Lewd, Loud, and Proud: Dudes Who Slam Poetry
June 30, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan
Do you yawn at poetry? Does the idea of reading verse and meter make you want to curl up in a little ball and fall fast asleep? Well, you can forget about that nap because I’m about to show you how poetry can get your blood pounding, your fist pumping, and your belly heaving with snickers, giggles, and guffaws.
In recent centuries, we’ve come to view poetry as a written art form. But it wasn’t always so. Poetry is an oral tradition and in the last few decades there’s been an uprising among some very hammy poets who’ve taken to the stage and declared slam the next great literary movement.
They are writers and performers. Artists and visionaries. Comedians, philosophers, and nerds. They give good voice. They are lewd, loud, and proud. These are the men of slam poetry.
Taylor Mali
photo credit: BrodieAdler
Taylor Mali is one of the first slam poets I discovered and I was hooked immediately. He’s a brilliant and relevant writer, and his delivery is impeccable. Some slam poets take the performance aspect way over the top while others just mutter their poems without any flair at all. Taylor’s work is absolute perfection, which is why this man has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary poets.
You don’t read Taylor’s poems and you don’t listen to them either. You experience them. The first time I heard him reading What Teachers Make, he had me hollering “Yeah! Take that!” I had never realized that poetry could get me so riled up.
Taylor often explores teaching and education in his work. Like Lilly Like Wilson is another gem that had me grinning and nodding along. Is it a true story? Fiction? I was so inspired by this poem I actually created a character named Lily Wilson and now I have no idea what to do with her. I don’t even know if she’s legal.
It’s not all about education! See if Taylor doesn’t seduce you just a little bit with Giving Good Voice. This piece is surprising, witty, and may as well be the slam anthem for lovers.
Do yourself a favor and learn more about Taylor and his work at taylormali.com.
Shappy Seasholtz
Remember when I said some of these guys take the performance aspect a little over the top? Uncle Shappy leans that way. Nevertheless, he always makes me laugh. Yes, poetry can be funny. It can also be political. But how often have you heard a poem that was both funny and political? Shappy pulls it off with All American A-hole.
Now, we’re all pretty Internet savvy and I know some of you are big old geeks just like me. If you’re a Star Wars fan, let me hear you say ho-oh! You know you want to say it. I can recite Yoda. Why? Because I Am That Nerd.
Check out uncleshappy.com, where you’ll also find a link to Shappy’s girlfriend, slam poet pioneer Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz. She’s currently battling Taylor Mali for the top spot on my favorite poets list. I can pretty much guarantee you’ll hear more about her from me. But we’re talking about the dudes today.
Mayhem Poets
These guys are going to blow your freaking mind. I would even go so far as to say that if you hate poetry, these guys might change your mind. James Chartrand, I am talking to YOU! You can tell me how you don’t like podcasts and poetry until human beings start morphing into wild animals. But you can’t listen to Femail and tell me you don’t like it. A lot. Check it out and have a laugh. It’s on me.
If poetry is magic, these guys are sort of like the arch wizards. You just know they were first in line when Mother Nature was handing out muses. Martin Luther Queen is another captivating example of their lyrical talent. These guys got skill, straight up.
Get all the dirt on these four fine fellows at mayhempoets.com. And do note that they are easy on the eyes as well as the ears.
I Love Mongo
Mongo is THE MAN! He’s the emcee for IndieFeed Performance Poetry and I LOVE Mongo! If it weren’t for him, I would know next to nothing about slam poetry and I’d have no idea that when I travel to New York (if I ever get the chance), my first order of business will be to visit The Bowery Poetry Club. I am filled with gushing gratitude to Mongo for all the hard work he does so that folks like me can become slam addicts. Mongo, you rock!
Be sure to visit the IndieFeed site, which features a list of all the poets and links to the full audio of each performance that has been featured on the podcast. You can also subscribe via iTunes. I do.
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Talkin’ to me, eh? Hehehe… You call, I come.
Alright. You know what gets me about poetry? Prejudism, bias and mental associations. I think poetry, and all I can think of is pink tutus, effeministic flower spouting and odes of neverending sugar romance so sweet you could puke.
I’m definitely *not* the right guy for classical literature and 18th century poetry. I’ll admit it freely. But you make a good point and I’ve been thinking about it ever since you told me Kid Rock is a poet.
Yeah. In my mind, I’ll always associate him with singer/songwriter because I certainly don’t want to peg him a dancing pansy tossing rose petals and spewing love, but you got through. He rhymes and he raps. It’s poetry.
John Mayer is another who uses poetry in his music, and he specifically says so. Love him, so I guess I love his poetry. Kevin Parent is another I love these days.
Now. I have to go listen/read your links while you sit there all smug.
James, I don’t think any of the great lyricists can get away with not using poetic technique in their work
At the Conservatorium they even teach a class on poetic technique for songwriters.
@Melissa This is a great post. The slam poets are doing what every group of great poets have always done: perform. It’s when poetry gets embalmed between cardboard covers that it begins to die. As you noted about Taylor, poetry is meant to be experienced.
@James What? No powdered wig for you? Well, perhaps you’d do better with a flowing mane of 19th century romanticism?
Jamie Grove - How Not To Writes last blog post..How I Almost Started Writing: Schaffhausen
Reminds me of Tigger: Flouncy, flouncy, flouncy, flouncy, fun fun fun fun fun!
But the wonderful thing about Tiggers is, I’m the only one.
James Chartrand - Men with Penss last blog post..Manners on the Internet: People Still Don’t Get It
@James, I too have little tolerance for the flowery fluff of poetry. I need something that makes me sit up and say “ah.” Back when I was a kid, I used to write out the lyrics of my favorite songs, which is how I came to associate poetry with music lyrics. So yeah, the good stuff is out there but it can take a little digging to find it.
@Joel, Right you are! Most of the greatest songwriters have at one time or another been called poets. Dylan, Springsteen, and Joni Mitchell come to mind.
@Jamie, What fascinates me about the slam poets is their ability to perform. I had grown to think of writers as very solitary and often shy. Performance adds a new twist and does bring poetry one step closer to music or even theater. I’m not sure if I could do it but I sure love to listen and watch!
Melissa,
I think we have shown right here on your site that some of us can be both the shy types and then still come out with some not so quite *shy poetry*
Excellent examples here and you got James to change his mind!
I’m impressed!
Wendi Kellys last blog post..The Perils of Perfectionism
Hi Melissa,
I like poetry. I don’t write much, but I did compose a little piece on my current post.
I never have taken the slam poets seriously. I always felt it was all about out doing eachother. I will consider it differently now;I will take it seriously.
I especially like the education poet’s idea, Taylor Mali, since I used to be an educator. Though once an educator, always an educator, I guess. I wasn’t an asshole teacher, though!
I will have to check out more of his stuff.
This Lili Wilson character. Interesting.
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Brevity is Best for Blogs
Some of these comments are hysterical. Sadly (well, maybe not) I never heard of slam poets, although in some respects they seem related to The Beats.
@Melissa - I was taken by your comment about performance in the slam poets. Maybe it’s the assimilation of another persona? I have known some very shy writers (moi included) who did not enjoy presenting (in an academic sense) on stage or in front of an audience as themselves but one transformed into someone else the person took on a different aspect of reality.
Debs last blog post..Mid year review, pt 1
Melissa — I love Taylor, and I love performance poetry. Have you ever seen Andrea Gibson? (Do a youtube search, if you’re curious.) She is amazing.
Amys last blog post..My Role Model, the Ostrich
@Wendi, I’ll let the poets themselves take credit for bringing James around and James gets credit too — for being a Suess and Milne fan
What is it with writers and shyness anyway?
@Ellen, Yep, Taylor Mali is fantastic and these slam poets are very serious about what they’re doing. As much as I love the humorous pieces there are just as many that will make you sad, angry, or just contemplative. Good stuff.
@Deb (gscottage), They remind me of the Beats too. Now if only I could learn to take on another persona so that I could perform but the only way I ever get up in front of a crowd is if I’m dancing. Someone once suggested I sign up with Toastmasters. That could be an option…
@Amy, Yes, I’ve heard of Andrea Gibson! I’m not overly familiar with her but she has been featured on IndieFeed several times. I have a poem by Andrea called Blue Blanket. She also has a MySpace page where you can listen to her read: http://www.myspace.com/andreagibson.
Melissa - thanks for the myspace link. I do have two of her albums downloaded to my iphone. Blue Blanket is one. I will have to check out her myspace. She also has a website, andreagibson.org, which has links to some videos. That’s how I found her I think.
Amys last blog post..Keyword Analysis: Can’t Do Without These Gems
Melissa,
I forgot to add that yes, poetry is an oral tradition and is meant to be performed like Jamie Grove said. That whole idea makes it seem ancient and mystical. It makes dry words spill with rich juicy. Sexy!
Ellen Wilsons last blog post..Brevity is Best for Blogs
Hi Melissa, This is just wonderful. You’ve opened up a whole new world for me. I know you’ve given the IndieFeed link before but it’s really nice to know your favorites and why you like them. I’m already head over heels for Taylor! Thank you so much.
Greers last blog post..Contrast Podcast- Hot! Hot! Hot!
@Amy, Aw, now I’m all jealous that you have an iPhone. I’d love to hear if you like it since I’ve gotten some pretty mixed reviews — but I really want one. I’m just not sure if it’s any good.
@Ellen, Rich juicy indeed! Hahehee.
@Greer, It’s easy to fall for Taylor; he’s such an incredible artist. There are tons of other captivating poets on IndieFeed and I’ll be talking more about slam poetry next month (it’ll be the spotlight topic).
Melissa - I ADORE my iphone. My only complaint is that it’s very addicting. But my OCD isn’t really the iphone’s fault.
I have had mine since late last year. I visit blogs on it, write blogs on it, respond to comments on it. It’s awesome. All my music is on it. There is really nothing bad about it. It’s the best phone I’ve ever had — great reception — although I use it more for email/internet. It’s like having a tiny laptop.
Amys last blog post..Aim for the Middle: a Lesson in Professional Life and Potty Training
I want an iPhone too, I have ever since they came out. Then earlier this year I had to get a new computer and, after being a lifelong PC girl, I went with the MacBook and now I am totally pro-Apple… I cannot believe the love I feel for my computer.
Mmmm, oh yes, we were talking about slam poetry. I’m so excited that you are going to highlight it next month! I want to learn more about it but since I am already struggling with traditional poetry I didn’t know how I was going to fit it in :).
Greers last blog post..#@!% Wordsworth
Melissa, I have always loved poetry but spoken word opened up an entirely different experience for me. In the late 80’s before Starbucks was everywhere I went to a brand new coffee shop to watch my friend perform spoken word and I was hooked. It satiated my Kerouac loving soul with artistry wrapped in hip hop. I love Def Poetry Jam and find myself laughing, nodding and sometimes tearing up as these poets drop knowledge. I still love Maya, Langston, Pablo, Frost, EE and so many more but spoken word and slam poetry moves my soul in a different way. Thank you so much for sharing!
Karen Swims last blog post..Karen Swim for President?
@Amy, That’s what I figured. A few people I know have been saying the iPhone is getting bad reviews so I’m always looking for feedback from real people who have one. Thanks! It’s still on my wish list
@Greer, I also want to make the PC –> Mac switch. I’m hoping to do that next year and it’s a relief to hear it wasn’t too difficult. I’m a little nervous about it! Regarding slam poetry, I’m hoping to squeeze in a little Def Jam before next month (I’ve never watched it before) since that show is a huge contributor to the popularity of slam.
@Karen, We like many of the same poets though I’m still on the fence about Frost. LOVE Maya and EE (and so many more) but slam certainly adds a new (old) twist to enjoying poetry. I think it goes down easier when you hear it as opposed to reading it
Thanks for spreading the love about Slam Poetry. The exposure for these talented poets have increased dramatically over the last couple of years. I’d like to think primarily because of Mongo. He has done more for poetry on the web than any other person or site that I can think of.
FYI, I found this post by doing search for poetry slam over at Twitter.
Thanks again!
Will
Will Browns last blog post..Cloudy Day Art #85 - Poetry for the Young Generation
Hi Will! Mongo definitely had a huge hand in exposing me to slam poetry and now I’m hooked! It’s definitely something I want to explore in greater depth — especially next month. I see you’ve got one of my favorites featured on your site (Like Lilly Like Wilson). Right on!