go is music that only if you're from D.C. you can understand. There are congas, bells, drums, pianos- all types of instruments. Go-Go is best when it's performed live. Go-Go is the music of D.C, originated in D.C, and only the best in the capitol of the U.S.
Go-Go involves a group of people playing different instruments, some on the mic, playing songs we hear on the radio but just a little differently than you expect. Go-Go music was founded in the D.C area in the mid to late 70s. Chuck Brown had a crowd jumper in 1978 with the single "Bustin Loose." Go-Go has inspired many artists in our time. In the 1980s Salt-N-Pepa was influenced by Go-Go with their song "Shake Your Thang." Also, "Rollin with Kid-N-Play by Kid-N-Play was influenced by Go-Go music. Music you'll probably remember like "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce or "One Thing" by Amerie was also influenced by Go-Go music. Rich Harrison who is a D.C native produced the latter.
Go-Go is a "Whateva I say y'all gotta do" kind of music. Go-Go is known for its live performances, but also for Go-Go dancing. It's hard to explain. It consists of two people battling by dancing, doing something with your body, getting yourself hyped.
There are all types of different bands in D.C. The first bands that came out in the late 70s were Rare Essence, Junkyard Band, Northeast Groovers, Backyard Band, TCB, Familiar Faces, Lissen Band, and Suttle Thoughts just to name a few. Bands then aren't like bands now. Bands now are more explicit and more rowdy. Bands that are still playing and out now are TCB, Backyard Bands, TOB, Rare Essence, New Impressions, Reaction, CCB, MOB, KIB, PIB, and GOB just to name a few.
Go-Go has an effect on many people living in D.C. It's our music, our beats, and our favorite songs. It's the beating of your feet, calling out hoods, and the way of life in D.C. Go-Go is getting so popular; it's not just being played in D.C anymore. People are listening to it in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and other places in the states. It's not just for the young; it's for anyone who enjoys the music.
By Ashley Heard |
January 16, 2008; 2:40 PM ET
Previous: School Improvement by Shykira Cox |
Posted by: Mr. Wallace | January 16, 2008 3:29 PM
I can say for my self because i use to play with the NorthWest Youngins Band. You
hit the hammer on nail thanks for explaining how the gogo headz love that music.
Posted by: Nutman | April 14, 2008 7:38 PM
Post a Comment
We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
Love the article! Glad to hear the the wonder that is Go-Go is spreading. That being said, I would like to bring up the fact that you forgot one band when listing current Go-Go bands...MWB!