Go-Go is D.C.’s heartbeat born right here, recently included in 2 Grammy categories and sampled by legends. But when we upload Go-Go music to digital platforms, there’s no “Go-Go” category. It gets lumped into R&B or Hip-Hop making it harder to find, harder to share, and harder for our artists to grow.
Supporters of Go-Go music rally to help the genre gain the respect it deserves by encouraging fans to sign the petition.
Here's the why
Chuck Brown, the originator of Go-Go music, ignited a cultural phenomenon in the 70s. Go-Go has since grown to be more than mere music; it's the pulse of Washington, DC, resonating with a global audience. The genre is of such significance that the Grammys recognize Go-Go within their Best Regional Roots Album category, and just this year added Go-Go to the Best Regional Roots single category. Yet despite this, Digital Music Providers like Apple, Spotify, Tidal. Amazon and others and the Digital Aggregators who provide music to these platforms, have not added Go-Go as a genre in their music categories.
Today, there are over 200 genres available on major digital music platforms (Source: Digital Music News), yet Go-Go, a genre firmly rooted in our cultural identity and shared history, fails to be acknowledged. This oversight not only affects the visibility of artists championing this genre but also deprives users of these platforms from discovering the rich tapestry of Go-Go and its importance in our cultural landscape.
Moreover, Go-Go music sparked the powerful 'Don't Mute DC' movement, an illustration of its cultural relevance and influence. Go-Go music has had a significant impact on other genres of music, including being sampled, interpolated or performed by artists such as Nelly, Jill Scott, Salt N Pepa, Kurtis Blow, Kid N Play, Doug E Fresh, Will Smith, EMPD, Eric B and Rakim, Beyoncé, LL Cool J, Wale, Rebirth Brass Band, Eve, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, and Run DMC just to name a few. Go-Go music’s rhythmic complexity, community-oriented ethos, and cultural authenticity have undeniably left a mark on hip-hop. It has helped shape the genre's sound and spirit, proving that the unique regional styles of music like Go-Go deserve their rightful place in the broader narrative of hip-hop evolution. By including Go-Go as a recognized genre on these platforms, we can amplify the voices of those participating in this genre and uphold the diverse musical heritage that makes these digital spaces so vibrant.
Let's ensure that Go-Go, a genre that has been a platform for artistic expression in Washington DC and beyond, is recognized and celebrated on all platforms. Sign this petition to call on Digital Services Providers like Apple, Amazon and Spotify and Digital Aggregators who supply their music to include Go-Go music in their list of genres.
Help us to get Go-Go music get its proper recognition; its only 3 easy steps, Click Here to sign the petition.
Let’s change that. It’s time for Go-Go to get the respect it deserves.
Respect Go-Go. Recognize the genre.