Song of the Day 6/22: Johnniqua Charles, “Lose Yo Job”
The Black Lives Matter protests have a new theme song, thanks to Johnniqua Charles. When a security guard detained her outside a strip club back in February, the 27-year-old Charles broke into an impromptu chant and dance that was recorded by another security guard on the scene. He posted to social media with the note, “I’m posting it cause that rap was lit 😂😂😂😂😂 like I wish I could put a beat to it lol.”
So DJ iMarkkeyz and DJ Suede The Remix God did. The result has become a popular part of the soundtrack at rallies where protesters face off with the po-po.
“You can’t hear me? Then I’m going to sing it to you,” Charles told Pitchfork. “The words just came. And I already know, if this went to your supervisor, you about to lose your job. I know my rights and I know the law.”
The security guard did not lose his job, but the incident did help turn around Johnniqua Charles’ life. Before the video, she was homeless and her 3-year-old was being cared for by family, but a GoFundMe campaign started when the song went viral raised $50,000 for her.
