Earlier this month, we featured up & coming Richmond artist, Celo, for what we deemed a powerful hood anthem of resilience. After I spoke with Celo to discuss the new single, music video, and if more music is on the way, his wisdom was evident. As we talked, he invited me into an introspective look of some of the experiences that inspired the soundscape of resilience you hear.
Ocean Floor is deeply immersive. Celo channels raw emotion; making every note feel like a wave of pain. But, resilience surfing the top. Produced by Celo himself, the track is joined by fellow artist, Dno. Directed by Clout Squad, the video shows several Southside Richmond locations. It also shows us Celo and Dno tag teaming. Dancing, as if in victory, through the city’s broken dreams and cracked sidewalks; understanding the grace they have been given to do so.
“I remember days I was dead broke sleeping on the floor, now I got a little dough, I ain’t going back no more.”
– Celo
When I asked if there would be more new music on the way he said, “I got an album on the way and multiple videos! So, Imma keep my head on and keep that shit bussin’. Theres a lot of stuff coming out and I’m just getting in tune. It was dark. But, now it’s time to open up my eyes and see the light.”
He speaks like he has a testimony. He does.
“I’ve been home now for four years. I was incarcerated for four. I got locked up when I was 20 and came home at 25. The beginning of my twenties is gone. I ain’t playing catch up but, I’m a grown man.”
I’ll leave the remainder of his story for him to tell. With new music and an album on the way, Celo’s success might be deeper than the Ocean Floor.
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The Richmond Seen is a newspaper publication, and digital news outlet, highlighting the Richmond scene – and unseen. Covering Hip Hop, Eats and Everything in between. Our goal is to continue to preserve & protect the Culture in which we are part of, and the Culture in which we see.
