For decades, the major-label machine and corporate A&R pipeline have treated the Westside and Southside of Chicago like an unpaid research and development lab. Executives have walked the streets, mined raw street reality and exported local musical frequencies worldwide. They stripped away the originators and handed the blueprints to mainstream pop and country stars without proper credit or compensation.
Legendary Westside of Chicago Hip Hop group DA-MOVEMENT stands as a direct counter-offensive against this cycle of cultural exploitation. By operating completely independently, founder and executive to the group, Pompey “Pay” Hicks III spearheads the administration and protection of the group’s historic catalogue. This structural autonomy ensures that Chicago’s true architects preserve their artistic legacy without bowing to corporate control.
The single “24’s“ serves as the centerpiece of the group’s “Audio Resurrection Campaign.“ Trapped on a failed hard drive for over a decade and nearly lost forever, the original 2010 session files were recovered after 60 days of grueling restoration by engineer Rae Nimeh (United Technique Recording Studio). The track carries immense emotional wight as a permanent tribute to the late producer Jason Pamon–who built the production in just 48 hours–and features DA-MOVEMENT members Pay and Daries “Qraft” Jackson alongside Never of Crucial Conflict and the late, multi-platinum R&B artist Johnny P (remowned for his iconic hooks on major Do Or Die hits and collaborations with legends like 2Pac and Scarface).
This independent movement follows a streak of global momentum. Previous unvaulted releases set the stage, with “All Black Everything“ recently taking home the 2026 InterContinental Music Award for Best North American Rap. Building on that foundation, “24’s“ has exploded, debuting at #99 on the U.S. MEDIABASE Top 40 Activator Chart, in addition the track has climbed to the number one spot internationally on the Euro Indie Music Chart and landing directly on Apple Music’s Flowetry editorial playlist—sparking a live media takeover across radio and global press.
Visual Spotlight: Street Legacy Captured
The artwork for “24’s” establishes a bold visual frame for the music:
- Honor for the Fallen: A vibrant mural painted across an alley wall features an angelic figure clutching a cross. The tribute to the late street-soul icon is physically anchored in the scene, with the classic sedan proudly displaying a custom “JP” front license plate.
- Low-Rider Heritage: Parked right on the street sits a candy-apple red classic box-style sedan, riding clean on polished 24-inch chrome rims.
- Authentic Setting: Framed on an authentic Chicago Westside block in the daylight – complete with cracked payment and neighborhood architecture – the visual elements highlight the intersection of faith, street culture and timeless car tradition that fuels the city.
DA-MOVEMENT has released the YouTube visualizer for “24’s,” featuring group founder Pompey “Pay” Hicks III and Qraft alongside Crucial Conflict lyricist Never and Johnny P on the hook. The track was originally produced by the late Jason Pamon, recovered and mixed by Rae Nimeh at United Technique Recording Studio and mastered in Dolby Atmos by Mike Tucci, distributed through UnitedMasters.
Sonically, “24’s“ delivers an authentic Westside Chicago pulse. The track opens with crisp cymbal taps and a heavy low-end bounce, with Johnny P’s vocal range cinematically setting up the flow for verse one. Qraft sets the pace with smooth lyrics reflecting street prestige and classic Cadillacs while Pay steps in with undeniable pimp-style authority.
Johnny P’s velvet hooks provide a smooth, atmospheric soul anchor throughout the record. The song marks the historic first-time pairing of Johnny P alongside Never of Crucial Conflict. Never delivers a rapid-fire, high-energy “rodeo” verse that takes over the track’s tail end. Rather than fading out softly, the record closes with Johnny P’s raw yodel vocal ringing clearly into the silence.
Restored with a pristine 2026 stereo mix by original recording engineer Rae Nimeh and a Dolby Atmos spatial master by two-time Grammy-winner Mike Tucci, “24’s“ proves that authentic street art does not expire. It stands as a powerful declaration that Chicago’s independent architects own their history, their masters and their future.
