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To Jam or Not To Jam?: Commentary of Def Poetry Jam
By: Renee BlackStar

When you ask a random person or passerby on the street what the first thing is that comes to their mind when they hear you mention the phrase “Spoken Word Poetry”, you’ll probably find that many people in their responses will eventually make a reference to “Def Poetry Jam” somehow. It was the show that introduced “Slam” style poetry to a mainstream audience. The show didn’t invent the wheel, per say, but it was the vehicle that propelled an exciting form of art right into our living rooms. If you’ve never heard of nor watched an episode of this show, I could accuse you of living under a rock or perhaps in some random country that doesn’t exist anywhere on a map. But, I think it’s safe to say that everyone has heard of “Def Poetry Jam” at the very least.

Hosted by rapper/MC Mos Def and produced by Hip-Hop business mogul Russell Simmons, who also produced the uber successful “Def Comedy Jam” series, “Def Poetry Jam” debuted its very first episode in November of 2002. Since that date, the list of multi-talented performers that have been invited to grace the stage reads like a “who’s who” and “who are you” of appearances. A few of the show’s most recognizable poets and fan favorites have been Georgia Me, Sunni Patterson, Nikki Giovanni, Saul Williams, Oveus Maximus, Staceyann Chin, Ise Lyfe, Paul Mabon, and Sekou The Misfit to name a few. Now, add to that list a bevy of musicians (Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Smokey Robinson, Erykah Badu, …), rappers (Cheryl “Salt” Williams, DMX, Talib Qweli, Kanye West, Common, … ), actors and actresses (Phylicia Rashad, Ruby Dee, Kim Fields, …), and, yes… even a comedian or two (Dave Chappelle, Mike Epps, Tracy Morgan, …) and you have one seriously entertaining show.

I remember my first time tuning in to HBO one evening on the advice of a good friend who assured me that “Def Poetry Jam” was the best thing that has EVER happened to cable. So, of course, after hearing a review like that, I had to see what all the talk was about. “Captivated” would be a really good word to describe how glued to the television I was. See, I knew of poetry, but only in the Edgar Allen Poe-ish sense of the word, mostly because English Literature happened to be a favorite subject of mine throughout high school and college. But, in all my years of schooling, I had never experienced anything like the feeling I got from watching that one episode. I loved it!

They say, however, that true success doesn’t come without controversy and “Def Poetry” is no exception. Although the show seems to look like a live fellowship between like-minded people where everyone that takes the stage is equally talented, dynamically energetic, and collectively bonded by a love of poetic expression, that would only be the surface of it. Beneath it, there are very distinct differences between the people I have listed above and it doesn’t take an intellectual mind to divide the names into two distinctive groups: the already famous and the starving artist.

The irony of the show is that “Def Poetry Jam” could be considered the very top of the poetry game for a lot of these performers. Only the best Slam poets get put on anyway. But, what ends up happening to the true poet/“starving” artist/teacher/community activist: the one who faithfully uses their talents to uplift the hearts of those around them with little expectation of fame or fortune in particular, whose reward is merely seeing that their words are inspiring others to think harder and dig into emotions they never knew they had? These people go right back to their same old routines of Slam competitions and touring different cities to feature at open mic after open mic when their “15 minutes” is up. And even after being on a nationally televised and highly rated show like “Def Poetry Jam”, even the most well-known of poets won’t clear anything close to the same revenues being pulled in by the likes of their more notoriously famous counterparts, who often times seem a little misplaced on the shows roster, leaving us to feel as though we’ve been watching some kind of high profile, amateur open mic session.

Yet, for many viewers, it is the cameo appearances by the big named artists that keep them watching or even got them watching in the first place. I personally think it’s a good example of how starved these people are for the spotlight. But, it’s funny that a comedian like Dave Chappelle can get up on the same stage where real art is being performed, do a piece called “F**** Ashton Kutcher”, and get big laughs and a standing ovation for his farce of poetry, while the poet that does it for a living gets up and spits something from the heart and receives a hug in the form of modest applause. Could the truth be that Russell knew the show could not have ever reached the level of success that it has managed to obtain without the parade of famous faces or the comedy? I happen to think some of the performances by these already established superstars are totally making an unapologetic mockery of the truly gifted artists. The talent of Erykah Badu, as a poet, totally pales in comparison to the genius of Staceyann Chin entirely. But, that’s just my opinion. Erykah is untouchable at what she does… within her own element. But, I say, leave poetry to the poets.

It was a powerful sight to behold. So many bright and beautiful faces coming together to make something positive happen, all different kinds of people, from all different walks of life… coming to leave a piece of their soul on the stage. They each display an unshakable confidence, as they recite to us monologues infused with their own special brands of cleverness, passion, frustration, positivity, happiness, pleasure, anger, and laughter….

There is also debate within some artistic circles as to whether or not the mainstream success of the show has actually served to help or hurt the platform of Spoken Word. There are some who’d prefer it to stay below the radar, in the underground poetry networks, and in the hands of the people from which the art form was derived in order to preserve the rawness and grittiness of the art created. There’s even a thought that by pushing Spoken Word into the mainstream, it could be unknowingly opening up a host of other issues, such as government interference by way of censorship by those who might have a dislike for the more militant of poems or the political ones. There is also fear of dilution of quality and creativity in the craft, as is seen across the board in the Hip-Hop genre where many “wannabe’s” emulate and try to replicate whoever’s popular at the time to guarantee surefire success at the expense of originality. And where there is money to be made, there’s a rich man somewhere just itching to get in on the action, and that means a potential imposition of special taxes on performers and their merchandise and taxes targeting the venues that host open mic events or showcases amongst other issues. Despite these potential drawbacks, on the opposite end of the spectrum, there are just as many people who are committed to pushing Spoken Word forward as far as it can go, whatever the vehicle of its promotion, in the hopes that one day, performing as a Poet will be just as lucrative a career for the art form and its performers as it has been for our favorite vocalists, rappers, great painters, and thespians. Then, maybe the phrase “successful poet” won’t sound so much like an oxymoron.

In essence, as viewers, the show has afforded those of us who tuned in the opportunity to witness some pretty exemplary performances that we might not have otherwise ever known existed and now can be revisited by way of YouTube video clips. So, whatever the controversy, I wouldn’t spend too much time analyzing the pros and cons. It was a great show and, last time I checked, Russell Simmons wasn’t looking for feedback anyway. It’s already money in the bank for him. And that’s really the bottom line of t.v. anyway… isn’t it?… to make money? All we can do is hope that any shows coming along following in “Def Poetry’s” footsteps give us something even better. And I think HBO’s newest show “Brave New Voices”, which features the countries best young Spoken Word talent, may just be the answer. Watching it makes me very excited for the future of Spoken Word. It’s what “Def Poetry” probably should have or could have been and it’s the model I hope any shows that follow will strive for… a raw and artificial preservative free look at Spoken Word Poetry….

***And now for a few “DPJ” flashback performances…

etmmagazine.info/freeyourmind/2009/10/articles/2009_10_taalamacey.html

There's a new poetry venue in town...Ruby Tuesday's Fusion of Soul...hosted by Mrs. Ruby Red @Legends nightclub in La Mesa, every first Tuesday of the month. Last month Taalam Acey held us captive with his excellent brand of verbal wisdom, this months feature is Future the poet! I'm so excited cause my boy is a BEAST on the mic! Hailing all the way from Flint Michigan...his visit to San Diego has been much awaited. So come out and show him some San Diego love! eXcape the matriX magazine will be in the house representing...where will you be????

~Renee BlackStar
Westcoast Correspondent-eXcape the matriX magazine

Host: Ruby Red

Type: Music/Arts - Performance

Network: Global

Start Time: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 8:00pm

End Time: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 12:00am

Location: @Legends Night Club

Street: 6323 Imperial Ave

City/Town: San Diego, CA

Phone: 6195641320

Email: rubyredslounge@gmail.com

Fly Poet Showcase (Los Angeles, CA)
Taalam Acey one night only
Host: John Hensley
Type: Music/Arts - Performance Network:
Global Price: $15
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Savoy Entertainment Center Street: 214 S La Brea @ Manchester
City/Town: Los Angeles, CA View Map Google MapQuest Microsoft Yahoo
Phone: 3105591670
Email: flypoet@aol.com

Description The Flypoet Spoken Word & Music Showcase, the country's most highly produced and attended on-going event of it's kind. Once a month (first Wednesdays) we rock Los Angeles to it's poetry, live music, and performance art core by bringing in the world's most sought after spoken word artists and showcasing the hottest, locally based, signed and unsigned musical acts to the delite of LA's most beautiful, non-pretentious, urban professional audience. Dinner, drinks, unbelievable talent, a great venue, and a well produced show that starts on time, runs on time and ends on time makes this one of the most entertaining as well as artistically and culturally significant events in all of Los Angeles! Seating available for the first 300 patrons on a first come-first served basis!

Ladies and Gentleman,

*The Future* Issue was created to devote time to the voice of our youth and keep you informed on what issues, people, and places are making moves. However, due to the loss of the most illustrious person of today's world, this year's issue has also become a memorial to the late, great King of Pop: Michael Jackson. So, within the pages of the magazine our staff speaks out about how the life of one man has affected the lives of many. Let us celebrate his life, his legacy, and his music. As always, this issue is packed to the brim and we are delighted to have so many poetry submissions from youthful 2nd - 8th graders. These young people have stories to tell and we are proud to showcase their hearts between our pages. Of, course, not to be outdone by our young counterparts, the staff submitted their own poetry submissions, as well as a few readers!

But, you know by now that there is so much more waiting for you at www.eXcapethematriX.com.

Leave your feedback in our comment boxes, conveniently located at the end of each article! Want more goodies to Free Your Mind? Go over to http://eXcapeyourmatriX.blogspot.com for "Beanpie", "Outnumbered", and treats that you can't find in ETM Magazine or anywhere else.

eXcape the matriX magazine: Encouraging you to let Michael's legacy live on within you. "If you want to make the world a better, take a look at yourself and then make a change "

*Ladies and Gentlemen, ETM?s first annual Zodiac Issue is here!*

So, all our Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and cusp-riding readers, this one's for you! This issue is packed with everything Zodiac, including a survey where our amazing readers dish on experiences and qualities of every sign under the sun, or moon, or whatever Heavenly figure guides your life.

Other Zodiactastic articles include:

--Zodiac Signs In Music

--Northernstar's review of the movie 'Zodiac'

--An easy to use zodiac compilation from 'The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need'

--God vs. Astrology

--Astrology and the Occult of William Lilly

--Sherryn Daniel's commentary on how one should (or shouldn't) eat based on his/her sign

--Health Problems by Zodiac Sign

--Richard Russ dig into the new East Coast/West Coast Battle...

--Technically Speaking: 'How Astrology Works'

--Poetry submissions from Virgo, Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius journalists

Not into astrology? Are you sitting there thinking, I just want the interviews?

Well...issue wide interviews include:

--'Go To The Temple And Wait For Her': The Temple Interview

--'Business, Brooklyn, and Barbados': The Beny Blaq Interview

--'Up And Coming In Toronto': The Chris Rouse Interview

--'The Ballad of Purple St James Part II': The YahZarah Interview

--'Moe Definitely!': The Maurice Bradford Interview

--Newcomer Bobby Marvin gives us -'Mark Milly Makes Magic': The Mark Milly Interview

Plus:

--Our new movie critic, Michelle 'LOVE the poet' Nelson reviews 'The Soloist' --Richard Russ reviews Chrisette Michelle's 'Epiphany' album

--Political Correspondent Catalina Byrd answers the question: 'Is America Headed Towards Socialism'?

--Advice Correspondent Infinite Apex asks us all -'Are You Doing Your Part'?

But, wait! There's so,

so much more!

And it's all packed into this latest issue. And: we love to hear what you love and hate about eXcape the matriX magazine. Leave your feedback in out comment boxes, conveniently located at the end of each article! Happy Reading Planeteers!

www.eXcapethematriX.com