x
Breaking News
More () »

'We got to believe in each other' | Hip hop artist aims to motivate others to make an impact

Beyond a beat that will make you move Priest da Nomad hopes his brand of social activism will motivate all of us to make an impact where we can.

WASHINGTON — Prince George’s County native and local hip hop pioneer Priest da Nomad is a storyteller, using his music to talk about social issues facing D.C. and the nation. His latest video for the song “Motivation” is a true snapshot of the times with performers in their "zoom" boxes.  

Priest's video explores the health care crisis, food insecurity, the Black Lives Matter movement and even at-home workouts. Mental health is also represented, with a look at the depression brought on by the quarantine, especially for artists whose livelihoods are at risk because of the pandemic.  

“DJ’s, singers, vocalists, painters -- people have been really going through it," Priest said. "You've been really seeing people having mental breakdowns. People that are in the video were going through some real serious things when I called them to do this and their spirits got lifted just by being a part of this.”  

Priest said his images of hope and humanity are all intentional and meant to motivate his audience to help one another.

RELATED: 'It matters, you matter' | DMV hip-hop artist talks inspiration, manhood and the black experience in a changing DC

DC hip-hop pioneer has joined the #DontMuteDC movement. WASHINGTON - D.C. hip-hop pioneer Priest Da Nomad is back and joining the #DontMuteDC movement with his latest single " Can't Lose the Soul. " Priest, who helped shape the U Street poetry/hip-hop scene of the 90s, shot the music video in his old stomping grounds.

“Sometimes you have to put the energy out there so that it can manifest even when you're not feeling it,” Priest said. "We got to believe in each other and we got to believe that the times we're in right now are not the times we have to be in. We can change that.”

RELATED: DC native releases hip-hop call to action: 'Can't Lose the Soul'

A new project showcases hip-hop stake in the Don't Mute DC movement. WASHINGTON - The pressures that some D.C. residents are feeling gave birth to the "Don't Mute DC" movement. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser just made Go-Go the official music of the District.

Download the brand-new WUSA9 app here.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news

Before You Leave, Check This Out