The Prolegend Movement-Supporting and Inspiring the Jacksonville Community

I write about music partly because of my dad.  Ironic, given that his interests in music usually fall into the 'easy listening' category, while I mostly cover reggae and hip-hop.  You see, my dad is old school.  He would pull out a belt and tear our behinds up growing up, then say, "stop all that crying and straighten your face up".  He always said things like, "you better not waste that food, children in Africa are starving to death".

And he disliked constant complaining with a passion.  I inherited that trait from him.   So instead of constantly whining about the foolishness that some of these artists call music today, and the corporate-controlled radio stations that feed us this mental junk food, I'm out here doing my best to write about artists with real music, real voices, real messages.  One of my favorite local groups, The Prolegend Movement, falls squarely into that category.

Take yesterday for example.  It poured down raining in the afternoon, but when it cleared up, it still felt like 208 degrees outside.  Instead of chillin' indoors under the a/c, though, I was down at The Jacksonville Landing for the Summer Kick-off.  The Prolegend Movement came out and put on a free, family-friendly show to benefit the community and to support a local dance group, the Jacksonville Starz.  This wasn't Grind to Shine at Endo Exo, it wasn't about ticket sales or swagger, although Prolegend has plenty of that.  Yesterday was just about the music, the kids, and the community. 

They did three sets, "Get it Everyday", "Not Average", and "Ladies Choice", from their Black Diamonds mixtape.  "Ladies Choice", one of my personal favorites, was dedicated to all of the single moms that work hard everyday to provide for their families.  That got a great response from the crowd.  By the end of the performance, even the cloggers that were scheduled to go on later were clapping and rocking. At the end of the show, people came downstairs out of the balcony specifically to shake their hands, ask about cd's, and get their contact information.  The audience seemed very appreciative and grateful for them taking time out to come support and inspire the community.

Watching and photographing the performance reminded me that for every Wacka Flocka out there, there is a Prolegend Movement, artists with something real and original to offer.  Most importantly, they have a heart for the community.  If you're like me and you're tired of feeling like you need an anti-depressant after watching the 6 o'clock news, then you need to start supporting them and artists like them.  Music has the power to heal wounds and build bridges in our community.  So don't let a little heat or rain stop you from coming out to the next show, this Thursday at Arielle's for the 80's Party.  Last time I checked, the rain didn't stop Noah.  He built an ark and kept it moving. 

So lets put our money where our mouths are, Duval.  Let's keep it moving and join the movement.