Heard 'Em Say: 7/31/09

Friday was the monthly Heard ‘Em Say youth poetry show. Occurring every last Friday of the month, this show has grown exponentially as one of the most anticipated shows in Tampa. On its third year and thriving, the show is a must see because unlike any other show in the area it focuses on Tampa’s youth. It’s really a good feeling to listen to young poets share their work. Some of the youth attending have been with the show for the entire time it has been here and to watch them now, you can really see their growth and development. Once terrified to be on stage and fumbling over their own writing, these kids have grown into aspiring artists who command the stage and perform their poetry like professionals.




Heard 'Em Say crowd 7/31/09

Wally B., co-founder of the Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa chapter, has done an outstanding job creating a place where youth can come to express themselves without fear of being rejected or ridiculed. He targets the pre-teens through teens and his dedication to nurturing young talent is apparent in the way he has groomed the show and the young attendees. Wally B.’s idea is to create a positive space for youth while encouraging self expression through poetry. I believe his mission has been accomplished.




This month’s featured poet was Javonte Adams. Javonte is a long-time member of Black on Black Rhyme-Tallahassee (the original show) and has performed throughout the country winning competitions and recognition alike. He is the founder of the Black on Black Rhyme-Rochester chapter, but now resides in Tampa. An outstanding orator, it’s often said that he is a preaching poet when referring to his style on stage. Whether he is speaking about injustice or moral and social value, Javonte has a way of bringing his words alive much like a Sunday morning sermon.



Javonte



The crowd was great! Children, parents, poets everyone gathered together to enjoy listening to young people do something productive with their time. This is a family show that caters to wholesome, healthy expression. I really enjoyed myself, as always.

See you there next month!

Black on Black Rhyme: 7/28/09

The previous week, Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa held its youth poetry night. Unable to attend, I heard that it was an electric night. It’s always so nice to see the youth artistically express themselves.

To re-enforce why we appreciate being adults, L.i.f.e. bought the show back this week with a grown and sexy theme. The weekly spotlight was Black Beauty who is always a treat for the ladies. With lyrics dedicated to lickin’ and suckin’, she definitely entertains the adult mind. For the most part the show was fairly calm. I had come out to witness the energy released when an adult crowd gets together to share sex stories (i.e. erotic poetry), but found that the spirit wasn’t there. There was some “grown and sexy” content but for the most part everything was at a normal buzz. Generally, such an occasion will call poets and patrons from all corners to put their “two-cents” in. Once you get a room full of sexually charged adults, there’s no telling what may happen. But at this show; no uncontrollable excited laughs, no moaning from the crowd as they are taken into a poet’s bedroom, no sexually charged energy. Regardless, the show was okay. Not really what I had anticipated, but maybe my expectations were off. I had fun though!

That's 100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice!

And what had happened...

So, on my last post, management had placed me on probation. Nevertheless, in an effort to retain my genius and wisdom “the man” sent me on Vacation! I went to Jamaica and had an excellent time. Well, seeing as how I’m broke I couldn’t do a whole bunch while I was there, but I’ve been several times before. Usually, we peruse the island and party endlessly, in between visiting family and partying endlessly. This trip, I kicked it at an Ocho Rios beach resort, slept, and ate. And boy did I eat! Curry goat, oxtails, chicken, salt fish, callaloo many of my favorite dishes and the food was superb. Besides that, I sacrificed a pig, fought a Jamaican Bobcat, and climbed up a 600 ft. waterfall. Okay, I’m lying, but I did climb 600 ft. up Dunn's River Falls. For me it was one of those “are you serious?” moments. First, the patrons were making chains to get up the waterfall and I’m just not one of those types. Holding hands with people, some strangers, yeah right. And, as my life would have it, out of the four people with me, I only knew one. So I didn't feel like congregating. Anywho, I had a great time resting and relaxing.

On another note, I have had another revelation. By nature, I’m not into taking pictures. Behind the camera is not my position! Therefore, I have decided to solicit photos from those who enjoy taking pictures. I am traveling with my camera but not very successful at it. As far as the probation thing, we're giving it one more try.

Spoken X: Probation!

So, now I see why no other poet had decided to do this before me, its hard! Yeah I said it! I didn't realize trying to committ to these other shows was so hard. It's been a while since I frequented the circuit, and now I understand why. Honestly, I thought I had stopped going to the shows so much because I had gotten bored. But, I think, it's because I don't have the patience.

See, for me to go to a poetry show and enjoy myself involves alcohol. I'm not the most social person, I'm nice but I don't like a lot of people talking to me and taking my attention. When I drink, I change. I become subdued, and friendly, able to share with people. Looking back, I realize that I would drink at every show, maybe only a few drinks, but I had alcohol. That's why I went out so much, it was always a party. As I have aged, I don't agree with so much drinking (I need my liver) so I don't feel like socializing as much.

So where do I go from here? Well, this week, I must attend 3 shows. I have officially put myself on probation with threats of termination. We're gonna establish that as the weekly minimum going forward. Let's set some standards.

.....As for the alcohol......we will see how that goes!

L.A. Temporary Closing?

I'm told that Lyrical Aspiration is temporarily closed. I sent JB a text message to confirm this and he didn't text me back. So until further notice, go at your own risk. (I don't want to be the reason someone finds themself on 7th Ave. pulling on locked doors!) When I find out something different I will post it.

Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa Tues. 7/14

Last night I went to the show at the Jerk Hut, it was a cool show. Sania was the spotlight for the evening. She's a good poet "brother told me my poonani so good it made Satan fall from grace and start telling lies, I ain't lying" this line kills me everytime I hear that poem. Which you might think she's getting into some erotic, lick and suck type poem, but its actually about domestic abuse. Among those in attendance, my homie Ken-Sation was here from Ft. Lauderdale. It was good seeing that dude, haven't seen him since 2005! I was extremely tired so I didn't get on the mic, I just observed. As always, the crowd was great! Obviously a group of people dedicated to absorbing as much of the spoken word as possible. Of course, L.I.F.E. was his usual unpredictable self, but it makes the show interesting. And they had a wing special that was worth coming out for all by itself. Now here comes the shocker, brace yourselves, I didn't have one drop of alcohol! Thats how tired I was. I wanted a drink, but wanted rest more. So I sat, mostly quietly, until Shawna, in her usual inebriated state, decided to harass me with her camera and antics. Im gonna need security soon! The show ended around 11:45pm and we all parted, peacefully. Next week's show is youth night, so you should definitely come out and see what the young people have to say.

Poet Reviews

Many poets/spoken word artists borrow their styles and flows from those who’ve come before them, some create their own flow and craft it over the course of their artistry. Lyric, is one of these artists. Since he first appeared on Tampa’s spoken word scene, he has managed to keep a style and repertoire that is all his own. Usually, his poetry has a sing-song appeal that engages the audience and brightens the mood of the room. While some claim they are not impressed with his choppy, rap-like flow, I maintain that he is definitely a poet who can turn a drab somber energy to an excited array of words and pictures.

Drawing from a deep southern heritage, and infusing her trials into her poems, Aries is a poet that is sure to be a hit with the female members of the audience. Usually a male bashing diva, this poetess knows how to keep the men at bay and the women in rage. Her performances are an all inclusive tale of love and heartache, joy and pain, right and wrong. If drama is your forte, then you will love this artist.


Some poets are cookie cut-outs of their predecessors. Cain is not one of these poets. Always controversial, this poet will definitely shock you. Whether he’s ranting on conspiracy theory or his ban on conventional medicine, this poet’s electrifying deliverance and well cooked verbiage will leave you wanting more. Possessing a larger than life stage presence, one word from his booming voice is enough to quiet the rowdiest crowd.