PoeticalTv: Spoken Word Videos

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Poetry by Sinclair Azubuike Farrell

Poetry videos for poems written by British poet Sinclair Azubuike Farrell.

Poetry Book Trailers

Trailers for the Poetry books written by British poet Sinclair Azubuike Farrell

What is Poetry?

Poetry is a creative expression of language. It has a long history rooted in the prehistoric oral tradition of the first humans, evolving past the advent of writing, and into the present. It takes on many forms, from simple rhyming couplets to complex free verse. A much misunderstood art form, poetry nevertheless continues to inspire millions of readers and listeners in every culture.

Poetry contains both literary and musical features. On the literary side, poetry can use any combination of metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, allegory, even narrative or storyline. Denotation (direct meaning) and connotation (indirect meaning) help to further sculpt the literary meaning or sense of a poem. On the musical side, poetry uses rhyme, meter, assonance (similar vowels) and alliteration (similar consonants) to strike an aural mood or tone. Poetry can be ironic or humorous, attractive or ugly, mystical or mundane. Poetry has the power to move hearts, win minds, and inspire people to action.

When approaching a poem, listen. What is the poem saying and how is it being said? Do you notice any interesting turns of phrase which could have been stated more blandly? What types of musical elements do you hear? If there is no obvious rhyme scheme or rhythmic pattern, can you detect assonance or alliteration? When one of those elements is repeated, you can bet the poet did it on purpose, as intentionality is the hallmark of a pleasing poem. Consider also the context in which the poem was written. Often times if you know something about the poet herself--how she grew up or what she does for a living, for example--you will be better prepared to catch subtle allusions where otherwise you might only have found obscurity. Just don't be surprised if a poem hits you with all the blunt force of a stone tablet; not all poetry is parchment-delicate.

Famous Poets (A-Z)

An a-z of some famous poets, past & present.

Spoken Word

What is spoken word?

The Making of Def Poetry

The Making of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.

Def Poetry, also known as Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam, which was co-founded by Bruce George, Danny Simmons and Deborah Pointer, is an HBO television series produced by hip-hop music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. The series presents performances by established spoken word poets, as well as up-and-coming ones. Well-known actors and musicians will often surprise the audience by showing up to recite their own original poems. The show is hosted by Mos Def. Def Poetry is a spin-off of Def Comedy Jam. As he did on Def Comedy, Simmons appears at the end of every episode to thank the audience.

The series included historical legendary poets such as, The Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka and Sonya Sanchez. It also featured poets, Saul Williams, Grammy Award Winning J. Ivy, Jessica Care-Moore and Lemon. Though technically not a poetry slam, Def Poetry has become heavily associated with the poetry slam movement, and utilizes many of poetry slam's best known poets, including National Poetry Slam champions such as Beau Sia, Taylor Mali, Big Poppa E, Mayda del Valle, Mike Mcgee, Alix Olson and Rives, among others.

Def Poetry: Season 1

Def Poetry, also known as Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam, which was co-founded by Bruce George, Danny Simmons and Deborah Pointer, is an HBO television series produced by hip-hop music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. The series presents performances by established spoken word poets, as well as up-and-coming ones. Well-known actors and musicians will often surprise the audience by showing up to recite their own original poems. The show is hosted by Mos Def. Def Poetry is a spin-off of Def Comedy Jam. As he did on Def Comedy, Simmons appears at the end of every episode to thank the audience.

The series included historical legendary poets such as, The Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka and Sonya Sanchez. It also featured poets, Saul Williams, Grammy Award Winning J. Ivy, Jessica Care-Moore and Lemon. Though technically not a poetry slam, Def Poetry has become heavily associated with the poetry slam movement, and utilizes many of poetry slam's best known poets, including National Poetry Slam champions such as Beau Sia, Taylor Mali, Big Poppa E, Mayda del Valle, Mike Mcgee, Alix Olson and Rives, among others.

Def Poetry: Season 2

Def Poetry, also known as Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam, which was co-founded by Bruce George, Danny Simmons and Deborah Pointer, is an HBO television series produced by hip-hop music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. The series presents performances by established spoken word poets, as well as up-and-coming ones. Well-known actors and musicians will often surprise the audience by showing up to recite their own original poems. The show is hosted by Mos Def. Def Poetry is a spin-off of Def Comedy Jam. As he did on Def Comedy, Simmons appears at the end of every episode to thank the audience.

The series included historical legendary poets such as, The Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka and Sonya Sanchez. It also featured poets, Saul Williams, Grammy Award Winning J. Ivy, Jessica Care-Moore and Lemon. Though technically not a poetry slam, Def Poetry has become heavily associated with the poetry slam movement, and utilizes many of poetry slam's best known poets, including National Poetry Slam champions such as Beau Sia, Taylor Mali, Big Poppa E, Mayda del Valle, Mike Mcgee, Alix Olson and Rives, among others.

Janet Jackson recites Maya Angelou Poems

Janet Jackson's character in the film 'Poetic Justice' recites the poems 'Alone' & Phenomenal Woman' by the poet Maya Angelou.

UK Poets A-Z

An a-z of some UK Poets/Spoken word performers.

Upshot Poetry!

Welcome to Upshot Poetry!!!

White House Poetry Jam

An evening of poetry, music and the spoken word at the White House on May 12, 2009

Illegal Activity - Short Film 'Knowledge is Power'

Illegal Activity is an action-packed drama set in a rough housing estate in London, yet nothing on the block is quite how it seems. We follow Winston a street level dealer and his crew for one day, witnessing the devastating effect their trade has on the block. Society is crumbling, families unravel and desperation causes internal conflict. The need to satisfy this addiction spirals out of control. Police are closing in and are determined to infiltrate the hierarchy in an attempt to put a stop to this Illegal Activity.

Director: Sebastian Thiel
Writers: Najan Ward & Duane Palmer
Producers: Najan Ward, Duane Palmer & Sheila Nortley
Cinematographer: Amarjeet Singh

Drink, Drugs and KFC (Short Film)

Drink, Drugs & KFC marks the directorial debut of actor Aml Ameen (Kidulthood, The Bill, Harry's Law) and explores the dynamics of friendship between a group of young boys growing up in London. Comical, yet heart-warming and real, we watch young Nathan and his friends Max, Derek and Skipper head to an under-18 rave. Cue drama, jokes and fights all in the name of teenage bravado and hopes, impressing the most popular girl at college - the beautiful Montana.

LESSONS LEARNT (INSPIRATIONAL SHORT FILMS FOR THE YOUTH)

STARING - SKWILLA DA GORILLA ,DUBZ , KREPT ,PANE AND YARDS,GHOST&BABS,ARD ADZ AND SHALLOW, DRU BLUE, BIRDIE , DYNAMIC STALKER DIRECTED BY JAJA SOZE PDC INCH-I CREAM CARTEL AND UKOVERSTOOD. WRITTEN BY TARA-JAYNE MANUFOR

Rhyme & Reason (Hip Hop Documentary)

A study in the world of hip-hop, done mostly with interviews, in order to see why it is as popular as it is today and what the future holds.

Tupac: Uncensored and Uncut- The Lost Prison Tapes

As Tupac's interviewer announces, "Tupac, this interview is not about your trial, or your court appeals--it is about Tupac, the inner man, then, and now." Featuring an uncut and never-before-seen interview at the Clinton Correctional Facility, TUPAC SHAKUR UNCENSORED AND UNCUT: THE LOST PRISON TAPES presents a raw look into Tupac's world, as the rapper riffs on topics ranging from his involvement with gang life to prisons in America to his relationship with his mother. What emerges is a moving self-portrait of an artist who sees himself as fundamentally misunderstood: He may have diagnosed thug life, but he didn't invent it, and he is determined to uplift--not destroy--the black community. Capturing the intensity and passion of a fierce talent, TUPAC SHAKUR UNCENSORED AND UNCUT: THE LOST PRISON TAPES offers a glimpse inside the mind of the enigmatic artist whose music is, in his own words, "all about life."

This extensive interview with notoriously murdered rapper Tupac Shakur was recorded at the Clinton Correctional Facility, and features the artist discussing everything from his relationship with his mother, to his involvement in gang life and street crime.

Aaliyah: So Much More Than A Woman

Aaliyah - So Much More Than A Woman DVD

R&B vocalist Aaliyah, destined for success from a young age began her a career at the age of 11 singing backing vocals for soul legend Gladys Knight. She went on to record her debut album, 1994's platinum selling Age Ain't Nothing But a Number, before finishing high school. In her brief career she recorded a total of four albums and collaborated with some of todays most credible urban artists. This DVD is the complete and unauthorized biography of Aaliyah, containing exclusive and previously unseen film footage including in-depth interviews with those that worked closely with Aaliyah during her career, including Journalists, Producers, Engineers and more.

With a highly successful career as a solo R&B diva, it looked likely that Aaliyah would enjoy a long and lucrative time in the music industry. Sadly her time was cut short in a tragic plane crash, but her legacy lives on, and this release represents a celebration of her life. Much of the footage here is previously unreleased, offering a vital insight into the woman behind the music.