The Evolution and Influence of Go Music

Go Music, often overlooked in music history, is a genre that has had a lasting influence on popular music. Originating from Washington DC in the mid-1960s, Go Music is a subgenre of funk music that infused R&B and early hip hop. This percussive music style predominately became the voice of Washington’s African-American community.

Go Music was given its name due to the unique beat continuously “going” in the background of the songs. This incorporated organic, raw, and syncopated rhythms that echoed the expressive vocal style of the time. Go Music was encapsulated by a concoction of sound effects, call and response dynamics, and an undeniable, infectious groove.

The birthplace of this genre, Washington DC, was, and still is, a melting pot of cultures and creativity, creating the perfect canvas for Go Music. The neighborhood block parties of DC were soundtracked by the hypnotic rhythms of the genre. These songs echoed down the streets, uniting communities and deepening the connection between the city and its music.

Among the pioneers of go music was the band, Rare Essence. Bands like them used various instruments such as electric guitars, keyboards, horns, along with numerous percussion instruments. To replicate the sound made famous by go music, some musicians today buy digital pianos and drum machines.

In the digital age, the addition of electronic sounds and synthesizers is not uncommon. This addition has created a resurgence of this niche genre. Artists today incorporate elements of Go Music in their works, contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary sounds steeped in history.

Many artists and producers buy digital pianos and other high-end musical equipment to replicate the complex rhythms and melodies that Go Music embodies. The employment of digital pianos allows for versatility in creating music. It can produce a variety of different sounds, giving modern artists the ability to create complex and unique compositions.

The influence of Go Music in tougher genres such as hip hop cannot be neglected. Rap artists like Wale, from Washington DC, help keep Go Music alive in the mainstream music industry. As a result, the beats from original Go Music now reverberate through modern songs.

As a genre, Go Music has continued to evolve while maintaining its characteristic elements, creating a distinct sound that is uniquely identifiable. From its origins in the urban streets of Washington DC to the electronic compositions of contemporary music, Go Music has maintained its rhythm, soul, and groove.

The importance of the Go Music genre extends beyond the music itself. It is a symbolic representation of unity, resilience, and the collective cultural identity of a community. The music encapsulates the spirit and struggle of an era, resonated in the evocative rhythms and beats.

In which form it may be, the urge to celebrate the art and culture of a community, to tell a tale of the streets through the musical format remains constant. Go Music, with its distinct rhythm, has and continues to provide a rhythmic platform to narrate these stories.