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 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