Go-Go band UCB goes from basement to Lizzo’s album

Lizzo has found a unique way to give back and honor a longstanding D.C. go-go band’s 30th anniversary. The pop star has sampled UCB’s track “Sexy Lady” for her upcoming album “Bitch,” set to release on June 5. This collaboration has left the founding member of UCB, Rock Mikey, feeling incredibly grateful for the recognition and support of D.C.’s official music.

Rock Mikey, a proud Washingtonian who has been a part of UCB since its inception in 1996, expressed his excitement about Lizzo sampling their song. He mentioned the significance of having an artist of Lizzo’s caliber find inspiration in one of their favorite tracks. According to Rock Mikey, this collaboration is a significant step forward for both UCB and the broader go-go music culture.

The connection between Lizzo and UCB was facilitated through producer Tay Keith, who developed an interest in go-go music after being introduced to it by a relative who attended Howard University. Keith met UCB’s original band member Trey during a studio session, setting the stage for their eventual collaboration on “Sexy Lady.” The news of Lizzo’s interest in sampling the song reached Rock Mikey through a publishing company, which led to a seamless agreement and the commencement of the partnership.

In a recent encounter with Lizzo, Rock Mikey had the opportunity to interact with the pop star and even participate in a TikTok video. He described Lizzo as a warm and welcoming person and expressed his admiration for her personality. The exposure that UCB will gain through this collaboration with Lizzo is expected to elevate D.C.’s sound and culture to a broader audience beyond the DMV.

In celebration of Father’s Day, UCB is gearing up to perform a special concert at Nats Park, adding to the festivities surrounding their 30th anniversary. The band members, including Rock Mikey, are excited to showcase their music and go-go culture on such a significant platform. This partnership with Lizzo marks a milestone for UCB and is a testament to the enduring legacy of D.C.’s music scene.

As UCB continues to make waves in the music industry, their collaboration with Lizzo serves as a testament to the power of artistic partnerships and cross-genre collaborations. This exciting development not only honors UCB’s rich musical history but also propels D.C.’s vibrant go-go culture onto the global stage.