There is no better way to celebrate Black Music Month and Juneteenth than with a song that harnasses Go-Go, a sound that helped create American music culture. Platinum-selling, multi-faceted Grammy-award-winning singer, rapper, and songwriter Ceelo Green does just with “Baby Don’t You Go-Go,” featuring Rare Essence. The song is available, today, June 18th across all DSPs, and iTunes via ONErpm.
Produced by platinum-selling legends Organized Noize, “Baby Don’t You Go-Go” wouldn’t be complete without paying homage by enlisting the legendary Go-Go band, Rare Essence. The song also serves as a preview to Ceelo’s forthcoming EP, which as a whole, celebrates D.C.’s vital contribution to urban music and culture.
“As George Clinton once famously said, ‘Here’s a chance to dance your way out of your constrictions,” Ceelo says of his new single. “‘Baby Don’t You Go-Go’ extends from the historical lineage of the African-American songbook. From Lil Richard on up and back to the future. It’s tribal, primal full of carnal pleasure, yet comedic and charismatic in the most charming way. I hope the world loves it, especially the DMV.”
Ceelo will host Rare Essence for a special Instagram Live conversation on the night of the song’s release on Friday, June 18th at 8 pm EST. To catch this candid chat about the history of Go-Go and more, please tune in to instagram.com/ceelogreen.
For over 40 years, Rare Essence has not only kept Go-Go alive in the DMV but has also been instrumental in spreading the distinct regional sound to the world – from collaborations with artists ranging from Shabba Ranks to Wale to inaugural ball performances for President Obama.
Rare Essence states, “We are excited and honored to collaborate with our friend Ceelo Green on his new song “Baby Don’t you Go-Go.” Ceelo has been a fan of our music for a long time and has often talked about recording a Go-Go song. Now everyone will hear what we’ve working on. Thank you Ceelo for allowing Rare Essence to be a part of your new project.”
“Baby Don’t You Go-Go” is the first release under a new partnership between Ceelo and full-service music business solutions provider ONErpm, which will distribute the artist’s as-yet-untitled EP.
“We’re very excited to be part of Ceelo’s latest creative adventure,” says ONErpm’s Head of Urban Music, Orlando McGhee. “Time and again throughout his career, he’s displayed the uncanny ability to dig down to the origins of Black music in its various forms and create something that can be felt and understood by audiences across the globe. To launch this project during Black Music Month and on the eve of Juneteenth makes it all the more special, as it certain to reinforce Ceelo’s place as a global cultural ambassador.”
Ceelo recently released Survival Kit Winter 2020, with his group Goodie Mob to critical acclaim, and is currently touring with the group.
