Chilltown

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Chilltown is a nickname for Jersey City, New Jersey that is particularly popular among hip-hop fans. The name was appropriated from the 1980 record “Raptivity” by rapper Ronnie Gee. The song begins:

The Surgeon General of Chilltown, New York
Has determined that the sounds you're about to hear
Can be devastating to your ear...

Local rap fans used the term to describe the city’s laid-back attitude during the early 1980s. However, an upswing in violence[citation needed] in Jersey City in subsequent years led some to try to rename the city “Killtown.”

The name of the city has also inspired the creation in 2005 of a new film festival in Jersey City titled "Chillfest, the mostly gay and lesbian film festival of Jersey City." The founders liked the spirit of Chilltown, a place and event to kick-back, chill out, and enjoy a creative atmosphere.

[edit] Trivia

  • Chilltown was also the name of an arts and culture magazine distributed in Jersey City and surrounding areas. That magazine is now discontinued.
  • Chilltown is also the name of the alliance from Big Brother 2, and Big Brother 7: All-Stars, that consisted of the winner of Big Brother 2, his TV girlfriend, and top 4 contender of Big Brother 7, Will "Dr. Will" Kirby, D.O., Shannon Dragoo, and the winner of Big Brother 7, Mike "Boogie" Malin.


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