As a preteen, he hung out in a Harlem game room where he played pool, Pac-Man, and Brown’s 1979 hit, “Bustin’ Loose,” on the jukebox. “My father definitely would have loved this and been very proud.”īy his own recollection, Fresh fell in love with go-go before he knew what it was. Fresh is a legend in his own right, so this is a legend honoring a legend,” says Brown.
I can’t think of anyone else of his stature that would go out on a limb and do a record like this.”īrown’s son, Nekos, is thrilled. “It’s a tribute to Doug that he wanted to do this record. “Doug has always remained a true supporter and fan,” says Brown’s longtime manager, Tom Goldfogle.
When Fresh initially approached Brown’s management and family about the project, the reception was overwhelmingly positive. Unlike other rappers, who’ve either jacked go-go beats or collaborated on recordings with go-go artists, Fresh has maintained close relationships with DMV creators. While it is not uncommon for nationally recognized rappers visiting the area to join go-go bands’ shows, few have sustained the relationships in ways that specifically benefit local musicians. Over the years, Fresh has recorded and performed with Brown, Rare Essence, and Team Familiar. The album benefits from the powerful connections the hip-hop icon has shared with the genre ever since that Capital Centre show. “What would make me do that? My genuine, sincere love, and appreciation for the creation of go-go.” “My first album that I’m coming back with is go-go,” says Fresh. This One’s for Chuck Brown is a go-go album, and its nine tracks include new material as well as updated versions of Fresh’s classic hits “I’m Gettin’ Ready” and “The Show.” The second track, “Chuck Brown,” celebrates Brown’s immense cultural contribution: “Gold tooth and hat, guitar and strap / He can sing and rap, no generational gap / Put go-go on the map, he soul searched for that / ‘Bustin’ Loose’ is the track, and now the park is packed / And as the crowd react, you hear a loud impact / From the proud and Black, the drum sounds attract.”įor Fresh, the project was inevitable, a spiritual calling, and the right vehicle for his first solo record in more than 20 years. “I would get on with him, and we would just freestyle,” says Fresh. On stage, their connection was natural and authentic.
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The album reflects their personal and professional relationship: For years, Brown’s sets included Fresh and Slick Rick’s 1985 song “La Di Da Di,” and the two shared stages on multiple occasions, including Brown’s 75th birthday celebration on the Capitol Lawn with the National Symphony Orchestra. Fresh Salutes the Godfather of Go-Go, a valentine to Brown and the genre he created. Last month, Fresh released This One’s for Chuck Brown: Doug E. We started talking, and our relationship grew into this bond.” Their friendship lasted until Brown’s death in 2012. “That was my first encounter with the Godfather, and it was like an automatic click. I never seen nuthin’ like this,’ and he started laughing,” Fresh says. Later that night, he sought out Brown in the dressing room. It was something about him … and the band was so tight.” “When the beats was coming in and he just started rockin….it was him. I was like, this is unbelievable,” recalls Fresh. Run advised Fresh to check out Brown’s set, and Fresh was blown away by Brown’s outsize charisma, the exceptionally skilled band, an audience of thousands chanting, “Wind me up, Chuck,” and, of course, Brown’s go-go beat with its multilayered percussion and laid-back funky groove. Fresh, it was a mid-’80s “Go-Go Meets Rap” concert at the old Capital Centre in Landover, where he appeared with Run-D.M.C. Please reload the page and try again.Įvery go-go fan remembers their first live go-go show. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription.
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