Ever since her childhood in El Paso, Texas, Claudia Calleros, also known as DJ Soyo, has considered hip-hop her language.
It’s an art form that taught her to express herself, dream big, and push boundaries: three activities that DC embraces. When recalling her start in the Capitol’s hip-hop music scene in her 30s, she reflects: “The city gave me the stage I always dreamt of.” Now, she’s been in the game for decades.
When she’s not on the ones and twos, you can find her organizing with her local sustainable food advocacy group, Hip Hop Is Green. As a contributor to this organization, Soyo harnesses the power of rhythm and rhyme to promote healthy eating habits in underserved communities. Her advocacy creates spaces where people can gather and nourish themselves with equal parts fresh produce and fresh beats.
Washington's urban farming scene provides fertile ground for Soyo's twin passions to flourish. From the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) three-acre Urban Farm to the city's network of EBT-accessible farmers’ markets, she navigates DC's green spaces with the same enthusiasm she brings to the turntables. In a city where politics, art and history converge, Soyo has found the ultimate fertile ground. “That’s the beauty of DC,” she says. “There’s space for everyone to grow.
Dig into DJ Soyo’s DC, from its status as an after-dark music haven to its stunning farmer’s market scene.
Morning
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One of DJ Soyo’s favorite farmers’ markets (among DC’s many) is the H Street Freshfarm Market. Known for its seasonal produce, handmade goods and community vibe, it’s a great place to pick up locally grown products and support DC farmers. Grab an artisanal caffeinated drink from Zeke’s, a pastry from Atwater’s, some fresh weekly produce and maybe an Italian sandwich from Cucina al Volo. You’re set for the day.
Afternoon
Armed with all your picnic loot from the farmer’s market, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. A short trip away from the H Street Corridor, you’ll find the National Arboretum: 446 acres of nature preserve, essentially a living museum. In addition to miles of walking paths, lots of picnic tables and the Peacock Café, you’ll find plentiful photo ops along the way: the dramatic U.S. Capitol Columns and the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum are both popular favorites.
Afterwards, head to Capitol Heights to check out the UDC Urban Farm, one of the city’s most innovative green spaces. Their team is pioneering the usage of symbiotic, energy-efficient growth systems like hydroponics and aquaponics. Under the supervision of UDC, it promotes food security, education and community engagement while growing fresh local produce.
Evening
DC is well known for its diverse food scene, and Maketto is a must-visit for DJ Soyo. The Michelin-starred marketplace brings together pop-up shops, a cafe, a bar and a sit-down restaurant that offers inventive spins on Cambodian and Thai cuisine. There’s also a vinyl shop stocked with old-school hip-hop LPs.
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After dinner, go out and enjoy some live music. One of Soyo’s favorite places to spin vinyl and chill is District Alley, a unique space that merges music, spirits, cigars and community vibes to create a DC cultural experience. This is the perfect spot to wind down the evening with DJs, dancing and great company.
Discover more We The People itineraries and explore the real DC.