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Summary In this engaging conversation, we chat with Steven Willis and explore the evolution of poetry, the impact of the New York scene, and the challenges faced by contemporary poets. We discuss the significance of trauma poetry, the importance of diversifying styles, and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Steven shares his personal journey, the lessons learned from competition, and the need for poets to understand their worth in the industry. In this engaging conversation, we delve into the competitive nature of slam poetry, discussing the importance of facing the best poets and the evolving dynamics of judging in slam competitions. We explore the challenges of maintaining anonymity among judges and the impact of audience expectations on performance. The discussion also touches on the Mount Rushmore of poets, recognizing both celebrated and underappreciated voices in the poetry community. Chapters 01:15 Personal Stories and Compliments 07:18 Stephen's Journey into Poetry 10:18 The Evolution of Stephen's Stage Name 13:18 New York: The City of Poetry Challenges 16:13 The Impact of Competition on Growth 19:16 The Changing Landscape of Poetry Post-Pandemic 21:48 Regional Influences in Contemporary Poetry 24:47 Top White Poets and Their Influence 26:19 Exploring Poetic Themes and Styles 28:34 The Importance of Study and Archiving in Poetry 30:43 The Balance of Slam Poetry and Personal Growth 33:30 The Debate on Trauma Poetry 38:35 Navigating the Corporate Side of Poetry 45:38 The Value of Versatility in Poetry 49:48 Self-Reflection and Authenticity in Poetic Expression 58:11 Facing the Best: The Competitive Spirit in Slam Poetry 01:01:04 The Evolution of Slam: Anonymity and Judging Dynamics 01:05:52 The Pressure of Performance: Expectations and New Work 01:11:05 Mount Rushmore of Poets: Personal Favorites and Under-Recognized Voices 01:17:25 Trivia Time: Testing Knowledge in the Poetry Community 01:25:46 The Battle of the Rappers: Kendrick vs. Drake 01:36:22 The Evolution of Hip-Hop: Standards and Hypocrisy 01:41:40 Cultural Context in Rap Battles 01:45:07 Final Thoughts and Freestyle Session Steven Willis Info: 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.

We are back again folks! In this episode, we chat with 2023 Women of the World Slam champion Ayanna Florence about her poetic beginnings and other things. Follow Ayanna on IG and X(formerly Twitter) @poetnextdoor Freestyle Beat: made by DJ D.R. 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.

We are back folks! Talking about the Grammy's and other shenanigans. Elijah Craig makes an appearance, sorry there's no timestamps we're rusty. Freestyle Beat: A Beat taken from YJB made by Mall Chi 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.

In this special episode we talk about the Of Earth and Sky Project and interview those who submitted to the project and created the project. PoetUp Crew: Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at [email protected] Visit our website: www.poetuppodcast.com Rate us, Review us tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening.

In this episode we chat with Charlotte based producer Master Kie. Bluz gets shots fired on him (4:20) Master Kie the meteorologist (5:30) being a woman producer in hip hop (10:02) Master Kie sees sound as color (16:40) no one is on Bluz level (17:00) Jay Ward gets introduced to Lost In Space (21:10) Master Kie wants to collab with Sade but does Mall Chi actually know Sade (22:20) Please Hammer don't hurt us (27:00) the Charlotte hip hop scene and what it needs (35:00) the origins of Before Summer Ends (37:10) Mall Chi has imaginary players beefing with him (44:50) Master Kie is for the orthopedic savior (52:32) Jay Ward throws shade that's not shade (59:40) don't follow Master Kie on Facebook (64:30) and of course we freestyle (67:50)   Master Kie Info:  Follow Master Kie on IG: @Unlock_Her_Sound and click the link below for all her events, beat tapes and beat purchasing info.  https://linktr.ee/masterkie Freestyle Beat by Master Kie PoetUp Crew: Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at [email protected] Visit our website: www.poetuppodcast.com Rate us, Review us tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening.

In this episode we speak with Blumenthal Performing Arts Director of Artistic Experiences Bree Stallings. We discuss her year (6:10) the Immersive Van Gogh Experience that Bree was the head of (10:20) the Of Earth and Sky installation poetry project (15:30) Intentions behind the placement of the project (18:35) her artistic beginnings (21:15) Her family life (25:00) we talk about how Bree's artistic integrity and helping other artists(30:25) food as art (48:10) Pee can vs. Puh-con (53:11) creating magic (61:02)  Jay Ward slowly morphs into Dr. Umar King (61:55) aging as artists (67:50) Mall Chi makes a Mark (74:32) and of course we freestyle (78:40) Bree Info:  Breanna "Bree" Stallings is North Carolina-native multi-media artist, illustrator, writer and activist. Bree graduated from Queens University of Charlotte in 2013 with a Bachelor Degree in Studio Art and Creative Writing. She resides near uptown Charlotte where she works as a painter, illustrator and muralist. Currently, she teaches adults and children intermediate and advanced drawing and painting techniques at her studio called the Learning Lab and is the Director of Artistic Experiences for Blumenthal Performing Arts. website: www.breestallings.com Follow Bree on IG @breequixote Freestyle Beat by S. Carter PoetUp Crew: Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at [email protected] Visit our website: www.poetuppodcast.com Rate us, Review us tell a friend about us. Thank you for listening.