Eight Gigs: Karega Bailey

Karega Bailey says he owes his current success—as a teacher, rapper and spoken word poet in Washington, D.C.—to the excellent community support he received growing up as one of eight children in his Sacramento family. That's why he's so intent on giving back and delivering motivational speaking within his art form. His raps are soulful, politically minded and geared toward empowering youth and sparking social change. Just listen to his superpersonal and haunting track “For Black Males Who've Considered Homicide When They've Lost Someone They Love,” about the death of Bailey's older brother. And watch for his new record Peace King, dropping later this month. 2708 J Street, www.karegabailey.com.