Who We Are
About Urban Nation HIP-HOP Choir
The Urban Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir of Washington, DC founded in 2001 by Dr. Sheila Johnson Newman and renowned DC musician Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr., president and CEO, has taught and inspired hundreds of students over the years. Our mission is to instill a deep love and appreciation for music while building a supportive community where young musicians can thrive. We believe that learning music should be both fun and rewarding, helping students grow in confidence, discipline, and recognition.
The choir is built on the acronym H.I.P.-H.O.P. (Hope, Integrity, Power – Helping Our People), with a mission to channel the creative and artistic energy of youth into a dynamic, structured program that fosters excellence in every area of life. Students ages 13 to 18 not only gain musical training but also a deeper understanding of their heritage by performing a wide range of styles including spirituals, gospel, jazz, contemporary, inspirational, folk, musical theater, and classical music. Whether through private lessons on a new instrument or vocal training to develop their natural voice, students are supported by teachers and a culture that makes learning enjoyable and empowering.
Urban Nation emphasizes more than performance it also cultivates education, academic achievement, community service, intercultural appreciation, discipline, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Each participant is required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and attend educational and motivational workshops designed to develop their talents, self-esteem, confidence, and personal character.
The choir’s excellence has been recognized on some of the nation’s most prominent stages. Urban Nation has performed many times at the White House from President Clinton to President Obama and at the National Christmas Tree Lighting “Pageant for Peace.” They have shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Maya Angelou, and many more. Additional performances include appearances for John D. Podesta and the Center for American Progress, Christmas in Middleburg, The Center for Non-Violence, General Dynamics, and Disney World. Their inspiring work has also been featured on B.E.T., NBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and B.E.T. Weekend.
The choir currently rehearses every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Joe's Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
For enrollment or inquiries, please contact Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. at urbannationinc@gmail.com or 301-565-2787.
The choir is built on the acronym H.I.P.-H.O.P. (Hope, Integrity, Power – Helping Our People), with a mission to channel the creative and artistic energy of youth into a dynamic, structured program that fosters excellence in every area of life. Students ages 13 to 18 not only gain musical training but also a deeper understanding of their heritage by performing a wide range of styles including spirituals, gospel, jazz, contemporary, inspirational, folk, musical theater, and classical music. Whether through private lessons on a new instrument or vocal training to develop their natural voice, students are supported by teachers and a culture that makes learning enjoyable and empowering.
Urban Nation emphasizes more than performance it also cultivates education, academic achievement, community service, intercultural appreciation, discipline, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Each participant is required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and attend educational and motivational workshops designed to develop their talents, self-esteem, confidence, and personal character.
The choir’s excellence has been recognized on some of the nation’s most prominent stages. Urban Nation has performed many times at the White House from President Clinton to President Obama and at the National Christmas Tree Lighting “Pageant for Peace.” They have shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Maya Angelou, and many more. Additional performances include appearances for John D. Podesta and the Center for American Progress, Christmas in Middleburg, The Center for Non-Violence, General Dynamics, and Disney World. Their inspiring work has also been featured on B.E.T., NBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and B.E.T. Weekend.
The choir currently rehearses every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Joe's Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
For enrollment or inquiries, please contact Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. at urbannationinc@gmail.com or 301-565-2787.
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