In this episode we talk with Baltimore based poet, 2016 Brave New Voices winner and number 4 poet in the world Mecca "Meccamorphosis" Verdell. We discuss her poetry origin story (5:15), retooling as an artist (13:45) whether it's harder to write a comedy punchline or poetry punchline (21:00) If it's easier to win a BNV slam or adult slam (23:00) what winning means in the Baltimore poetry scene (27:10) Mecca gets passionate (35:25) Bluz and Jay Ward make proclamations again (53:50) Mecca has some tea (55:40) and of course we freestyle. 

Meccamorphosis Info:

Mecca Verdell is a Baltimore based poet and performer of Dewmore Baltimore. When she started her poetry career in 2016, Mecca won Brave New Voices, an international youth poetry slam. She’s also been a Radio show host for two Baltimore based radio stations, interviewing nationally and locally known poets and writers. She has been dedicated to provide youth with safe spaces to express

their creative voices with free open mics, showcases and competitions. Mecca is the former Youth Poet Ambassador of baltimore (2017), opening performer for Aloe Blacc at the National Education Association conference in 2017, Southern Fried Poetry Slam winner of 2017 and 2018, Top 10 finalist of the Woman of the world poetry slam 2018, and top 3 finalist for Texas Grand Slam. Outside of competition, she has taught the importance of using poetry as tool for social justice and healing for middle schools, high schools and colleges.

Follow Meccamorphosis on IG @meccamorphosis on Twitter @MeccaVerdell

Freestyle Beat: “Jazz Bop” by @scarterway on IG and Twitter

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