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January - March 2000

The Ibex - Tower of Power Remembering Terrence Johnson Women in Go-Go Go-Go Anthology Part 3 of 3

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On Saturday, April 15, 2000 the Music and Recreation Coming up in the next issue... Division of the D.C. Pulbic Library will host a conference, “Gimmie That Beat! Twenty-Five Years of Go-Go on the Streets of Washington, D.C.” Musicians, writers, scholars,  Exclusive and entrepreneurs will examine the role of Go-Go music in interview with Lawrence “The this city over the past twenty-five yars. The conference is Maniac” West funded by a grant from the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. with additional support provided by the  Phyz Wunders Malcom X Foundation and the Africana Studies Program at the George Washington University.  Go-Go Reunion II Celebration at Wilmer’s Parks Featuring special performance by O1P!  plus, more...

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38 3 CJ’s Uptown Crew

Remembering Terrence Johnson..(pg. 7) Women In Go-Go ...... (pg. 12) The Ibex: Tower of Power...... (pg. 14) Conversation w/Chuck Brown.....(pg. 16) Issue’s Favorite Phote...... (pg. 25) XO Band ...... (pg. 26) Rome of High Performance...... (pg. 28) Flicks - Past & Present ...... (pg. 32) Backyard Band

4 37 Shorty Tim

of Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Kevin Hammond Managing Editor EU Mark Ward Writers Rene Dickerson Ty Jackson Thaddius Cooks Richard O’Connor Kevin Hammond Photos Preston Blue Joe Carter Kevin Hammond Correspondents Preston Blue Contributors Sonia Hammond Keith Holmes Graphics & Layout Kevin Hammond

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6 35 I Understand: Remembering

There have been many events that have occurred throughout the 20th Century. Many that has happened before my lifetime, of course, and many during. The one that pops in my head at the moment is the disheartening life of Terrence Johnson. I believe this one sticks to me at the moment because it was so close to home. We followed it from the beginning to the end. We know and understand many of the situations that we as young black males have had and continue to have when dealing with officials. And, in many ways, it has effected our thoughts and perceptions when it comes to dealing with law enforcement. In 1997, Terrence Johnson was surrounded by police officers after robbing a NationsBank in Aberdeen, Maryland, put a gun to his Terrence being led by police officers. head and took his own life. I was driving Back then, it didn’t occur to me just how on my way home from work when the young he looked. But then again, I was news flashed across the radio. The two years younger. However, during moment I heard it, a sensation of those first couple of years, I got older stillness came over me. Instantly, my and watched as he got older. mind began to flash back 19 years when Continuing down the road, my mind the news first spread throughout the took me to the time I watched him being neighborhood, “that dude from interviews on WHMM Channel 32 just Bladensburg name Terrence Johnson” nine years ago. That’s when reality killed two police officers. Like the finally set in. “He’s dead!” blinking of a slide projector, my mind began to jump through the different From that moment on, I couldn’t help pictures that were shown on TV of but shed tears. But my tears weren’t just

34 7 tears of grief. They were hammered with Therefore, in defense of the name spurts of anger. “But at whom?” That Terrence Johnson, I would like to lead was the question. I wasn’t sure if I was you through a story, while asking you angry with him for taking that detour, or just one question. Every time this angry at society for paving that road. question is asked, I would like for you to The one thing that I am sure of is that write down your answer. In doing this, I this situation hits so close to home it want to embrace a scenario from the terrifies me. To me, Terrence Johnson move, “A Time To Kill.” symbolizes a life in a time -- a time that I can personally identify with. You see, Picture this. You are fifteen years old. when I looked at Terrence Johnson, I It’s nighttime. You and your brother are saw myself. Not only myself, but also a pulled over by three police cars and whole lot of people I know and grew up aggressively taken into the police with. And, I am truly aware that it could station. You have not been charged with have been me or any other kid I knew anything although you are told that your held in that police station that night. brother is suspected of breaking and That’s why I feel that those of us who entering. In the police station, you find really defended him were sincere. Deep yourself treated different from the others inside, we wanted to see that something there and you’re sure it’s because you positive could blossom out of something are black. The aggressive treatment so negative. So, when they finally continues as you are questioned by one released him, we became contented – of the officers. How do you feel? and watched. Even when we didn’t realize that we were still watching, we Let’s say this officer begins to grow more watched. I feel this because every time and more agitated because he doesn’t his name was mentioned, heads turned. feel that you are answering his questions They still turn. But, what is it that we in a timely manner. In the midst of his really see? I, myself, see a life that agitation, he kicks your chair from under ended the way it began. you, causing you to fall to the floor (by I’m led to a scripture that says, “we the way, you are handcuffed). Again, he reap what we sow.” In this, I don’t mean gets agitated and kicks it again. How do Terrence. I mean society. What we are you feel? seeing, in my opinion, is the fruit of racism. Obviously that’s how it all began At this point, you’re hurt. You shout to in the first place. What I see is a while the officer that he can’t do this to you, officer handling a situation based on his and in response, he ‘backhands’ you for views of a young black male in the “getting smart-mouthed.” How do you metropolitan area. That’s why there are feel? so many of us asking questions such as: “Why would he do a thing like that?” or You begin to cry, because deep down “Why didn’t he just go to someone if he inside you know that there isn’t too much was having problems?” or “Did he really that you can do about it. In defeated shoot himself or was he set up?” It’s anger, you decide to try and pick up the because we refuse to accept the label chair to throw, but are attacked by three society has planted on him as a “cold- other officers and thrown up against the blooded killer.” wall. Then, one of the officers says,

8 33 “Take his handcuffs off. I’m gonna kick Schools have denied you of attending Go-Go Flicks - Past & Present his black ass!” How do you feel? any classes. You’ve been continuously threatened and beaten. Your family and They take the handcuffs off of you and friends have been receiving numerous shove you into an empty room, where death threats. And, in conclusion, you’re the threatening officer comes in and found guilty of manslaughter and sent to begins beating on you. You feel blood prison for 25 years. How do you feel? beginning to drip from your head. How do you feel? Okay. Many years have passed. You’re now 31 years old. You can faintly You try to fight back by biting him in the remember what life was like before that chest, but he’s bigger and stronger that dark night in the police station, such as: you. He then knees you in the chest spending time with a girlfriend, hanging causing you to fall backwards. How do out at drive-in movies and going to you feel? Busch Gardens with your friends. But the moments that stick in your mind most As you fall backwards, youy hand grips are learning how to survive inside of the hold of his gun and it rips from the prison walls, getting jumped and robbed holster. How do you feel? by fellow prisoners, getting beat up by the prison guards in front of your mother, You get up off of the ground and realize constant counseling sessions trying to the gun is in your hand. The officer convince you that you’re a “cold-blooded realizes also, and begins charging cop killer,” and spending days in the hole toward you for having the gun. How do where you were allowed nothing but a you feel? toilet and the skin on your back.

You panic. Anxiety has grown to However, some light has shined on you Ol’ School Junkyard enormous proportions. You start to run during that time and along with the out, but are thoroughly beaten by several unhappiness, hopeful moments have other police officers. Although you’re come your way. There have been fifteen years old, you’re on your way to people supporting you. You have been be tried as an adult for the murders of able to receive your GED, AA Degree two police officers. How do you feel? and BS Degree in Business Management with a 3.6 average. You’ve Time has gone by, but the horror of that obtained vocational skills in carpentry, night sill lingers on. It’s everywhere, ceramics and office automation. You’ve especially in the media. You’ve aged a even been able to get married. little. You’re now 17. So far, you’ve been transferred in and out of court, Finally, it has happened. After 17 years fighting a bail bond of one million dollars, of total adversity, and although opposed called a liar regarding your side of the by strong disapproval from the same story, transferred from jail to jail, placed police department that placed you here, in adult prisons and treated as the lowest you are released. You are free to begin scum of the earth. Contrary to your the life you had long dreamed. How do beliefs, your name has been through the you feel? media as a “cold-blooded cop killer.”

32 9 Your second chance in life has started have you really accomplished that the spot that you are trying to get. But, if the only place that I would take them. out great! People from everywhere matters at this point? What’s ahead for you do knock it, you’re going to lose your recognize you and express their support you? How many people are depending money. So, they’d better think twice KATO: What is your opinion on them for you. Lawyers and businessmen on you? And, how are you going to pay before they think about knocking being out there like that? seem to have placed you under their those DAMN BILLS!? That’s the anybody. wings. You’re about to pursue law problem. All you need is the money to ROME: It would just pump my group up school. You’ve been given money and a get out of this slump and things will get KATO: Okay, you say that your group is more. place to stay for a while free of charge. back to running again. But, that’s a lot of considered the middleweight division People constantly want to support you. money we’re talking about. Don’t forget group. What would it take for a band in KATO: Do you know anything about or You get the opportunity to help about tuition. Don’t forget to pay that your division to get to the heavyweight understand the Internet? participate in the Million Man March. rent or else. Let’s not forget that you division or do you think that can ever You’ve even been addressed regarding have a new baby boy to take care of. happen again? ROME: I never got to even check it out a book and movie deal about your life. Dad’s test results for prostate cancer will yet. I do know that there is so much stuff How do you feel? be back soon. You need a lot of money ROME: To pump themselves like I do going on there. One of the dudes from – now! “A man ain’t a man unless he us. Get somebody behind them to Jigaboo was telling me about that. He Okay. Two years have passed since takes care of his own.” I’ve got an idea. promote them. was saying how Raw Image was you’ve been released. It isn’t as bad as Let’s check out the happenings around badmouthing them on the thing. And I a few years before, but it isn’t the same the way. Hook up with some of the KATO: So, it’s all about promotion? was like – I gotta check this thing out, as when you first got out. In trying to homies and make some quick cash – get man. I keep hearing about so much stuff attend law school at Howard University, right back on my feet. But, it’s got to be ROME: Right. You can get out there that be going on, I’ve just got to see it for you’ve found that you weren’t wanted something swift – something that’s going and promote your own shows and pump myself. there. So, instead, you registered at to last for a while. At least until this book yourself. That’s what we’re doing now. UDC. You still have supporters, but you or movie deal comes through. Pump your own self and promote without also have those who say, “Just watch being with a big band, so the promoters him! He’ll prove the criminal he really Okay. Your brother and you agree to can say, “Damn. They’re making noise is!” You’re paying rent now, and it has pull off a heist. A bank job. You’ve been over there.” It depends on the crowd become a pressure. Marriage isn’t quite locked up. You know the stories of how you can pull, and when you get on a what you hoped it would be, and finally it’s supposed to be done. It’s an ‘in and show with that big band, have your ass there’s divorce. You’ve been threatened out’ thing. Slip in there. Take the money on fire that night. with eviction. Your father’s sick and your and ‘presto’, slip right back out. Nobody mother isn’t doing well. There’s a will get hurt. Remember, you don’t want KATO: Do you all have your own familiar sense of despair beginning to to hurt nobody. It’s not about that. And, soundman? lurk back in. Although you haven’t felt it you damn sure don’t want to end back in a few of years, you know the feeling up in prison. Anything but that! You and ROME: Basically, we have a dude that when it hits you. Oh-oh! Wait! There’s your brother go out of the area to do it. we are currently working with name a financial dilemma at the school. Due You and your brother rob the bank. Derrick. Eric Brown from Unique to city cutbacks, the grants given to you However, in trying to slip back out, you Entertainment turned us on to him. for classes have been withdrawn. You find that it’s not quite as simple as you We’re satisfied with him. have to withdraw from school. How do thought. The police stop you. Now, this you feel? scene here looks very familiar. You KATO: Do you have a lot of your tapes know exactly where this scene leads. circulating in the streets? Take a moment to look at your life. Face it. You blew it again. You’ve tried Does the bad out weigh the good? it the right way and it didn’t work. You’ve ROME: We did for a minute, but then There are a lot of people out there tried it the wrong way and it didn’t work. we were trying to get the recording thing watching for many different reasons. What do you see? It just won’t work! going on and we just slowed down. But, What do you have to show for it? What You just can’t win! Fuck it! How do you we did keep them in PA Palace. That’s

10 31 out there and they basically flopped. We feel? do have some really good material that ROME: It’s that. And, they also see that we don’t really want just throw out there I wasn’t asking anymore. We found Terrence once said that he hadn’t like that. somebody that took trust in us, got with been happy in so long, he didn’t But, basically to go out, do our thing and us, loaned us their spot, told us to come know what it felt like. He also said just play with everybody. For all that in and do what we got to do to pump that managing a prison life required groups talking about each other and all ourselves up, and that’s what we did. a certain mindset – one that he that. Another thing about us is that we And now, everybody wants to get along really didn’t have. I’m not saying like to play for kids a lot. People will tell and get involved with it. And, now since that I agree with my brother’s you that quick. Some bands don’t really we got Junkyard on the show with us, decisions – but I understand! feel too comfortable playing for some bands are contacting me in all kinds of children. We’ll play for them all, because creative ways. I’ve got bands calling me they’re the same ones who’ll listen to that I’ve never even given my number. you tape in the house. And, in a few So, this spot is now hot. And now that years, they’re going to be the ones that Junkyard is coming over, you can guess are out there paying to see you play. how it’s going to be. Everybody is going to really want a part of it. And, they’re Basically what I want to see in 2000 is coming over there to add on to what for everybody to get along. Big we’ve already done, and to make it heavyweight division bands play with better and take it higher and higher to each other. Middleweight division bands another level. I’ve got a meeting with the play together. My band is a dude that’s managing them tonight. He middleweight division band. I don’t like wants to take us on. He wants to put us Presenting a brand new meaning to independence... that calling a band a little band. Never and them as a package deal, whereas sleep on any band. That band that you you get out of town wanting to book call a little band can at anytime catch a Junkyard and he can present the whole bigger band sleeping on a show and package deal. So now I am grateful that Nuff Said! knock their socks. Everybody play they did come over here, because now together. Put more shows together. I they can put their thing into and make it mean we’ve played on a lot of big shows bigger and better. And now promoters in our time. We’ve played at the stadium might look at that. All that’s doing is shows, the armory shows, and the showing that their heads aren’t too big Wilmer’s Park shows. I like a lot of that they can’t go on over to the younger groups to invite each other to each bands and make it better. That’s what I other’s shows. Because there are a lot would like to see for the year of 2000 – of bands out here in our division who get what they are doing with us. But, to tell these shows, but they don’t call us. But you the truth, I don’t think I’m going to once they hear that we hooked up a spot see it. There is going to be a band or a somewhere, in come a rack of calls. It promoter that’s going to knock it. had gotten to a point where they were calling my mother’s house. I had my girl KATO: Do you think one band or friend taking and making calls. promoter can knock it for everybody else? KATO: Would you say that one reason for that is because there are just a ROME: No they can’t knock it for shortage of places to play now? everyone else. You can only knock for www.thegogostore.com 30 11 around 90-91. Mike Warren turned us Youngins and us. We’ve also done on to him. That was during the time other shows with Huckabucks and some Women In Go-Go Mike was performing with Intimate with Precise before they broke up and Groove as their roto-tomb player. We Pleasure before they broke up. used to practice down his house. He We use to do shows down at the Stanton By Soldierette!! had built us a shed to practice in. This Center in Annapolis for soundman Buck. nor should it. was before he got his own studio. He So, as we went along and were doing Women party in all used to take us out of town a lot to do shows and were dropping off from kinds of ways and shows. It was new to us, because we different people, people were picking us I have often ain’t never did nothing like that. But back up. I mean there are so many wondered what’s on the this is only one of them. Some just Intimate Groove was used to it. Then he people that I can go on and on thanking woman's mind who turned us on to Big Butch. Our first big for helping us along the way, even bends over, puts her stand there and bob their heads, some show was down Evan’s Grill. They had promoters, such as Joe Clark before he hands on the floor, and a battle of the bands then. That was passed away. WalkJam and Vic her derriere on a get up on the stage and party with the when even Backyard was a little band. It constantly look after us. Gregory Pete stranger's zipper. Or was Backyard, Intimate Groovers, us, used to manage us. He used to have us the one that has three bands, some dance by themselves, and Northeast Groovers (they were just down a spot called the Benjaminies or four guys on her coming up too). I was going to school down right next to the Taj Mahal. He everywhere but the some dance with several people during with a lot of them. also did a spot down on the NE DC field bottom of her feet. Then as the years came, Intimate at Watts Branch called People’s Day. Icy She's at the go-go. the night. It's all good though in the Groove jive like dropped off the scene -Ice – he was there for me when he was Whether it is Backyard, and Northeast Groovers took us on. We first starting out. Before Icy-Ice was Northeast Groovers, eyes of this author. Whatever floats your went with Northeast Groovers for about even Icy-Ice – when he was just plain ol’ The Legends or Chuck 2 or 3 years. They were helping us with Ken Moore. We were with him when he Brown, she's there in boat should be the behavior of choice. a lot of stuff. That’s when the All Around was doing go-gos in Jerry’s pizza shop. that striking position. The men fancy this Racing Club was hot. And even to this day, he is still looking position. Assumably, it has to do with It's a vibrant thang! When women go into "peculiar mode", then the band is After that, Junkyard took us on. That’s after us and putting us on a lot of the that doggie-style thing. when Moe Shorter was in full strength. Icebox events and stuff like that. Is this a new dance? Do women doing their job. It's about the music. It can't be helped. But even if it could, why That was during the time Champions (on That’s how we’ve come to the point realize how they look in this position? Addison Rd) was hot. We would play where we now have this spot with Do their mothers know what they're should it be? The flip-side of this conduct is the with them like on Fridays and Saturdays. Junkyard on Fridays. It’s because of doing while they're at the Go-Go? The We went with them for a few years. Buggs and Ish. Buggs and them started answer to each of these questions is no, ignominy it attaches to women in Go-Go in general. Some men expect this Then, Backyard grabbed us. That’s playing out in Kenilworth on Saturdays, no and no. Does it really matter though? when they had the Ibex, The Lepena, and he put a word in Ish’s ear and they That's a question that can be answered behavior from most women at the Go- Go. When these same men run across WUST and the Black Hole, when they came to me and that’s how we came yes or no. If you're at the Go-Go to have were coming up. together for doing that thing on Friday a good time and get your party on, then a woman that does not express herself in that manner, she is quickly deprived of We had maybe 2 or 3 shows with and Saturday. no, it doesn't matter. But, if you're there Essence for a minute, before they got to to meet your mate or prince charming, further dances. Is this how it's supposed to work? This author is what they are doing now. KATO: Do you have any prediction as yeah girl, it matters a lot. Men take one Then we started doing Music In The far as what you want to be doing during type of girl home to meet momma and amazed as to this behavior whereas men have said "she's a freak", "that bitch Hood down in Oxon Run Park with Gary the year 2000? it's not the one with her hands on the L. Drew every year. floor and her booty in the air. this or that" and so many other disrespectful terms used to reference a We did the big event called Stand For ROME: My goal is to basically get my This type of behavior has been a The Children down the monument. The group to the top, get the CD out. But, we benchmark in Go-Go music since woman at the Go-Go, but yet, when they see another type of woman, being totally only bands they really got on that want to take our time in doing that. inception and it’s not going to go away, program we Huckabuck, Northwest Many groups out here have rushed them

12 29 Up Colse & Personal With ROME tactful, she is not worthy of their the way it is at the go-go. Everyone of the company because she's not being a expresses themselves differently, "freak" or they don't "feel" her. Are including men. As long as nobody is HIGH PERFORMANCE these men confused? Is it something violated and everybody is having fun, it in the water that makes them behave 'aint nothin' but a party! this way? Are they there just for the BAND free touches? I think not. This is just

ROME: The project that we started on who knows the go-go scene and can was put on pause. We were supposed help do something with the group as far What do you do when you’re to be going back in and doing some as getting shows and stuff like that. home doing nothing? more work, because we did it live at Then, we I came in, I started bringing in Barnetts around September of last year, other members who I’ve played with in and a few things as far as the other bands and stuff like that. percussion… The tape was finished but it’s just that there are a few things that KATO: What other groups have you we need to clean up, such as the snare played in? drum. They were a little to low. See, the dude Mike Warren wasn’t there on the ROME: When High Performance were night that we recorded it. He hat set the having their first set of problems, Doc board the way that it was supposed to be and me suspended the group and set, but when he left, everybody got to started playing with Petworth – Go-Go messing with the buttons on the board. Billy, Go-Go Lorenzo and them. We Also, the congas weren’t tuned correctly, played with them for about one whole so we had to go in and do it over. But, summer. Then we put our own back we never got back with him to find out together. He ain’t just late Friday when he wanted to do it over. nights anymore! KATO: So, is High Performance KATO: How many members are there originally from the Northwest part of in High Performance? town?

ROME: Right now, I have 11 members ROME: High Performance was in the band. There names are: Bo (solo originally born in Lincoln Heights. 50th vocalist), E (backup singer), Rome (lead Street. Basically, when it started, we vocalist), Doc (drummer – help started started doing different talent shows Those Sunday Nite Old School the band), Burt (second keyboard including the DC Cable 28 talent shows player), Tony (lead keyboard player), and stuff like that. When we first started, Go-Go Jams are just doing it! Mike (third keyboard player), Bill (conga we were dealing a lot with Big Butch. player), Mike (roto-tombs), Marcus (lead But, Mike Warren was the one who took guitar player), Kevin (bass guitar). us in. Each & Every Sunday at 9:00 pm Basically, it started off as a three-man on band. Doc brought me in. He seen the KATO: Around what year was it when three-man group, how they use to come you were dealing with Big Butch? The People’s Station — 93.9 WKYS FM in the neighborhood and play. He brought me in a far as being someone ROME: We were dealing with Big Butch

28 13 you’ll do for Love.” After a minute of -Tang take control. Woo started Remembering the Ibex: adjusting the power XO shifts into a smacking the skins so hard, Frank-Ski pocket that hit the crowd in the dome jumped out of his chair to get a bird’s The Tower of Power with a two piece. Lead talker Kentha eye view of the tight craftsmanship. At takes control immediately. The chanting one point in Woo’s solo the ladies By Thadeus Cooks of the crowd is coming hard… “Ah DC… started throwing dollars on the stage for Ah ATL… Ah NY… Ah Southside.” my man. He got siced and started Everyone is presenting their cities, playing harder… funky Woo-Tang!! It's about 11:00pm, Sunday streets, and hoods verbally and night. My boys and I are going physically to the fullest. But just when Than finale of the performance, XO was through our usual Sunday night the pocket was beginning to sizzle, XO hitting a southern felt groove that left the ritual. As I crack my gin bottle shifts again into the Mobb Deep joint and crowd wanting more… so it was only open, I tell Big Lance to crack took the crowd into a terrible zone. The right to give them a couple hits of “The the window because I'm getting reaction that hit the room can’t be Bomb” (timbale joint) before they hit the a little too much of a contact expressed, but everybody’s hands went door. XO left the stage smoking and from that ‘shyt’ that they are up in the air with no hesitation. The front passed the “joint” back to Frank-Ski to smoking. We get to Missouri line tag teamed off one another too see if he could spark it up again. And of Avenue at about 11:45, and pull tightly, complimented by the free style course he did. Frank-Ski got straight to into the parking lot of a flows of rapper “Big Coop” (one of the it “DC style” and let the whole party know McDonalds on Georgia. We rawest MC’s in the go-go circuit… no why he heads the bill weekly. But one decide to just sit in the parking to bull). The next shift was when conga funny thing about the night was seeing can finish our drinks. Besides, player “Woo” and drummer Branon spark everyone still dancing to “Doo-Doo we have to wait for my play things off with a red hot timbale groove Brown”, and the man who made the joint sisters and their Deuce-Deuce friends. on. When I stepped away from the bar, I “Drop the Bomb.” The ladies rushed to right there in the place to be… silly me. Ten minutes later, I get a call from them was sooo nice. I see Buggs coming up the front and on the stage to get a feel of on my cell. in the spot and automatically bust out the “jungle boogie” that was going down. The whole night was a night to "Young, where ya'll at?” laughing. This nigga is wearing Lil Ebony (Stanton Terrace star) led the remember for everyone, not just the DC “We’re at the light." SLIPPERS!! What is wrong with the crowd into Eve’s chant “What y’all niggas crowd. If definitely was refreshing to see I tell them our location and they park world?? want… can’t touch” and even let loose a everyone come together with no right next to us, loud, yelling and drunk, I said, "Look, you know you gonna have tight little rap to represent that animosity and party as one. If the whole just as hot as they can be. I can't even to rock extra hard cause you wearing “Southside.” All the ladies represented Go-Go circuit could get on the same get mad at them though. Hell… we’re them houseshoes right?" lovely, but when the G-String Honeys hit page and see how powerful our music, here to see JY. If you can't get rowdy at He looked at me and said, "It's gonna be the floor things got a little wet and wild. culture, style, and city is, we would really the Ibex, then where can you get rowdy? something special men, for reeaaaalllll." You know they had to show their true do some damage to the world. We finally walk into the Ibex and I went up to my usual spot on the blue. They made a trip to come and head straight for the bar. I see all the right of the balcony and sat down. The party in the ATL… so you know they regulars, my man Lee (yes, Tupac lee room was spinning, and I was getting came to “do what they do.” from UMCP), my man Dummy, the cute restless. I hate it when JY take so long ‘redbone’ chick that does my hair, and all to play. They be messing up the timing The perfect harmony and blending of the other crews who stay up in the front that I have with my buzz. So I put my keyboard players ten fingers “Big Red” all night pressed to get their head on my play sister's shoulder and and “Dino” was more than an ear full of neighborhoods mentioned on tape. I just closed my eyes. Rudely awakened listening pleasure. It was simply some even see Big Ed and his Thayer Avenue by loud yells and a thump, I opened my killer grooves being displayed. But right crew. eyes to find that she had jumped up and in the middle of a crankin’ groove, lead We missed the Huckabucks, not on joined her Kentland girlfriends in the talker Kentha called to put the keyboards purpose, but hell… I had to get my drink stomping of some broad on the steps. on silent mode and let conga player Woo 14 27 F r a n k - S k i But before I could even make it over Two days later, a police officer was stepped up to there, I heard Dre Dogg, Baker and shot outside the Ibex during the night of the mic with no Winko starting the party up. a Backyard band performance, and it remorse facing The rest of the night was filled with has not reopened since – a tragic hundres of pure fun, as I danced my way down the incident that has given the Ibex the label impatient DC steps, to the front of the club, and as the worst Go-Go spot ever. It’s been M e t r o eventually, back upstairs to the "shaking said that the club was a deathtrap, and p a r t y g o e r s . balcony." I danced with some of the 7th that it was common to see gunfights Plus a dozen of Street Soldiers and even got freaked to outside after the club would let out. I other cities death by this cute chick from Simple have been to the Ibex numerous times. ready to party City. No fights broke out at all, even in Many more than the TV media and I just and experience the second half when Buggs wanted to let it be known that there is an the urban funk orchestrated the band to hit “Ruff it Off,” other side of the story. The Ibex was a of the “district.” and “Go Hard,” one right after the other. spot where a drug dealer and a college It was more As I leaned on the bar to take a rest from student could come together and feel the than clear on partying, I took a same vibe -- the “go-go” junkies faces that no watered glance around the ... all I saw were people from the where young The Kaya Night Club is one of the down beats, pockets, or sockets would club. The Ibex, roughest parts of the area, mixed adults of all hottest clubs in Atlanta (if not the hottest) be tolerated… not tonight. With no a.k.a., "The with people from the nicest, races could especially on Friday’s. If you’re looking faking involved, Frank-Ski screams, Tower of Power." come together “Where all my real peoples from DC at? "It's not as bad as having a hell of a time jamming and just enjoy for a night of pleasure filled with good with the roughest, rowdiest Go-Go times, people and vibes… oh, did I … What y’all know about the Howard the media makes themselves mention heavy sippin’, game spittin’, a Theater? The Black Hole? Eastside? it out to be," I band around. regardless of little trickin’, carryin’ chickens, and plenty WUST? Georgia Avenue Day? Crystal thought. I looked how bad the of fake number given – then you have Skate? M.L.K? Rock Creek Park? around and all I atmosphere was found your spot. This hot spot is known Playing on buckets with no power? … saw were people from the roughest parts classified to be. Since then, I have for celebrity appearances, sport figures, Now that’s for my real peoples from of the area, mixed with people from the grown out of going to the Go-Go, yet will live performances, industry parties, hot DC… now let me say it again… Where nicest, having a hell of a time jamming NEVER forget those Sunday nights at boys and girls, and all other party DC at?” The crowd is getting siced now with the roughest, rowdiest Go-Go band the Ibex with the good ol’ JYB. essentials necessary. and Frank knows it so he doesn’t around. I really wish they could show hesitate on introducing the first Go-Go this part of the Go-Go on the Channel 9 The Kaya crowd is very diverse when it band in ATL – XO Band. News. comes to the music, people, and coastal barriers. It’s not a east, west, or down XO hit the stage like some crucial “sticky south party… it’s a Frank-Ski “Northern -icky”… U-dig. Looking into the eyes of Exposure” party, and he keeps the all their old and new fans, the anticipation was at an all time high. It masses moving all night long (no exaggerating included). The night of felt like a reunion of all XO’s party stars Lula’s Hair Salon October 15 was no exceptions. Frank- reunited again just to get a quick fix of 8313 Old Branch Avenue Ski just adjusted the theme to “Go-Go the good ole OX mix. XO had no choice Clinton, Maryland Night” and expanded the room on the but to take them higher or get mobbed. 301 856-3726 dance floor or better yet, the “freak-a- visit us online at: www.lulas.com deak” zone for my folks from the city. As soon as drummer Branon hit the “We truly care about your Hair” Now put your shades on, so you can see sticks the party was in motion. Lead what you’re reading, slim… U-dig? singer Fattz gets the ladies a little moist off the top with the mellow groove “What 26 15 Issue’s Favorite Photo

“Blow Your Whistle.” “Game Number Seven.” “If It Ain’t Funky.” “Bustin’ Loose.” “Back It On Up.” “We Need Some Money.” “Sure You Right.” “Run Joe.” “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got The Go-Go Swing.” “Hoochie Coochie Man.” “Stormy Monday.” “Moody’s Blues.” “2001.” What do all of these songs have in common? They are just a few of many classic recordings of ‘The Godfather of Go-Go’ Chuck Brown.

There are many different versions of when, where and how this legend created the phenomenon Go-Go style music. So, what better time would there be than the beginning of the new century to finally clear the air and set aside the assumptions?

I ran into Chuck over the Christmas holiday while he was attending an autograph session at Tower Records for his latest Christmas release, and we just chatted.

RICH: Chuck, this Christmas album has RICH: Why did you finally do it now. been a long time coming. Why not ten or fifteen years ago? Go-Go Mickey CHUCK: Yes Indeed. CHUCK: It took me a long time because

16 25 soothing voice I ever heard. other bands coming up, the horn section I wasn’t inspired to do one and I didn’t is gone… have the insight on the material I wanted CHUCK: Hell-O!! (in only that way that RICH: Oh yeah? to do. But Ms. Eva Cassidy gave me all Chuck can say it) Talk to me baby!!! CHUCK: That’s their problem. I got my the insight and encouragement and CHUCK: That lady, man. I’ve been horns. (we laugh). It’s because they motivation that I needed. She had FEMALE FAN #2: Regina. listening to her for a lot of years. I’ve can’t play. It’s as simple as that. They picked some songs, I had picked some been inspired by her also. I did a couple need to get some good horns, and pay songs and they all came together very CHUCK: R-E-G-I-N-A Regina!!! I’m so of tunes I heard her do. They’re not out them good. I’ll never go without horns. well. Now, we started in ’93 but I glad I seen her (this was one of Chuck’s yet, but I’ve already got them on track. couldn’t finish it because we were into so famous lines from back in the day when She’s been a great inspiration to me. RICH: I remember back in the 80’s you many other different projects, but then a girl named Regina used to be a regular But that was the biggest and most didn’t have a band unless you had after ’96 when she passed (Eva Cassidy at all of his shows) memorable show of that time. One of horns. died of cancer in the summer of ’96) it the most fulfilling shows that I’ve done took me quite a while to get back into it FEMALE FAN #2: Alright now. was at the Lincoln Theater just a little CHUCK: That’s right. but I finally finished it. I’m sorry that we over a week ago, because it was free. It only had a chance to do two Christmas RICH: You’ve raised over three was about stopping the violence. We RICH: Any plans for retirement? tunes together. (young lady approaches generations of people on your music. had families there. Children and all. It Chuck to sign her CD) was a family thing. It was free for CHUCK: Oh No. As long as I’m CHUCK: Tell me ‘bout it (laughing) everybody who wanted to come. There inspired, and getting hired, you won’t see YOUNG LADY: You know when I was have been several others, but I think me retired (laughs). 15 years old, I’m 31 now, I used to RICH: I can remember, when I was little, those two were the most memorable. dance on stage with “We Need Some Money” that my parents partying to you at the Black Hole. was the easiest song in the Bustin’ Loose. That was RICH: Chuck, what happened to the world that I ever wrote in my the main joint back then. I horns? CHUCK: (laughing) life, and the quickest that I was only about this high. Yeah, I remember. ever wrote. Now, I’m 32, and there’s CHUCK: What horns? You were just a little another generation of girl about this high. youngins coming behind RICH: The horns. You look at all of the You and your friend. (Chuck acts as if me. he has just found one of his long lost nieces. His laughter with her is warm CHUCK: Yeah, that was the biggest and genuine) joint. I was inspired to write that, but the one that came four or five years behind RICH: This CD (The Christmas CD) is it that “We Need Some Money” that was available internationally? the easiest song in the world that I ever wrote in my life, and the quickest that I CHUCK: Definitely. And you know ever wrote. I wrote it in about ten Eva’s CD – the one she did on her own – minutes. You know how I did it? sold all over the world. (Chuck is signing autographs) RICH: How?

FEMALE FAN: Thank you Chuck CHUCK: I looked in my pockets Brown. (laughing). Wasn’t nothing in there. You’ve got to be inspired to write. When CHUCK: Thank you darling, happy I did “Bustin Loose” everything was holidays to you too. (Another fan uptight. All this disco was going on. You approaches) could walk into a cabaret and you’ve got

24 17 one DJ sitting up on the stage with some playing, letting the percussion go on. right next to you) RICH: Oh, okay. records and the place packed – and And that way we had a chance to people daning – and the bans weren’t communicate and the audience gave us CHUCK: You know what? That lady CHUCK: You understand? It’s one of working. I’m just trying to give a little some ideas. Our fans would come up brought it to my attention when I started those business things, but you can still insight on the Go-Go thing which had with some hooks and it ended up being putting the XMAS down there. find it in some of these stores, especially been catching on since 1976. Then Call and Response. Back and forth you overseas: Germany, Japan, Switzerland, when I cut Bustin’ Loose, it really just see. That’s how that Go-Go started, RICH: Uh-huh. Holland and France and Africa and bust loose. man. Russia. Over there in Iraq and Iran… CHUCK: She said, “Don’t cross out RICH: One of the main inspiratioins was RICH: Tell me this. Isn’t that call and Christ.” You know “I left town, we toured RICH: Oh, your music is in the Disco DJ because they were cutting response something that comes from that hit me right the middle east too? into a lot of the band’s business. way back in the old school. Isn’t it what h e r e ( C h u c k around the country. We Cab Calloway and them used to do? touches his heart). came back and records were CHUCK: Yeah – Sadam – CHUCK: Right, absolutely. The band I’ve never signed jumping all over the place.” he likes our stuff too (we wasn’t working, so I decided to create a CHUCK: Absolutely, Absolutely but then XMAS, but Jamal laugh). sound of our own. New York had their I stuck it into Go-Go. Those people told me to do it. sound, California had their sound, now paved the way for us. They’re the ones Where he it? I’m a get on him (we RICH: Alright Chuck. What’s your most DC got theirs. that created the ideas for our concept. laugh). I’m going to cut him short. You memorable show? I’m asking you from Our concept came from know what I’m saying? (Signing more the beginning to now is there a show or RICH: The continuous “Any time we go their ideas of course. autographs) moment in your career which stand out set, the concept of somewhere out of this the most to you? continuing the music town we play more music, RICH: When you go out RICH: What was the first time you from song to song, was more songs...” of town. When you take remember hearing yourself referred to as CHUCK: There’s two. The first one that this something that Los Go-Go to Europe or “The Godfather?” stands out the most – the biggest one I Latinos (a Latin Funk wherever, do you still ever played on was in Holland at the band Chuck played for during the 60s) play the same way you do in DC? CHUCK: Oh, I left town, we toured North Sea Jazz Festival. 1987, two was doing? around the country. We came back and hundred acts on the show. From Ertha CHUCK: We play more music. I do records were jumping all over the place. Kitt, to Sammy Davis, Jr., to Ray CHUCK: Absolutely. You know about more songs. We do less talk over there All the bands were busy and jumping all Charles, to B.B. King, to Miles Davis, to them? because they don’t know wht you’re over the place, and DJ’s on the radio Elton John, David Bowie, Rod Stewart – talking about, but they know the words to starting saying, “The Godfather of Go-Go EVERYBODY YOU COULD NAME!!! – RICH: I know a little about Los Latinos. your songs. is back in town.” So I think it started, Barbara Streisand, Liza Minelli, oh, just actually, from the DJ’s on the radio, and everybody you could name. It lasted CHUCK: Bands didn’t have no RICH: What about when you go to New the fans. Yes, they’re the ones who did about five or six days. Altogether about percussion like them. The average band York? it. The DJ’s and my fans. 565,000 people came to the Festival. from back then didn’t have no We came on right in front of James percussion. Only certain types of bands. CHUCK: Cold Blooded Go-Go, Man. I RICH: What happened to all of your old Brown. The Latin Bands, the Caribbean Bands, mean not all Go-Go. Any time we go stuff like “We The People”, because I Calypso Bands – they had percussion. somewhere out of this town we play remember that was featured in the RICH: Right in front of James Brown? And I decided when I formed my own more music, more songs, and in soundtrack to a movie called “Tough”. Is band in ’66 that I would take that between those song we do the rap thing, the old stuff still being re-released CHUCK: Came on behind Curtis concept with me and add it to my group. then we go back into another song. We anywhere? Mayfield and in front of James Brown. Later on, as it caught on as the years don’t rap as much as we do here, we (Chuck pauses to think of other artist at went on, we didn’t stop between songs don’t talk as much as we do here. You CHUCK: A lot of paperwork. A lot of the Festival) Chuck mangione, Dizzy anymore to talk to the audience. We dig what I’m saying? Here, we’re more undercover people in the background. Gilespie, Shirley Horn was there – the talked to them while the music is still personal and because you know most beautiful lady, the most beautiful

18 23 you. We didn’t think we were going to everybody, everybody knows you, you Gaye “What’s Going On” album. We did make it. The way we were going. LADY #3: I need you to do this one to know them by name and all that kind of a lot of those albums. We did an Isley (Chuck and Jamal laugh) But it wasn’t Johnny. stuff. When we go to New York, some of Brothers album – the whole album. as bad when we were coming up as it is them are there too. We’ve got followers now. CHUCK: To Johnny? from DC to New York, Philadelphia, all RICH: Were you guys doing it straight up into Massachusetts and Boston. Go-Go style? LADY #1: Things weren’t bad at all. We LADY #3: Yeah. This one is for my play Everywhere we go, we’re going to see could walk the streets all night long and brother. some of our DC CHUCK: Just like the album. nothing would happen to you. fans. And I think “I’m inspired by people We didn’t do any of the stuff CHUCK: J-O-H-N-N-Y – Alrighty – Merry that is amazing. like EU and Trouble Funk Go-Go style until the Go-Go RICH: When did you start getting into Christmas Johnny. It’s a wonderful started catching on in ’76. because I watched them some of the other bands on the scene, w a y t o As a matter of fact, some of such as Rare Essence, EU or Trouble LADY #3: He idolizes you. acknowledge the guys grow up. I watched those tunes you don’t change Funk? fact that, hey these them come along. Sugar around. They’re classics. “When you give love, CHUCK: That’s wonderful. are true friends. Bear was out there before You don’t change them to LADY #1: Just people feel that love that They’ll go any of them.” your beat. Let them stay just Chuck. Only Chuck. you’re giving. And they’re LADY #3: And if he don’t wherever we go. like they are. That’s what we Warm it up Chuck – going to give some back to believe that you really Look, we played in did, and at the time I’m Warm it up Chuck!!! you.” signed it, I’ll take him back Japan. All over Japan in Tokyo, happy to say – I thank God – we put a a few years. Chuck Yokohama, Osaka, Nogura, would you number one band in the city at the time. RICH: Chuck. You’re Brown’s in the house. believe we got some DC people over There were a lot of great bands, there 65 years old. Where are you hiding the What you want baby, Wind’em up there and they helped us funk the have always been great bands coming fountain of youth? When I’m 65 I want to Chuck. audience up. Let the audience know out of DC. General talent, back in the be just as healthy and as strong as you. what we’re talkin’ ‘about. You know that old days in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s when CHUCK: Wiiiiiiiiiiind Meeeee Uppppp!!!!!! in Germany those people can sing your bands had to play music and not stand CHUCK: Well you love people and that (Everyone laughs) song note to note. If you’re up there up there and make noise all night. You love is returned to you. That’s the key – doing all that talking they don’t know understand? But we have to give them a love. My kids, my fans, the wife & kids, LADY #3: Thank you. I appreciate that. what you’re talkin’ ‘bout, you know what little noise, but you don’t go out of town, that’s what does it. It’s about love, see. I’m saying? But they know the songs. overseas with all that noise. You have When you give love, people feel that CHUCK: Thank you darling. I to give the people some music. They love that you’re giving. And they’re appreciate you. God Bless You. RICH: Now in the 70’s, a lot of bands won’t know what you’re doing, up there going to give some back to you. and artists like Isaac Hayes, War, Curtis “bloopadebloop blop blop” all night. You (Directing his attention now to a fan) (Chuck’s signing autographs laughing Mayfield, they started stretching their give them a little bit of that. If you can’t How do you spell it darling? with the three young ladies) grooves. speak their language you’ve got to have some of those party words that they use. LADY #4: V-A-L-A-R-I-E CHUCK: You’re just as cute as ever. I CHUCK: Yeah, Man. And so, that’s what we tried to do. We remember these little girls from when love going over there. We have so many CHUCK: …A-R-I-E they were just this big. Cute little old RICH: Like Isaac would be doing stuff for good bands in this city. I’m inspired by thing. ten and fifteen minutes sometimes. people like EU and Trouble Funk LADY #4: I love your music. That’s what y’all were doing. You were because I watched them guys grow up. I LADY #3: Keep making the music now. stretching grooves. watched them come along. Sugar Bear CHUCK: Thank you so much darling. was out there before any of them. (Ladies #2 and #3 return with more CD’s CHUCK: God Bless you, baby. CHUCK: Right, and doing his tunes too. to be signed) (Chuck’s singing along with his CD as it Back in the 70’s we did the whole Shaft RICH: Yes, that’s what I heard. is played in the store. A rare treat, by album, and it took us almost the whole CHUCK: Back again. the way, to hear Chuck singing as he sits first set. Also we did the whole Marvin CHUCK: Sugar Bear was my little

22 19 brother, Man. He would open up for a Go-Go affair. Smokey Robinson has a know you in there. You ain’t got but one you. They want to feel you, son. Talk to people like The Chi-Lites and The Ohio song called “Going To A Go-Go.” Then suit, and I got that on.” (Chuck and them a bit.” And he did. I said, “keep Players. That little boy, man, he used to when we went to the Maverick Room, Richard – the man in the suit – laugh). I this up and you’ll end up on the radio rock the house. He was nothing but 16- and they were sitting up there in them might record that again. one day.” Where is James now? With 17 years old then. The older he got, the suits and neckties sitting around and me, still, and on WPFW. better he got. So he was one of my talking while we’re playing. We changed MAN IN SUIT: You ought to. motivators. On of my inspirations, you all that. When we got finished with them, RICH: So what were some of the other know what I’m saying? they came out of the suits – neckties on RICH: What was it like partying with pioneering venues besides the Maverick the floor. Chuck at the old Maverick Room? Room? RICH: It’s been a couple of years since you put out a Go-Go album. When are LADY #1: You better know it. LADY #1: Unbelievable. You partied CHUCK: Club LeBaron, Masonic we going to get another Go- from the time you walked in the door, to Temple, Panorama Room. My Go album? “1976 was when it RICH: You were there? the time you left. And then you partied in goodness, all over. started to catch on.” the street. CHUCK: I’m working on it. It LADY #1: Every RICH: Well how many nights a won’t be long now. I’m Wednesday Night. CHUCK: That’s “...that’s how James week were you gigging back working on it. But there’s going to be right. Funk got started because then? some music on it – some Go-Go music. CHUCK: And she was only ‘bout this I had James playing That’s what I love about Sugar Bear. He big. LADY #1: And on records for me on my CHUCK: Seven!! plays music. Sugar Bear plays music. the way home. Good music. He’s an entertainer. That LADY #1: I was there!!! I went to RICH: You were gigging seven boy’s an entertainer. When Go-Go died Cardoza High School. All of Cardoza CHUCK: All the way out the door and on nights a week? down a little bit, Sugar Bear came on out was there. Every Wednesday Night. the way home. with Da Butt and kicked it right on back CHUCK: For ten years straight. out overseas. He kicked Go-Go in the CHUCK: You’re getting and interview RICH: Did you realize that this was a butt with Da Butt. now (laughs). new sound… LADY #1: Every night he was (Three women on their lunch break somewhere. come along to talk about the old days) LADY #2: She just couldn’t remember LADY #1: That was the only sound – what was out. The bump or the hustle. Chuck Brown. CHUCK: And these young ladies grew LADY #1: I used to party with you back with me, God bless you. in the Maverick Room. Forget what LADY #1: You need to stop (everyone CHUCK: I didn’t want to brag about it. I everybody else says. I know that’s laughs). You better stop Pat. You know didn’t want to say that. You let LADY #2: I can’t talk too much. I might where it all began. you’re wrong. But you’re going to pay somebody else say it (we all laugh). tell my age. for this. (To me and Chuck) I’m her CHUCK: Interview that young lady. She supervisor (more laughter). LADY #1: That was the only sound. LADY #1: We all know you’re 45 baby!! knows what time it is. (A man in a three piece suit is getting a Every Wednesday night and you still got (Everyone laughs. She got her back for CD signed) to school the next morning. the earlier crack) LADY #1: All of Cardoza High School was there every week. MAN IN SUIT: Thanks Chuck (After CHUCK: And that’s how James Funk got CHUCK: Well, I’m 65 and glad to still be Chuck signs his CD). Appreciate it my started because I had James playing here looking at y’all. God bless you. CHUCK: 1976 was when it started to brother. records for me on my breaks. So finally I catch on. When I cut “We The People” gave his a mic. I said, “James, talk to JAMAL: (a guy who works at Tower) – back in 1970, that was more or less a CHUCK: My Pleasure. (The man’s name them cute little girls out there. Take this There were times we didn’t think that we together thing because the affairs we is Richard. Chuck starts singing an old mic boy.” He took the mic and started were going to get here son. were playing in was the Go-Go place, tune that bares his name). “Open the talking. I said, “Speak clear. Use good but it wasn’t Go-Go music. It was called door Richard – Richard why don’t you. I diction so that those young girls can feel CHUCK: There were times, I’m telling

20 21