DA-MOVEMENT is a Chicago-based Hip Hop collective built around memory, legacy and the preservation of a sound that shaped generations. Eschewing a conventional music industry pathway, the group’s origins are based in something far more personal, distilling family, loss, and the power of music to carry stories forward. Founded through a connection between Pompey “Pay” Hicks IV and legendary vocalist Johnny P, DA-MOVEMENT was created as a vessel for voices and experiences often overlooked by the mainstream.
The origins of the collective stretch back through decades of Chicago music history. Johnny P, known for his recognizable and soulful vocals, became one of the defining voices of Midwest Hip Hop through collaborations with artists including Do Or Die, Scarface and Twista. His contribution to tracks such as “Po Pimp” and “Smile” helped establish a blueprint where rap and melody could exist together with equal impact. Alongside that legacy sits the influence of Marrico King, known as Never, a member of Crucial Conflict. Rising from Chicago’s Westside during the 1990s, Never helped define the group’s distinctive “rodeo” style, combining rapid-fire flows, funk production and a unique visual identity.
Together, these histories form the backbone of DA-MOVEMENT’s mission—not simply looking backwards, but bringing the energy and innovation of that era into the present. The group’s story truly began in 2009, following the passing of Great Aunt Dorothy Reed. During the memorial gathering, Johnny P’s voice rose above the moment, transforming grief into something thoroughly memorable. This was not an encounter with a famous artist, but a meeting between family members. At that moment, ideas were sparked to build something larger, resulting in a platform dedicated to preserving stories, culture and sound.
After years of quiet development, DA-MOVEMENT began taking shape through collaborations with producer Brandon Michael Worix and the arrival of Daries “Qraft” Jackson. Bringing together sharp lyricism and a modern perspective, Pay and Qraft developed the collective’s early identity through tracks including “I’m Paid” and “This Is What It Sound Like,” the latter featuring Johnny P and Cuzo (AKA A.Rowe, Antonio Rowe). The collective continued expanding with the addition of Dennis “AK” Round of Do Or Die and J. Harris, creating a combination of street energy, soulful melodies, and Chicago-focused storytelling. Their track “All Black Everything” became an emphatic statement of artistic intent, amplifying DA-MOVEMENT’s role as a bridge between past and present.

Now the collective enters a new chapter with the Audio Resurrection Campaign, a project focused on bringing unreleased and remastered recordings back into the world. At the center of this movement is the brand-new release titled “24’s,” a track that has existed as a whispered legend within the Chicago underground since a 2013 visual broadcast. Thirteen years after its original creation, “24’s” finally arrives as a fully realized release, featuring Qraft, Never, Pay, and the late Johnny P. Crucially, this release marks the first time in history that a member of Crucial Conflict and Johnny P have collaborated on a track, standing as a monumental time capsule of Chicago’s musical history.
The 2026 version of “24’s” has been meticulously upgraded to meet a modern listening environment. The track features a pristine new stereo mix by Rae Nimeh of United Technique and a cutting-edge Dolby Atmos spatial master by two-time Grammy-winning, eight-time Grammy-nominated engineer Mike Tucci. This groundbreaking release marks the very first time these Midwest legends have ever been presented in immersive spatial audio. Built around production from Jason Pamon, the song captures the balance that defines DA-MOVEMENT, framing pure street storytelling, emotional context and a connection to the city’s musical sphere.
Set up by the pulse of drums and soulful vocalizations, the track rolls with slick rap delivery as the shimmer of spacey synth textures flutters around the arrangement, crafting an immersive Hip Hop jam that is transportive, memorable and energizing all at once. Cut with infectious vocal hooks and razor-sharp delivery, it is an epic slice of catchy hip hop music that is sure to win over countless new listeners around the world.
The release also carries personal significance following the passing of Jason Pamon in April 2026 after his battle with cancer, and Pay’s contribution represents a lasting piece of Chicago Hip Hop culture as well as a reminder of the relationships that exist behind the music. “24’s” arrives as a celebration of endurance, artistic determination, and the idea that great music never truly disappears. DA-MOVEMENT continues to position itself as a collective documenting a lineage, protecting a legacy and proving that the sounds which shaped a city still have the power to move forward.
Listen to 24’s below
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