DC Vote Shoots Music Video for Joe L. Da Vessel’s Original Composition

August 8, 2008, Washington, DC – Last Saturday, over 200 extras gathered at School Without Walls, the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building and on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 4th streets NW, and China town,  for a chance to be in DC Vote’s music video.  The video is called, “In DC We Demand a Vote.” The corresponding song was produced by Daaswuzup Entertainment and written and performed by gospel rapper Joe L. Da Vessel, a DC native, and his band “Melodic.” The message of the song addresses DC’s taxation without representation situation.  The first verse starts off with these lines: “In the capital of this great nation we’re facin’ taxation with no representation — in the Senate or the house of representatives.  In the fair city where the presidents live, in the fair city where the residents give and work to provide a safe place for their kids –To grow and learn, this is why we’re so concerned about not having a vote to be heard.”

The video is designed to raise awareness among youth about DC residents’ voting rights in Congress. Political figures in attendance included DC Congress members Eleanor Holmes Norton, Paul Strauss and Michael Brown along with DC Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (see attached photos).

Other DC Vote events are underway to support their cause.  On August 6, Joe L. Da Vessel and his band “Melodic” performed at Votes, Voices, and Visions at Busboys and Poets. Votes, Voices, and Visions is designed to entertain and educate through a colorful array of music and poetry.
About Joe L. Da Vessel

2008 gospel music Stellar Award Nominee Joe L. Da Vessel, formerly known as “Big Shank,” got his start working with TV and film star Raven Simone as well as The Inc./Def Jam artist Vita.  Throughout his mainstream career, Big Shank performed with hip hop icons such as Ludacris, Mobb Deep, Kurtis Blow, and Fat Joe and received record deal offers from Blackground Records and Sony Music.  After tasting success, the rapper decided to give his life to Jesus Christ, choosing to give glory to God instead of glamorizing the thug life.  His songs and the name Joe L. Da Vessel were given to him by God to further his ministry.  For more information on Joe L. Da Vessel and his band “Melodic,” go to http://www.joeldavessel.com.
About DC Vote

Founded in 1998, DC Vote works to secure full voting rights in Congress for the residents of the District of Columbia by Informin g Congress and the American public about this injustice; Formulating solutions with coalition partners and elected officials; and promoting change based on the principle that a government is democratic only when people have the ability, through freely elected leaders, to shape the laws under which they must live.  For more information, please visit

http://www.dcvote.org.