Get Outta Town - Washington, Dc

When Barbara visits the U.S. capitol â Washington, D.C. – she is surprised to discover it’s a city that’s about much more than politicians in suits.

Her teen co-host, up-and-coming rapper Marky, shows Barbara his city is hip – with hip hop. Marky takes Barbara to many of D.C.’s famous and historical landmarks – from the White House to Arlington Cemetery to a renowned chili restaurant – while composing lyrics on the spot about each site they visit for a rap duet they record together in a professional music studio.

Barbara first meets Marky in an area called The Mall and here they discuss their rap song. For inspiration, they first visit the Washington Monument, the largest masonry structure in the world, visible from almost anywhere in the city. A short walk takes them the famed Lincoln Memorial, and they stand on the very steps where Martin Luther King delivered his “I have a dream” speech to hundreds of thousands of on-lookers. They get great lyric ideas for their song.

Next up is a walk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial. Keeping in line with this theme, they visit the Arlington cemetary, resting place for 250,000 Americans who died at war or in service for the United States. Blown away by the sites, Barbara and Marky seek some down time at Cuttin’ Up Barber Shop. Marky gets a trim, and Barbara helps him with his haircut. You can’t have a new ‘do without a new wardrobe, so they visit Imagine U Unique Shop, a trendy clothing store where Barbara gets fitted with a slamming outfit. She gets to show this outfit off at Expressions Dance Studio, where Marky’s dancers are practicing. Barbara gets a lesson of her own, and joins in!

All that dancing works up an appetite. Marky brings Barbara to one of his favourite restaurants, Ben’s Chili Bowl, in the heart of the U Street area where jazz legends such as Duke Ellington got their start. With their stomachs full, they realize they still have some composing to do, and they decide to visit the Smithsonian Museum, the Capitol Building, the White House, Jefferson Memorial, National Cathedral, Embassy Row and DC’s famous Georgetown area.

Now they are ready to record their song. At Iron Beats Recording Studio, the two lay down their track. Challenge completed!