Words by Ime Ekpo
One-third of one of Hip-Hop’s most notable trios, Lords of the Underground has made the decision to step into the world of politics.
With a goal to expand the music and arts industry in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, Dupre “DoItAll” Kelly of legendary Hip-Hop trio, Lords of the Underground recently announced his planned candidacy as Councilman for the 2018 May election.
Last month, on September 14th, DoItAll announced his campaign in front of his Newark childhood home on 19th Street with over two tons of supporters, including UTFO’s Kangol Kid and Rock Steady Crew’s own Crazy Legs.
As a councilman, I will utilize my years in the entertainment business to expand our arts and cultural industry in Newark to hire more, to empower more, to do more for our great city.
DoItAll is currently the CEO of Newark-based media production and event planning company, 211 Media Group and also the co-founder of 211 Community Impact– a nonprofit organization dedicated to the youth that focuses on matters in the likes of gun violence, mental health and literacy.
Prior to his candidacy, Kelly has been active in the Newark, New Jersey community through his 211 Community Impact organization by providing community education programs, accessible public policy resources and forums for inclusive dialogue.
All nine of Newark’s city council seats will be up for election May 2018 and of course, this is Kelly’s first attempt at running for office.
Lords of the Underground are best known for their funky rhymes and lyrical acrobatics with classics in the likes of “Chief Rocka”, “Funky Child”, and “Tic Toc”. The trio won BET’s best rap group award in 1993.
