Poet Up

In this episode, we speak with the creators of Charlotte is Creative Matt Olin and Time Miner. Jay Ward took his rap career as far as he wanted (2:50) there's a bittermilk commercial (4:25) We discuss Matt and Tim's origin story (10:20) the stumbling blocks they had (20:48) what it means to be a creative (35:45) why Matt and Tim should start a Patreon (47:25) We discuss what a person should wear f...

In this episode we talk with CEO, SPEAKER, POET, EVENT PLANNER Sherrie (Candy) Zantea. We blame Marco Rubio for Texas' troubles (4:05) what inspired Candy to want to serve others (15:16) how many poets Candy has made cry (26:35) how to create team cohesion (27:30) Poetchella (30:35) Bluz is ready for a sexual adventure at Poetchella? (32:25) why Candy had no time to wait for Rudy Francisco (41:46)...

In this episode we talk with poet, playwright, professor and performer Jahman Ariel Hill. We talk about the University of Alabama being black (14:12) being in boxes and how that can be an opportunity (36:05) what it's like being inside the box (45:25) and outside the box (46:15) and The Flourish Alabama non-profit (71:35) and of course we freestyle. Jahman Info:  Jahman Hill is an award winning po...

In this episode we talk with playwright, author, poet, battle rapper and National Poetry Slam Champion both team (2018) and individual (2019) Breeze. We talk about Breeze's passion for poetry, Jay Ward tells us how he knows Breeze is from the hood (8:55) Breeze finds his tribe (21:35), we not in this b***h to be in this b***h (33:55) who's riding with you (41:25) you never seen a zen mode Breeze (...

In this episode we talk with Baltimore based poet, 2016 Brave New Voices winner and number 4 poet in the world Mecca "Meccamorphosis" Verdell. We discuss her poetry origin story (5:15), retooling as an artist (13:45) whether it's harder to write a comedy punchline or poetry punchline (21:00) If it's easier to win a BNV slam or adult slam (23:00) what winning means in the Baltimore poetry scen...

In this episode we speak with community activist, creative, doer and entrepreneur Davita Galloway. We discuss the libations (3:30) Davita's fashion origins (6:40) Dupp & Swat beginnings (8:00) Freshmen year of college (37:00) Mall Chi asks a borderline racist question (56:10) the infinity bottle shows up at about the 27:00 mark and takes Jay Ward and Mall Chi's ability to coherently speak and...

In this episode we chat with Roscoe Burnems, Poet Laureate of Richmond, VA (we called it before it happened) We discuss how he came to write, we get chastised by Morgan Freeman, we discuss his poetry and comedy special Traumedy, illiteracy, we rep our states, Jay Ward flexes on Mall Chi and of course, we freestyle. Roscoe Info: Richmond Virginia native, Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems is a poet, pub...

In this episode we interview Kyla Jenee Lacey, accomplished third person bio composer, daughter of two lucky parents and owned by two black cats, Kit and Kaboodle. We talk about Karen's, love poems to menchildren, Kyla's impressive poetry resume and of course we freestyle.  Kyla Info: Her spoken word has garnered millions of views, and has been showcased on Afropunk, George Takei, Write About...

In this episode we chat with Jason Jet about his artistic journey, him being a Jack of all trades (literally 31:30) and his new studio. Jay Ward forgets the point he's making (21:30), Bluz gets his Ted Koppel on(the whole podcast lol) and Mall Chi (mostly) tries his best Jay Ward question impression (33:00) and doesn't know the difference between Iceland and Ireland (25:35) (63:30). This interview...

We are back with season 2 of The Poet Up Podcast. Thank you for listening. In this episode we talk with Jaycee Cowan poet, barber, entrepreneur and all around bad ass. Not to mention one of the pillars of the Charlotte poetry scene. Jay Ward channels his inner M.O.P. Mall Chi defends using cutlery on people and Bluz, well Bluz insults the Bey Hive... again. We also talk with Jay See about his time...

In part of of our conversation with Ed Mabrey, we delve deeper into his spoken word roots discussing his first slam experiences, him always coming in 3rd place (4:00) how they Christopher Columbus(ed) slam in Columbus, OH (6:05) we debate if we made Segways or segues (16:10) we discuss relevancy (18:10) and doing the work (22:00). We get off the rails per usual and we have a freestyle session at t...

In part one of this two part interview with 4 Time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion Ed Mabrey we discuss differences between comedy and spoken word (5:30) his transition from poetry to comedy (10:02) Bluz being a gangster of mythical origins (11:11) why multiple streams of income are important for any artist/creative (17:20). Bluz also shades the Bey Hive (27:13) Jay Ward shades Mall Chi...

In this episode we speak with Sha'Condria "iCon" Sibley, We discuss her beginnings in spoken word poetry (4:00) name origins (6:06) Southern Fried memories (10:15) wack art (16:10) going viral (36:45) and of course we freestyle terribly at the end. iCon Info: A lover of the stage, iCon has also been featured in several stage productions such as the musical, ‘Badu-izms’, a production of Eve Ensler’...

In this episode we talk with Cocoa Flo about her non-profit (4:10) dads stealing toothpaste (10:10) the legend of Fizz (11:45) the importance of mentoring (13:58) W.A.P. (26:48) doing poems in church (32:24) Mall Chi hating to lose (47:35) and of course, we freestyle terribly(85:55) Cocoa Info: Jasmine “Cocoa Flo” Swanagan is an intelligent, unapologetic, and enlightened poetic voice, hailing from...

In this episode we chat with Rock Hill poet laureate Angelo Geter. We talk about writing through grief (6:00) Angelo's imaginary Lawyer TV show (23:50) how Angelo became poet laureate (25:10) Angelo's R&B aspirations (53:00) and if Brandon Leake (America's Got Talent) has opened doors for spoken word poets (1:03:04) and of course we freestyle terribly. Come on and Poet Up with us. Angelo Geter...

In this episode we talk entanglements, Kanye and new projects. Jay Ward talks his talk while Bluz and Mall Chi drink Blue Moon. And as always we freestyle.  Freestyle Beat: "Skyline" by Twint4k  PoetUp Crew : Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at thepoetuppodcast@gmail.com

Ever wonder what doesn't make our interviews? Here is some extra content from our interview with Jordan Bailey. Jordan Bailey Info: Follow Jordan on IG @Jordan_with_da_poems Facebook: Jordan Bailey PoetUp Crew : Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us at thepoetuppodcast@gmail.com

In this episode we talk with Jordan Bailey about being a student of poetry. What it's like to have Terry Creech kill your poetic dreams (lol) battle rap and wrestling. And as always we freestyle terribly.  Jordan Bailey Info: Follow Jordan on IG @Jordan_with_da_poems Facebook: Jordan Bailey Freestyle Beat: "Catfish Voodoo" by Timmy Probably Follow him on IG @timmyprobably PoetUp Crew : Twitte...

In this episode we talk with Charlotte artist and owner of BLK MRKT CLT DAMMIT Wesley. We discuss the Black Lives Matter mural in uptown Charlotte and it's significance. We discuss how creatives can deal with educators who don't understand their work. We get blackity black in this episode.  DAMMIT Wesley Info: DAMMIT WESLEY is a dynamic multi-disciplinary artist who uses his work and platform...

In this episode we talk with public speaker, organizer, educator, poet, spoken word artist, songwriter, emcee and alumni of the Nasir Jones Fellowship with the Hip Hop Archive at Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. Dasan makes fun of the intro music, we discuss what it means to level up, Dasan tells a story about being tall shamed. We take a trip back...

In this episode we talk with Mason Parker about an artist's grind(2:40), how artist can level up their craft (5:05) and what the grind is worth (10:42). We talk a little snitch culture (13:00) use metaphors (15:25) and talk about how Dare Devil influenced Mason to keep grinding (35:20). And as always, we freestyle (68:00) Mason Parker Info: Mason Parker is a modern day renaissance man. The po...

Today we talk about how the pandemic and resulting quarantine is affecting artists and how artists are in return providing virtual content and what future monetization of virtual content may look. Also, Jamaal gets chocolate wasted.  PoetUp Crew : Twitter: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @MrBluz @jayward2030 IG: @PoetUpPodcast @mallchi @bluzbluzbluz @jward2030 Facebook: @PoetUpPodcast Email us a...

In this episode we speak with Terry Creech founder of Slam Charlotte and Executive Director of Breathe Ink Youth Poetry. We talk about what drew him to start slam in Charlotte, what led him to working with teenagers and how his drive is reflected in his weight loss journey. We find out how Terry got on Def Poetry (HBO) Terry and Bluz reminisce about Miami, Terry gets Mall Chi super motivated and J...

In this episode, we discuss how artists can create their own lane through non - traditional methods and ideas. We talk about Bluz and his start in spoken word. We discuss the poet of the decade and somehow end up making fun of Trick Daddy's mugshot. Come laugh with us  Freestyle Beat: Used with permission by Lofi Brown "De La Skeleton"  Twitter: @Lofi_Brown IG: @mpt1210 PoetUp Crew : Twi...

This week we talk with Shane Manier about the obligation of a poet and how that intersects with activism. We discuss poetic license in telling stories that may not be their own. We decide that we're an environmentally aware podcast. We debate where and how cats get money for milk. Shane explains experimenting and the shadow self. And as always, we freestyle. Shane Manier contact info : IG: @shanem...