Since it was uploaded to YouTube four days before the season-opener, Rene Guzman's D.C. United tribute video has gone viral. Thousands of views later, we caught up with the man responsible for the popular Black-and-Red anthem Welcome to the District. You can follow him on twitter @7thdayjunkie.
dcunited.com: How long have you been a fan of United?
Rene Guzman: I've been a D.C. United fan since I was about 11 or 12 years old. My father took me to Foxboro for the first ever MLS cup that season. We won a dramatic comeback and I remember it was crazy cold. I didn't even realize the hot chocolate had burned my tongue until a couple hours later when I thawed out. I remember that season like it was yesterday. Raul Diaz Arce has a special place in my heart. If not for him I don't know if I would have ever connected with United the way I did.
dcunited.com: What was the inspiration for the video?
RG: I read a tweet by @mlsreserves about a fan video contest so I told my buddy Steve about it. Steve is the one that suggested I write a song about DCU. Twenty minutes later Welcome to the District was completed. It kind of evolved from that moment to what you see now. I guess it just made sense to show my passion for DCU the only way I know how. Hip Hop and song writing has always been a passion of mine so it was easy for me to express my love for the club through rhymes.
dcunited.com: What was your reaction when you found out it was going to play in the stadium on opening night?
RG: It was incredible when [D.C. United Director of Marketing Communications] Kyle Sheldon contacted me about showing it for the opener. It made me realize how great DCU fans are for showing so much support. I knew the video was going to get some recognition because Steve, Corey and Kevin did an amazing job but, I never thought it would get that much love. It was a special moment for me personally because my father hadn't been to a DCU game in like 10 years until that night. Watching his face in total disbelief was priceless!
dcunited.com: What reaction have you seen from other Black-and-Red fans to the video?
RG: I don't care what anyone says, D.C. United has the most loyal and passionate fans in MLS. Many fans have contacted me through twitter congratulating me on the video but most of all the fans just love the song. I think if you're a passionate about DCU like I am the lyrics just connect in such a way that you can't help but get fired up.
