PHILADELPHIA, PA — Arts and culture are the economic drivers of Philadelphia. When we illuminate the arts, our city does better. In Hip Hop’s 50th year, few Philadelphia artists stand out more than Chill Moody. On Thursday, September 14th, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas will be introducing a resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week Chill Moody for being named the first Community Artist in Residence at the Mann Center for Performing Arts. 

“Chill Moody’s work at the Mann, but also throughout his entire career, are a testament to his dedication to his craft and city. Chill’s work focuses on providing our young people with quality out-of-school time, that gives them the opportunity to gain experience in both the creative and business sides of the music industry,” Councilmember Thomas said. 

“I want to thank Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for not only always showing love, but for understanding the mission and the importance of amplifying my message,” said Chill Moody. Philly has always been a land full of talent; it’s a mecca for creatives, and my goal is and always will be to shine light and provide resources to help our creative economy get everything it deserves.” 

Councilmember Thomas remains committed to bolstering the city’s youth programming, particularly in the arts and culture space. Through the Illuminate the Arts grants, CM Thomas has secured $1 million to local artists yearly. In the FY2024 budget, Councilmember Thomas pushed for over $3.5 million in funding for arts and youth based initiatives, with $1 million going to the Mann Center. Chill Moody, through the Mann Center, headlined a joint show with the Philadelphia Orchestra, has curated programming for the Downstage @ the Mann series, has conducted music industry training sessions with Overbrook High School students, and performed at the Mann’s Young People Concert Series.

“What an incredible honor and great fun it’s been to work with Chill Moody as our first-ever Community Artist-In-Residence at the Mann. A nationally recognized artist and entrepreneur, he is a West Philadelphia native and neighbor to the Mann. He has been central to the Mann’s celebration this year of 50 years of Hip Hop, and he has been an overwhelmingly positive force for young people through our education and community engagement programs,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “We are so fortunate to have deepened our relationship with Chill and, together, to continue inspiring the next generation to dream big dreams.”

“Chill has been a staple of Philadelphia’s Hip Hop scene for over a decade, and I am grateful our young people have a positive role model to look to in Hip Hop like Chill Moody,” said Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.

###