I WAS THE WEIRDO
I WAS THE WEIRDO
Written and Directed by: Larry Ware II Cinematographer and Editor: Craig Kilgore
The feature documentary ‘I Was the Weirdo’ follows the journey of pioneering underground rapper Priest Da Nomad to shed light on the often-overlooked U Street hip hop and arts subculture in Washington, D.C. Through his personal story, the film examines how this vibrant creative movement was both shaped and tested by the forces of politics, crime, Black cultural influence, and the city's signature Go-Go sound. Set in the heart of the nation's capital-widely regarded as the political center of the world-the documentary also underscores D.C.'s legacy as a dynamic incubator for influential artists, journalists, filmmakers, and public figures whose reach extends far beyond city limits.
Director's Statement
I Was the Weirdo’ was born from my personal connection to hip-hop’s outsider status in Washington D.C. and the whole DMV, where Go-Go music has long been the heart of Black cultural identity for generations. Though I love Go-Go, hip-hop’s core elements of djing, mcing, b-boying/b-girling, and graffiti writing spoke to me—and to a whole community of kids who were often seen as different because of it. We embraced the “weird,” and through a mix of cultural forces—college transplants, street life, politics, and D.C.’s Black legacy—we helped shape a movement that still resonates today. In a time when individuality is celebrated, this film honors those who
carved a path for the vibrant creativity we see now.
