Who We Are
About Urban Nation HIP-HOP Choir
The Urban Nation H.I.P.-H.O.P. Choir of Washington, DC founded in 2001 by Dr. Sheila Johnson Newman and renowned DC musician Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr., president and CEO, has taught and inspired hundreds of students over the years. Our mission is to instill a deep love and appreciation for music while building a supportive community where young musicians can thrive. We believe that learning music should be both fun and rewarding, helping students grow in confidence, discipline, and recognition.
The choir is built on the acronym H.I.P.-H.O.P. (Hope, Integrity, Power – Helping Our People), with a mission to channel the creative and artistic energy of youth into a dynamic, structured program that fosters excellence in every area of life. Students ages 13 to 18 not only gain musical training but also a deeper understanding of their heritage by performing a wide range of styles including spirituals, gospel, jazz, contemporary, inspirational, folk, musical theater, and classical music.
Urban Nation emphasizes more than performance it also cultivates education, academic achievement, community service, intercultural appreciation, discipline, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Each participant is required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and attend educational and motivational workshops designed to develop their talents, self-esteem, confidence, and personal character.
The choir’s excellence has been recognized on some of the nation’s most prominent stages. Urban Nation has performed many times at the White House from President Clinton to President Obama and at the National Christmas Tree Lighting “Pageant for Peace.” They have shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Maya Angelou, and many more. Additional performances include appearances for John D. Podesta and the Center for American Progress, Christmas in Middleburg, The Center for Non-Violence, General Dynamics, and Disney World. Their inspiring work has also been featured on B.E.T., NBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and B.E.T. Weekend.
The choir currently rehearses every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Joe's Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
For enrollment or inquiries, please contact Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. at urbannationinc@gmail.com or 301-565-2787.
The choir is built on the acronym H.I.P.-H.O.P. (Hope, Integrity, Power – Helping Our People), with a mission to channel the creative and artistic energy of youth into a dynamic, structured program that fosters excellence in every area of life. Students ages 13 to 18 not only gain musical training but also a deeper understanding of their heritage by performing a wide range of styles including spirituals, gospel, jazz, contemporary, inspirational, folk, musical theater, and classical music.
Urban Nation emphasizes more than performance it also cultivates education, academic achievement, community service, intercultural appreciation, discipline, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Each participant is required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and attend educational and motivational workshops designed to develop their talents, self-esteem, confidence, and personal character.
The choir’s excellence has been recognized on some of the nation’s most prominent stages. Urban Nation has performed many times at the White House from President Clinton to President Obama and at the National Christmas Tree Lighting “Pageant for Peace.” They have shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Maya Angelou, and many more. Additional performances include appearances for John D. Podesta and the Center for American Progress, Christmas in Middleburg, The Center for Non-Violence, General Dynamics, and Disney World. Their inspiring work has also been featured on B.E.T., NBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and B.E.T. Weekend.
The choir currently rehearses every Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Joe's Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
For enrollment or inquiries, please contact Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. at urbannationinc@gmail.com or 301-565-2787.
President, Artistic Director & Co-Founder: Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr.
Dr. Rickey Payton, Sr. a Washingtonian, is a renowned composer, arranger, music producer, performer, and teacher. He serves as a Voting Member of the GRAMMYs and served as Artist-in-Residence at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland (2022-2023). Dr. Payton studied Music, Business, and Entertainment Law at Howard University.
With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Payton taught choral music at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and has received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Breakthrough Bible College (2005) and Miracle Gospel Fellowship Ministries, Inc. (2022) He is also featured in The History Makers Archive.
In 1997, Dr. Payton co-founded the Urban Nation H.I.P. – H.O.P. Choir with Dr. Sheila Johnson Newman, (Formerly Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), a nationally renowned program serving at-risk youth and those with special needs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Also, he Co-Founder, and served as Composer, and Musical Director of City at Peace, which uses the performing arts to promote tolerance and cross-cultural understanding. This organization was featured on "Nightline" with Ted Koppel and then later on HBO, as a 90-minute feature with Executive Producers Barbra Streisand & Cis Corman of Barwood Films.
Dr. Payton's notable works include "Let's Build A Bridge All Across America," featured at President Bill Clinton's Second Inaugural Ceremony (1996), and "Yes We Can," composed for President Barack Obama's first inauguration (2008). He has performed for numerous dignitaries, including former President Mitterrand of France, Queen Elizabeth of England, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Throughout his career, Dr. Payton has worked with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Melba Moore, Celine Dion, Wayne Newton, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, John Legend and many others. He has also served as Music Director for the Greater Washington Urban League Gala and Music Producer for the DC-Capital Stars Scholarship Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He is married to Vernita Ann Payton, and they have three beautiful children: Rickey, Jr., Darnell, and Dasia.
With over 13 years of experience, Dr. Payton taught choral music at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and has received Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from Breakthrough Bible College (2005) and Miracle Gospel Fellowship Ministries, Inc. (2022) He is also featured in The History Makers Archive.
In 1997, Dr. Payton co-founded the Urban Nation H.I.P. – H.O.P. Choir with Dr. Sheila Johnson Newman, (Formerly Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), a nationally renowned program serving at-risk youth and those with special needs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Also, he Co-Founder, and served as Composer, and Musical Director of City at Peace, which uses the performing arts to promote tolerance and cross-cultural understanding. This organization was featured on "Nightline" with Ted Koppel and then later on HBO, as a 90-minute feature with Executive Producers Barbra Streisand & Cis Corman of Barwood Films.
Dr. Payton's notable works include "Let's Build A Bridge All Across America," featured at President Bill Clinton's Second Inaugural Ceremony (1996), and "Yes We Can," composed for President Barack Obama's first inauguration (2008). He has performed for numerous dignitaries, including former President Mitterrand of France, Queen Elizabeth of England, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Throughout his career, Dr. Payton has worked with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Melba Moore, Celine Dion, Wayne Newton, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, John Legend and many others. He has also served as Music Director for the Greater Washington Urban League Gala and Music Producer for the DC-Capital Stars Scholarship Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He is married to Vernita Ann Payton, and they have three beautiful children: Rickey, Jr., Darnell, and Dasia.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Without our talented and hardworking team, none of this would be possible.
Kenan Hanna, Vice President & Asst. Music Director
Bio Coming Soon!
Lucile Francois, Vice President of Operations & Comm.
"Keeping the choir in harmony on stage and behind the scenes.”
As Operations & Communications Manager for Urban Nation H.I.P-H.O.P. Choir, Lucile Francois plays a dual role in managing the organization's daily functions and public presence. She handles essential administrative duties like scheduling, budgeting, and logistics, while also leading the choir's public relations and social media strategy. Her work ensures that the choir's mission of hope, integrity, and community impact is not only supported behind the scenes but also effectively shared with the world.
As Operations & Communications Manager for Urban Nation H.I.P-H.O.P. Choir, Lucile Francois plays a dual role in managing the organization's daily functions and public presence. She handles essential administrative duties like scheduling, budgeting, and logistics, while also leading the choir's public relations and social media strategy. Her work ensures that the choir's mission of hope, integrity, and community impact is not only supported behind the scenes but also effectively shared with the world.
Keta Payton, Vice President of Compliance
Washington, DC native and Howard University graduate, Queketa "Keta" Payton received her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Studies and Communications. An experienced Event Planner and Logistics professional with strong administrative skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Keta worked as Assistant Director of the Urban Nation School for the Performing Arts Summer Programs. During that time, she planned the daily work schedule for the campers and participated and guided the end of year summer program finale.
Her mission is to provide consistent, reliable and proactive support and to be the vessel that God uses to impact a child’s life in a positive way.
Her mission is to provide consistent, reliable and proactive support and to be the vessel that God uses to impact a child’s life in a positive way.
Reva Thompson, Vice President of Project Management & Development
Reva Thompson is a classically trained lyric coloratura soprano and singer-songwriter/recording artist, under the artist name Tonty.
Reva Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from York College of Pennsylvania, and her Master's in music from James Madison University.
Reva began working at BlackRock in June of 2022 and is thrilled with the opportunity to implement quality arts education and offer scholarship opportunities for students in financial need. She, one day, plans to own a performing arts boarding school named after her late mother, Romelita Rose, and offer students scholarships and a safe home. Reva is a huge advocate for human and animal rights, environmental and racial justice, and anti-oppression activism. She currently lives in Prince George’s County with her father, Robert, and a very grumpy Sphynx cat, Romeo – named after her mother.
Reva Thompson received a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from York College of Pennsylvania, and her Master's in music from James Madison University.
Reva began working at BlackRock in June of 2022 and is thrilled with the opportunity to implement quality arts education and offer scholarship opportunities for students in financial need. She, one day, plans to own a performing arts boarding school named after her late mother, Romelita Rose, and offer students scholarships and a safe home. Reva is a huge advocate for human and animal rights, environmental and racial justice, and anti-oppression activism. She currently lives in Prince George’s County with her father, Robert, and a very grumpy Sphynx cat, Romeo – named after her mother.
Rickey Payon, Jr, Vice President of Production
Rickey Payton, Jr. is the Vice President of Productions for Urban Nation Academy, where he blends multimedia production, sound engineering, music creation, and digital innovation. A musician and music producer with expertise in mobile app development, marketing, and advertising, he drives the Academy’s creative vision by building modern platforms, powerful storytelling, and community-centered experiences.
Robert Young, Vice President & Choir Director
"Thee" Robert Eugene Young affectionately known as Robby is a singer, pianist, drummer, director, song writer, private teacher for all ages, and native of Washington, D.C.
An Alumni of Dunbar HS Pre-Engineer Program, Robby's musical studies and performances started with his parents and siblings, whom he calls the "unknown Winans." Robby's musical background also spans Hampton University, Howard University, Tedx Talk, a collaboration with Richard Smallwood and numerous recordings as a vocalist and musician.
Robby's heart of hearts is for the youth. He wants to help them with processing social and emotional matters. Robby uses his music platform to bring awareness to suicide. Having dealt with struggled with these thoughts in the 8th grade, he established "Suicide Is Not the Answer" in 2018 which addresses loneliness and low self-esteem with both boys and girls from Pre-K to 12 grade.
An Alumni of Dunbar HS Pre-Engineer Program, Robby's musical studies and performances started with his parents and siblings, whom he calls the "unknown Winans." Robby's musical background also spans Hampton University, Howard University, Tedx Talk, a collaboration with Richard Smallwood and numerous recordings as a vocalist and musician.
Robby's heart of hearts is for the youth. He wants to help them with processing social and emotional matters. Robby uses his music platform to bring awareness to suicide. Having dealt with struggled with these thoughts in the 8th grade, he established "Suicide Is Not the Answer" in 2018 which addresses loneliness and low self-esteem with both boys and girls from Pre-K to 12 grade.