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:

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