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summary In this episode, Mahogany Browne shares her journey from Oakland to becoming the poet in residence at Lincoln Center, discussing the power of poetry in societal change, the importance of authentic voice, and the fight against censorship and coon work in the arts.  keywords Poetry, Social Justice, Censorship, Black Poets, Lincoln Center, Slam, Art and Activism, Juneteenth, Banned Books, Cultural Resistance Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mahogany Browne’s Journey 07:55 Mahogany's Early Beginnings in Oakland and Sacramento 13:09 First Poems and Influences in Childhood 23:32 The Impact of Hip Hop and Slam Poetry 26:35 Her Work in Film and Media 35:47 Supporting Black Poets and Cultural Resistance 42:20 The Fight Against Censorship and Erasure 01:11:16 Becoming Poet in Residence at Lincoln Center 01:18:20 Reflections and Future of Poetry in Society PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

summary In this episode, poet and community engager Sade shares her journey from writing short stories to performing poetry, her insights on the Charlotte poetry scene, and her upcoming album 'The Fanged Fairy.' We explore themes of authenticity, community, and the importance of supporting each other's growth.  keywords Poetry, Charlotte, community, spoken word, music, art, collaboration, authenticity, growth, mental health Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:08 PoetUp introduces the episode and guest 01:03 The chin strap story and lessons on natural oils 05:07 Celebrating Sade's diverse artistic talents 08:28 Sade's background from Mobile, Alabama 09:20 Starting in poetry and her first poem 14:18 Entering the Charlotte poetry scene 16:13 Community engagement and supporting others 17:37 The beauty of art and sincerity 19:43 Poetry competitions and crash outs 26:41 Impact of marriage and healing in her work 31:31 Challenges in Charlotte's poetry community 36:07 Growth, collaboration, and community support 43:27 Supporting each other's success 49:46 Building a collective and overcoming ego 01:00:04 Manifestation and future collaborations 01:01:04 That's Cap segment: ranking dance moves and scenes 01:08:00 Ranking scenes: World Cup, music, and poetry 01:14:01 Sports, fandom, and cultural impact 01:19:51 Sade's music career and upcoming album 01:22:22 Promoting her upcoming features and projects 01:23:49 Freestyle segment and creative expression 01:33:19 Closing remarks and gratitude Freestyle Beat:  Snake Beats PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

In this episode, Mad Skillz shares his journey from childhood to hip hop stardom, emphasizing the importance of preparation, authenticity, and resilience in the music industry. He discusses his early influences, the grind of building a career, and insights into the culture of hip hop. Mad Skillz shares his journey from hip hop artist to spoken word poet, his experiences with Grammy nominations, and the importance of authenticity and community in art. We explore the evolution of spoken word, the significance of representation, and the power of perseverance in creative pursuits.  keywords Hip Hop, Rap, Music Industry, Artist Journey, Creativity, Preparation, Resilience, North Carolina, Virginia, Hip Hop Culture Mad Skillz, spoken word, Grammy, hip hop, poetry, creativity, community, representation, perseverance, artistry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mad Skillz 05:01 The Early Days of Hip-Hop 08:03 First Experiences with Performance 11:07 The Journey of Self-Expression 14:07 Growing Up in Fayetteville and Richmond 17:06 The Turning Point in His Career 20:02 Taking Hip-Hop Seriously 23:16 The Art of Freestyling 25:52 The Journey to Success 29:00 The Reality of Fame and Struggles 32:43 Performing for the First Time 35:06 The Pressure of Freestyling 43:43 Transitioning to Spoken Word Poetry 49:19 Navigating the Grammy Journey 52:54 The Impact of Vulnerability in Poetry 56:55 Raising the Bar for Spoken Word 58:21 The Importance of Sustaining the Spoken Word Category 01:02:13 Transformations and Intentions in Poetry 01:14:27 From Loss to Inspiration: The Birth of 'Words for Days' 01:17:07 The Art of the Pivot in Music 01:18:04 Dreams and Aspirations in the Music Industry 01:19:06 Cultural Kinship and Representation 01:20:01 The Collective Journey to Recognition 01:21:09 The Significance of Awards and Acknowledgment 01:23:00 The Importance of Community and Support 01:24:07 Mentorship and Guiding the Next Generation 01:26:15 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals 01:29:10 Freestyling and Creative Expression Freestyle Beat: Snake Beats PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

summary In this engaging interview, Black Chakra shares his journey from hip-hop to spoken word, the importance of critique and strategy in slam poetry, and the sacrifices behind success. Discover insights on the evolution of poetry, the role of competition, and how to grow as an artist. In this engaging interview, Black Chakra shares insights on poetry, slam culture, style, and the importance of originality. He discusses his journey, the significance of maintaining unique voice, and offers practical advice for aspiring poets and performers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 03:55 The Birth and Death of Drunk J 03:56 Introducing Black Chakra 05:36 The Journey of Black Chakra into Writing 09:55 The Evolution of Poetry and Slam Competitions 13:25 First Love Poem and Early Competitions 22:00 The Impact of Slam Poetry 24:09 Confessions of a Young Poet 24:39 The Journey of a Slam Poet 28:01 Facing Criticism and Growth 32:28 The Importance of Mentorship 35:25 Understanding the Game of Slam 38:29 The Price of Success 43:41 Transforming Trauma into Art 48:12 Accessibility in Poetry and Mentorship 51:38 The Importance of Roles in Poetry Groups 52:58 Investing in Coaching for Poets 55:23 The Evolution of Spoken Word and Rap 55:31 The Unique Voices in Poetry 59:06 Imitation vs. Originality in Poetry 01:01:16 The Power of Performance in Slam Poetry 01:07:17 The Game of Slam Poetry 01:09:11 Community and Support in Poetry Circles 01:12:11 The Legacy of Slam Teams and Championships 01:24:09 Travel Tales and Team Dynamics 01:26:33 Grim Jackson: The Legend and His Antics 01:28:31 The Cringe and Comedy of Grim's Performances 01:31:34 Pop Culture and Movie Rankings 01:36:23 Freestyling and Creative Expression 01:45:16 Shoutouts and Closing Thoughts PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

summary In this engaging interview, Steph Love shares her journey from writing elementary school poetry to winning a Grammy for her spoken word album with Skillz. She discusses her experiences in the poetry scene, hosting open mics, and her memorable moments at the Grammys, offering valuable insights for aspiring artists. In this engaging interview, Steph Love shares her journey from slam poetry to Grammy recognition, discusses Virginia's unique artistic scene, and plays fun games that reveal insights into the poetry community and industry. Discover how Virginia artists are making waves and the importance of history and community in artistic success.  keywords Poetry, Spoken Word, Grammy, Poetry Scene, Open Mic, Slam, Music Collaboration, Artist Journey, Poetry Tips, Music Awards Poetry, Grammy, Virginia artists, Slam poetry, Music industry, Poetry community, Awards, Virginia scene, Artistic success, Interviews Chapters 00:00 The Hot Dog Water Story 04:18 Introducing Steph Love 07:43 Steph Love's Poetic Journey 12:51 The Evolution of Hosting 23:11 Advice for Aspiring Hosts 24:53 Memorable Slam Experiences 32:12 Slam Poetry Experiences and Judging Dynamics 35:38 Transitioning to Grammy Conversations 35:54 Mad Skills and the Poetry Community 36:29 Collaboration and Artistic Integrity 38:10 The Journey to the Grammys 40:51 Acceptance Speech and Its Impact 43:21 The Excitement of the Grammy Experience 49:13 Reflections on Virginia's Artistic Identity 59:05 The Grammy Conversation: Who Deserves Recognition? 59:59 Becoming a Grammy Voter: The Path to Influence 01:00:30 Virginia's Grammy History: A Competitive Landscape 01:01:55 Blind Ranking: Virginia Slam Teams Showdown 01:08:06 The Best Virginia Poet: A Messy Debate 01:10:51 North Carolina vs. Virginia: The Poet Showdown 01:15:55 Retirement from Slam: A New Chapter for Steph Love 01:17:15 Freestyle Challenge: The Final Showdown  resources Skillz Grammy-winning album - https://www.amazon.com/Skillz-Album Poetry Slam Resources - https://poetryslam.com Steph Love's Bandcamp - https://parksandrecs.bandcamp.com Poet Up Podcast - https://podcastlink.com Steph Love on Instagram - https://instagram.com/slfiv Steph Love on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@sl5 Steph Love's Website - https://sl5designs.com Poet Up Podcast - https://podcastlink.com

Keywords poetry, storytelling, creativity, family dynamics, community, writing, identity, humor, faith, artistic expression, poetry, poets of color, HBCU, PWI, Black History Month, community, cultural shock, living poets, manuscript coaching, poetry opportunities Summary In this engaging conversation, Poet Up and Candace G. Wiley explore the intersections of humor, creativity, and personal experiences in writing. We discuss the importance of community in the poetry world, the impact of family dynamics on artistic expression, and the role of religion in shaping their narratives. Candace shares her journey from childhood poetry to her current work, emphasizing the significance of supportive relationships and the creation of spaces like The Watering Hole for diverse voices in the literary community. In this engaging conversation, Candace and the guys explore the definition of a poet, the importance of recognizing living poets of color, and the cultural shock experienced when transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs. We reflect on the historical context of universities, especially regarding their ties to slavery, and discuss the significance of Black History Month. The conversation also highlights opportunities for poets through the Watering Hole and includes a fun game segment, culminating in a freestyle session that showcases their creativity and camaraderie. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:45 The Raccoon Incident: A Comedic Tale 03:33 Welcoming Candace Wiley: A Creative Force 05:39 Drinks and Origins: Candace's First Poem 07:59 Exploring Themes of Faith and Identity 11:03 Childhood Memories: Marriage at a Young Age 12:24 Growing Up in a Restrictive Environment 14:25 Rewriting Biblical Stories: A Creative Journey 17:10 Navigating Parental Expectations and Artistic Freedom 20:47 The Impact of Sharing Poetry with Family 23:32 Reflections on Parenting and Creativity 27:16 The Watering Hole: A Creative Community 28:48 The Value of Community Education 32:55 Creating The Watering Hole 36:38 The Intersection of Spoken and Written Poetry 36:59 Navigating the Poetry Landscape 45:25 The Legacy of Black Poets 47:10 Transitioning from HBCU to PWI 57:56 The Power of Dreams and Unity 01:01:26 Contrasting Leaders: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr. 01:04:20 The Role of White Allies in the Movement 01:06:15 Opportunities in Poetry: The Watering Hole 01:13:28 Freestyle Challenge and Closing Thoughts Freestyle Beat: MallChi PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

Summary In this episode of the Poet Up Podcast, we engage in a lively discussion about racial unity, personal experiences at concerts, and the journey into poetry. We explore how education and performance shape a poet's career, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the influence of military life on creativity. The conversation also touches on community engagement and the diverse avenues available in the poetry scene. This conversation explores the journey of Josephus and the evolution of the Poetry Cafe, highlighting the importance of community, networking, and overcoming adversity in the arts. From its inception in 2009 to its expansion into a radio show and national platform, the discussion emphasizes the significance of local investment and the potential for international opportunities. Josephus shares personal anecdotes about challenges faced and the lessons learned, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace growth and creativity in their own artistic endeavors. In this engaging conversation, we explore the importance of community in poetry, the value of language learning, and the significance of supporting artists through album purchases. We discuss the Grammy spoken word category, the journey of creating an album, and of course, we freestyle. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Life Updates 04:25 Exploring the Journey into Poetry 09:36 Transitioning from Hobby to Profession 13:50 Connecting with the Audience through Poetry 17:58 Navigating Friendships and Creativity 22:14 Inspiration from Def Poetry 26:48 Community Engagement Through Poetry 30:30 International Poetry and Opportunities 34:24 Leveraging Opportunities for Growth 42:42 The Journey of Poetry Cafe 43:12 From Local to National: Expanding Reach 45:00 Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities 45:49 Growth Through Adversity 46:59 The Importance of Community and Sharing Knowledge 48:03 The Value of Language Learning 49:31 Cultural Perspectives on Language Acquisition 50:21 Fun and Games: That's Cap Segment 51:58 Grammy Considerations and Spoken Word Poetry 54:23 Creating a Cohesive Album Experience 56:40 The Creative Process Behind the Album 57:37 Balancing Art and Family Life 58:34 The Journey of an Artist 59:29 Inspiration from Fellow Artists 59:58 The Importance of Supporting Artists 01:01:19 Audience Engagement and Feedback 01:02:21 Promoting the Album and Its Singles 01:03:18 Connecting with the Community 01:04:30 Freestyling and Fun Moments 01:07:21 Shoutouts and Global Reach Check out Josephus at www.josephusiii.com and buy his latest album Changing The World One Poem At A Time. Follow Josepus on IG @josephusiii Freestyle Beat courtesy of Mall Chi PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

Summary In this episode, we engage in a lively conversation with Frank Expression, exploring his journey from a trumpet player to a poet. We discuss the significance of time, resilience, and determination in the creative process, as well as the challenges he faced, including overcoming Bell's Palsy. The conversation also delves into the business side of poetry, the importance of consistency, and the role of supportive relationships in artistic growth. Frank shares insights on building a poetry platform and the necessity of understanding the mechanics of running creative events. In this engaging conversation, we explore the journey of success in the creative arts, emphasizing the importance of determination, collaboration, and community building. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of organizing events, the significance of profitability, and the need for transparency in the arts. The dialogue also touches on the evolution of information sources in the digital age and offers valuable advice for new poets navigating a new city. And of course, we freestyle. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Swearing-In Ceremony Insights 05:39 Frank's Journey into Poetry 11:29 Reflections on Family and Loss 16:14 Determination and Rehabilitation 22:45 First Dates and Personal Growth 26:03 Vision and Purpose in Life 27:08 Engineering and Creativity 28:53 Relocating for Creative Growth 30:45 Building a Poetry Platform 31:43 Navigating Venue Conversations 32:43 The Importance of Consistency 34:28 Collaborating for Success 35:51 Profitability and Growth 38:10 Community Over Competition 39:34 Creating Exceptional Experiences 41:00 Reflecting on Success 41:30 Reflecting on Show Experiences 42:57 The Importance of Real Numbers in Events 44:27 Enhancing the Show Experience 45:36 Building Community Through Poetry 46:48 Establishing Yourself as a Poet in a New City 48:48 Understanding the Business Side of Poetry 51:04 The Evolution of Information Sharing 52:58 Musical Influences and Personal Growth 55:25 Sports Moments and Personal Reflections 56:44 Upcoming Poetry Events and Platforms 57:43 Freestyle Challenge and Creative Flow 01:01:12 Global Listener Shoutouts and Community Engagement For all of Frank's info go to his IG @frank_expression Freestyle Beat: Arpeggios by Mall Chi PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

Summary In this episode of the Poet Up podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Jah Smalls about his journey from New York City to Charlotte, the creation of the Black Charlotte Project, and the importance of community and storytelling in poetry. We discuss the cultural misconceptions about the South, the aspirations for Grammy recognition, and the emotional impact of the project on both participants and listeners. And as always, we freestyle. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 06:49 Journey from NYC to Charlotte 12:06 The Impact of Community and Culture 17:55 The Future of Black Charlotte and Its Legacy 39:44 Unity Through Poetry 45:01 Stories of Competition and Identity 49:35 New York vs. The South: A Cultural Exchange 51:30 Humor and Anecdotes: Life Experiences 57:08 The Black Charlotte Project: A Celebration of Community 01:10:22 PoetUp Intro Slide.mp4 Jah Info: IG @The_JahSmalls @grannaesboyz @respectdamic Freestyle Beat: MallChi PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast PoetUp YouTube: @⁠PoetUpPodcast⁠ Email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

Summary In this episode of the Poet Up Podcast, we engage in a deep and inspiring conversation with Ebony Payne, a multifaceted artist and survivor. We discuss Ebony's recent health scare after being bitten by a brown recluse spider, her journey of survival, and the importance of advocacy in healthcare, especially for marginalized communities. The conversation shifts to Ebony's work in memorializing African American history and culture, her thoughts on social justice, and the role of artists in these movements. We also touch on personal growth, the significance of leaving comfort zones, and the intersection of fashion and art. Finally, we explore Ebony's aspirations in music, including her Tiny Desk audition, and conclude with a freestyle session that encapsulates the spirit of creativity and resilience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:59 Survival and Resilience: Ebony's Journey 09:58 The Importance of Advocacy in Healthcare 16:11 Memorializing History: A Divine Purpose 20:02 Restorative Justice and Community Engagement 25:01 The Power of Uprooting and Transformation 30:05 Fashion as Art: Self-Expression and Identity 39:58 The Spiritual Connection in Fashion 41:12 Investing in Dreams and Talents 44:56 The Journey of Mackie and Black Spades 48:44 The Power of Small Gestures 49:42 Restorative Justice and Self-Identity 56:14 Tiny Desk Audition Experience 01:09:18 Freestyle and Creative Expression 01:16:19 Capsule Collection Launch with Black Spades Ebony Info: IG: @ebonypayneenglish Youtube Freestyle Beat: MallChi PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast PoetUp YouTube: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

In part 2 of this episode of the Poet Up Podcast, we talk with Rudy Francisco, exploring the intersection of poetry and corporate sponsorship, the importance of hard work and talent, and the evolving landscape of performance art. We discuss innovative ideas for poetry slams, the value of believing in oneself, and the significance of being coachable in the pursuit of artistic excellence. We also touch on personal experiences in the poetry scene, aspirations for future projects, and the importance of building platforms for poets. Rudy Francisco info: IG: @rudyfrancisco TikTok: @RudyFrancisco Website: rudyfrancisco.com Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Performance Anxiety 16:00 First Experiences and Poetic Process 17:40 The Pursuit of Perfection in Art 20:13 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Expectations 23:27 Game Show: That's Cap 32:28 Future Aspirations and Creative Independence 37:11 Freestyle Challenge and Creative Expression Freestyle Beat: MallChi Beat PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

In the first of this two part episode, we delve into the intricacies of poetry, performance, and the realities of tour life. We discuss Rudy's journey from writing his first poem about a crush to becoming a celebrated poet with appearances on major platforms like Jimmy Fallon. The conversation highlights the connection between sports and poetry, the importance of preparation, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in corporate gigs. Rudy shares insights on the competitive nature of slam poetry and the necessity of continuous growth in one's craft. Rudy Fancisco Info: IG: @rudyfrancisco TikTok: @rudyfrancisco Freestyle Beat: Mall Chi Beat PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us: [email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

In this episode we discuss a variety of topics including the recent Grammy Awards, the evolution of hip hop, and the impact of artist rivalries. We talk about Lil Wayne's absence from the Super Bowl, the significance of Kendrick Lamar's Grammy wins, and the emergence of new artists like Doechii. We also talk about the state of poetry in the music industry and concludes with a fun segment called 'That's Cap!' Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 03:48 Music News and Grammy Highlights 09:31 The State of Hip Hop 15:33 Kendrick vs. Drake: The Ongoing Battle 21:38 Grammy Performances and Reactions 29:42 Poetry and the Grammy Awards 32:54 The Authenticity of Spoken Word Poetry 39:28 The Impact of Grammy Nominations on Future Artists 43:38 Kendrick Lamar and the Grammy Controversy 50:20 New Segment: That's Cap! 56:33 Freestyle Session and Closing Thoughts Freestyle Beat: A Mall Chi Production PoetUp Crew:  Twitter/X:@PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG:@PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030 Facebook:@PoetUpPodcast YouTube:PoetUp YouTube Email us:[email protected] Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening

I'm over it I've done this more times than what I'd like to admit. Just know it's about our friend Tavis (RIP) and we talk junk about stuff and throw shots at CB and 5th Horseman (didn't forget your name this time) Anyway it's a good episode and you should listen. Mall Chi out

In this episode we chat with father, musician and poet CB about music, poetry, fatherhood and other things so buckle up it's a wild ride. Be sure to follow CB on IG @cbthepoet and on YouTube @CBthePoet Freestyle beat: some beats I found in my downloads that I don't know where they came from or who made them lol. PoetUp Crew: Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at [email protected] Rate us, Review us tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening.