Philly’s Chill Moody gets stirred up for The Mann Center’s “Voices of Hope” and the “More Than a Month” EP.
As we head into Women’s History Month (and there will be plenty to discuss, shortly) it is crucial to know that we’re not quite done yet (ever) with any celebration of February’s Black History Month. Twenty eight days is/will never enough to talk talk talk about Black contributions to arts, culture, politics, activism, spirituality and beyond. Rapper, writer, nicethings brand CEO and craft brews entrepreneur Chill Moody had to know that going into February, his “More Than a Month” EP, and his filmed performance for The Mann Center’s “Voices of Hope” series.
He’s even got a spoken word tome, “More Than A Month,” that looks toward pushing all rhapsodizing about Black history beyond just 28 days.
Now, Moody has forever been a damned fine and finely tuned writer and flowacist filled with warmly humorous spirit, soulfully serious stories and hot wired beats. There is intention and finesse to Moody’s best work before 2021, something uniquely stylized, but frank and unflashy. Which sometimes means that thirstier, flashier MCs get the credit and ducats that Moody should. No names necessary. Just is.
Anyway, Moody’s freshly-filmed live gig from the Belmont Plateau (this state’s first pit stop on the Underground Railroad and forever a glorious, bucolic hang suite for Black Philadelphia) and its new, even-more poignant material simply moves the needle to the left, for Moody, when it comes to righteousness and hardcore societal persuasion. Without preaching. Find another track in the Moody catalog such as “The Fight is On” with provocative lyrics such as, “The system isn’t broken / It’s working how they want.”
Talking to Moody over text message this morning, he wrote of “More Than a Month,” and the Mann showcase, “When the Mann reached out and explained to me what Voices Of Hope was I knew I had to make my performance special. Make it stand out. I’ve always had a lot to say when it comes to the daily challenges being Black in America brings. And with the platform provided it was important that the visual aesthetics were just as symbolic and impactful as the music. Jiana Murdic, who’s a director over at the Belmont Mansion, schooled me on the history of the location. And instantly it clicked that this was the perfect landmark to support the message. Expect more of the same in the near future.”
Looking forward to it, Chill.
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