The Spoken Word Art Form
Excuse me while I take a few minutes to introduce the artist side of me, and my art the
spoken word.
Spoken word is included as a member of the performing arts, and is
oratory in nature. However, spoken word can be found in its written form
as well, since it is word based. Also, one can find it backed by music,
in theatrical performances, in movies and other collaborating art
forms.
Modern Spoken Word and its Beginning
Lately
spoken word/poetry has become very popular;
artists in this arena can be seen reading poetry and/or storytelling at
venues. Storytelling is the focus of spoken word. That brings me to this
point: many dissertations have been written on storytelling.
I would venture to say, the former is so because storytelling usually
gives a voice to untold truths. Spoken word as we know it today is
mostly associated to the Harlem Renaissance of the 20’s. Today spoken
word can be found being performed on college campuses throughout the
United States.
Pioneers of Spoken Word
The true pioneers of
spoken word
are people like Gil Scott- Heron who recently passes over in 2011, The
Watts Prophets, and The last Poets to name a few. Many may have heard
of Russell Simmons, it’s fitting to point out that his founding of Def
Jam Poetry left a spotlight on the art form.
Some of my Work
My work is featured in two albums (CDs) published by Moiko Records, under my pen name
Radical Mind. I am feature in the CD “
A Word to the Wise Vol II“, and “
Moiko World Music Vol 2.” These two CD compilations where done as a means to raise money for charity. Again, welcome to the poet in me.
The Walking Dead
