FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rent Parties & Gentrification: A NY Educator leaves NY, to Discover NY.
It’s unlikely that the average New Yorker deeply contemplates the history of the city they live in, let alone would craft an entire album that examines it thoroughly with regards to the significant contributions black people have made to develop Old New York, formerly New Amsterdam. James “SoSoon” Gantt, artist and educator gives us a glimpse of his 2nd solo album "SOONY" (an acronym for Sound Of Old New York) today with the release of two singles, ‘Rent Party’ and ‘Gentrified’ while prepping for a flight to launch his #NieuwAms16 tour.
In a recent interview with FreeHiphopNow SoSoon discusses the crowdfunding aspect of this endeavor, one that is taking him to Amsterdam to engage in a two week study program, BESS (Black Europe Summer School). “I had support from a lot of unexpected sources; 57 ppl in total helped raise over $2000 in 9 days.” A big deal for any independent artist taking on financial responsibilities without label support. Fundraising does not come without obstacle, “writing a concise spiel to explain the project, coming up with perks and fear of failure were the biggest challenges” says SoSoon. This excursion redefines continuing education. He will also make a stop in Paris for a youth competition Mayor of My City which uses Hip-Hop to teach social Justice & civic engagement. “MOMC started in Paris 4 years ago with winners traveling to NY. This is the 1st time we're doing the reverse.”
“The Nieuw Amsterdam project is a huge long term initiative. (My) overall goal is to research NY's history. Findings will be disseminated through music, theater, visual art, documentary, and guided tour” remarks SoSoon who seems to have it all under control sans a hint of sweat on his brow. If only we could be so cool about such a massive undertaking.
Rent Party and Gentrified can be found on SoSoon’s Soundcloud page https://soundcloud.com/sosoonmusic
To keep up with #NieuwAms16 and join SoSoon during his tour follow @nieuwamsterdamprjct on Instagram and FaceBook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/SoSoonMusic
Follow @SirSoSoon on Twitter#FHHNTalk with SoSoon on Storify http://bit.ly/FHHNTalk
####
