YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
Mr. James Weaver IV is a rhythmic poet, songwriter, activist, and educator from Chicago, IL who received his B.S. from Hampton University, majoring in Strategic Communication and minoring in Marketing. He began creating music as a child who attended D.R.E.A.M Studios Incorporated, his family’s business and a performing arts school that stands for “Dramatically Reaching Everyone’s Artistic Mentality.” There he learned how to act, sing, and dance, however, it was another form of art that his soul gravitated too—Hip-Hop.
Upon graduating in 2019, he became a music teacher & choir director at Southwood Middle School in Country Club Hills, IL. It was there where his youth program, The SouthSide Soul, was born. Since then, he has relocated to Atlanta, and has begun his first full-year teaching in the Kipp Metro-Atlanta Network. He teaches songwriting, vocal performance, production, and more, while also providing deep knowledge of the music industry to emerging artists.
Recognizing the power of one’s voice and the influence music has on today’s youth, Mr. Weaver provides an environment for young creatives to explore music through various lenses.
Music is a universal language that brings people together. Our goal is to have a platform that teaches youth, all over the world, how to create original music based off their unique experiences & emotions.
We believe this outlet will help children build confidence, improve social & emotional skills, along with various other life-skills. W
Music is a universal language that brings people together. Our goal is to have a platform that teaches youth, all over the world, how to create original music based off their unique experiences & emotions.
We believe this outlet will help children build confidence, improve social & emotional skills, along with various other life-skills. We aim to assist in the prevention of suicide, gun violence, and mass incarceration of youth in at-risk communities by providing them with life-altering experiences and investing into their imagination as creatives.
The SouthSide Soul uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the best music experience to our students. Our student are introduced to music through BandLab, a social media music network that allows them to record & produce right from their own personal device, and is great for beginners.
Students are then introduced to Avid Protools, wh
The SouthSide Soul uses state-of-the-art technology to provide the best music experience to our students. Our student are introduced to music through BandLab, a social media music network that allows them to record & produce right from their own personal device, and is great for beginners.
Students are then introduced to Avid Protools, which is the music industry standard for creation and production.
Furthermore, introduced to other art forms & technologies that affect the entertainment industry, such as Adobe Photoshop, film, light and stage design, disc jockeying (DJ), fashion, & more.
We believe that music is not just about listening, but also about sharing and connecting with others. Our program allows for students to collaborate and interact with other young music enthusiasts and professionals.
The SouthSide Soul has become a family, and with the support of our parents, staff, and community, we are able to provide a
We believe that music is not just about listening, but also about sharing and connecting with others. Our program allows for students to collaborate and interact with other young music enthusiasts and professionals.
The SouthSide Soul has become a family, and with the support of our parents, staff, and community, we are able to provide a safe space for students to be their authentic-self and create.
The SouthSide Soul Youth Empowerment Program is thrilled to introduce The Young + Gifted All-Star Camp for the Summer of 2025. Parents who enroll their children before April will enjoy a $200 discount on the overall summer camp fees. Running from 9AM to 4AM daily, this unique program provides breakfast and lunch for students, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging artists to delve into the world of music performance and creation. Participants will receive comprehensive training in songwriting, music production/engineering, & gain invaluable studio experience.
Our commitment to affordability ensures access to opportunities that pave the way for these young talents to excel in the music industry. Join us for a transformative 5-week program from June 9th to July 11th, 2025.
Rhythm + Soul TV is a dynamic visual platform dedicated to showcasing the next generation of young artists through music, performance, and creative storytelling. Powered by SouthSide Soul, this innovative program highlights raw talent, original music, and behind-the-scenes moments that capture the energy and passion of our youth.
Streaming on HotMusic365 and Roku, Rhythm + Soul TV brings exclusive performances, artist interviews, and in-depth discussions on music, culture, and industry insights straight to your screen. This is where the voices of tomorrow take center stage—celebrating creativity, individuality, and the rhythm of the soul!
Stream Live Now: HotMusic365.TV
Also follow us Twitch to live stream SouthSide Soul content!
We’re beyond excited to announce the release of SouthSide Soul’s first song, In This World (No Love), produced by the incredibly talented DC Guap—a former SouthSide Soul student!
This milestone marks a special moment in our journey, and we can’t wait for you to hear it. The track is available now on all music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube, and more.
We’re so proud of DC Guap and the entire SouthSide Soul team for making this dream a reality. Stay tuned for more music, and thank you for supporting our mission!
Listen now and let us know what you think! 🎶
We’re also excited to announce that SouthSide Soul students now have the opportunity to register for ASCAP, a free and valuable resource for music creators! By signing up, students can begin receiving royalties for their work as we continue to release music. This is a fantastic way for our talented youth to gain recognition for their contributions and start building a foundation for their music careers. We encourage all of our students to take advantage of this opportunity and begin earning for their hard work and creativity!
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Empower your child's creativity THIS SUMMER at the SouthSide Soul! Secure their slot today.
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Support The Next Generation!!
Greetings,
I’d like to invite you to check out our Young & Gifted All-Star Camp presentation, which provides an in-depth look at our 5-week program. The presentation covers the professional studio time, live performances, and unique educational experiences we offer to the students. It also highlights our partners and outlines our plans for growth as we work to expand our impact in the community.
Please take a moment to review the presentation deck, and feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries regarding involvement.
Introducing the inaugural music video of The SouthSide Soul Youth Program, titled 'Lead The Way.' The song captures the essence of leadership, depicting the youth taking charge. With empowering lyrics like 'I knew I was born to be great… I knew I was born to create,' it reflects the confident mindset of a young artist committed to achieving success."
Big shoutout to The Krypto Pioneers for sponsoring this video and backing our mission.
This song and video are a tribute to lives lost due to gun violence, including victims of gang violence, law enforcement encounters, school shootings, suicide, and more.
Special dedication to Zion Charles, an eighth-grader tragically lost his life in Atlanta.
Experience the dynamic first week of The Young + Gifted All-Star Camp 2023 in this engaging video. Watch as students revel in the joy of learning songwriting, recording, and crafting original music. The highlight?Watching the students growth from this first video to the end of the 6-week program. This video also features a captivating remix to 'I Can' by Hip-Hop Legend, Nas, showcasing the incredible talent fostered at this innovative camp.
Tune in to 1380 WAOK Atlanta for an insightful interview on SouthSide Soul. Students share their journey in the program, highlighting unique stories, while Mr. Weaver delves into the group's origin and its impactful mission.
At the SouthSide Soul Youth Program, we empower students to learn the art of songwriting, recording, & producing original music. While we appreciate being featured on Fox 5 Atlanta for two consecutive years, we acknowledge that our work is far from done. Sadly, both instances were prompted by the tragic loss of young lives to gun violence in our communities. Our mission is to expand and become a haven for these students, fostering a safe environment where they can express themselves.
Your contribution will allow us to provide experiences of a lifetime for our students.
These experiences include college visits, professional studio time, music videos, scholarships, & more.
Thank you for your generosity.
- James Weaver, IV
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Hot Music 365 is a dynamic platform that promotes and nurtures emerging music talent year-round. Their dedication to providing artists with the tools and resources to succeed in the music industry aligns perfectly with our goals, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them as we continue to grow.
Do you have any questions, want to book us for a show, collaborate on a new piece, donate to our students, or become a sponsor? Reach out, and let's make magic happen.
2945 Stone Hogan Conn Southwest, Suite 117, Atlanta, Georgia 30331, United States
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