Well known amongst fellow poets and many fans, Paulette "Passion" Stinson is truly a Chicago spoken word icon. She, along with Charles Miles, are responsible for the starting of EarCandy Inc., an artist collective that provides a wonderful platform for seasoned and new spoken word performers to display and perfect their craft. Below, she answers a few questions from Bean Soup Times. 

What inspired you to do spoken word in the first place?

I had a cousin who always wrote poems and performed them in church for special occasions. Often times, I would watch her from the choir stand and wish someone would listen to my poetry.

Some artists make the distinction between spoken word and poet. Do you? If so, what’s the difference?

It is my opinion that spoken word is usually not restrained or formatted in a standard way. Poetry on the other hand is.

If you only had two words to describe your overall message, what is it?

Two words would have to be Hopeful Love. All of my songs or poetry tell a story and always have an ending of hope

What are your current projects?

I currently working on my second book titled " I'm not complaining, Just Tired" and my next Cd titled " Nights of Passion (tentatively) LOL

What three living people would you love to meet that you haven’t yet?

I would love to meet Michelle Obama ( because I simply love how she has represented herself in the media as well with them being so invasive and disrespectful of her and her husband the President of the United States) Sonya Sanchez is one of the greatest poets of all time to me. Last but not least, I would love to meet The Honorable Louis Farrakhan (I hope I spelled that right). I would like to have a history lesson from him.

What three people no longer with us would you love to have dinner with?

Phylis Hyman, Billy Holiday and Etta James

What is the hardest part about what you do, writing or live performances?

 Neither are hard for me any more. but I believe Live performances initially give me the willies until I am on the stage and then.....Its on!

Photo Credit: Samantha Photography

Discopoet Khari B is another reason why Chicago is the spoken word capital of the world! He’s a “spoken word musician” who’s on fire; in a warm, cleansing, purifying sense.  Discopoet Khari B. has brought his unique blend of message, kinetics, music, and truth to burn up national stages, forums, and classrooms for a number of years.  Feeding his audiences verbal “soul food,” whether socially arousing or enticingly erotic, Khari’s explosive energy nourishes the ears, minds, and souls of all walks and ages while keeping them wanting more.  He is a definitive “Edutainer,” a fusion of educator and entertainer. Below, he answers a few questions from Bean Soup Times.

What inspired you to do spoken word in the first place?

I was thrown N the “deep end of the pool” by a brotha named Marcus hardison who “outted” me as a poet N a class. The instructor made me perform. Hesitant, I ended up loving the feeling and wanted 2 do more. I found that all the screaming going on inside of me 2 tell people 2 get off of their collective asses and do the things we need 2 do 2 improve our conditions on our planet could B released and executed N this manner and people would willingly listen. It was a done deal from there.

Some artists make the distinction between spoken word and poet. Do you? If so, what’s the difference?
It's not that deep. Not all poets do spoken word (perform out loud) but all spoken word artists R or should  poets. The bigger concern is all those people claiming either 1 of those titles without honing their craft 2 do so...

If you only had two words to describe your overall message, what is it?
Take action.

 

What books have most influenced your life most?
Ironically A Gathering of Old Men (Ernest Gaines), The Spook Who Sat By the Door (Sam Greenlee) and From Superman to Man (J.A. Rogers). Ironically, because I prefer and stay reading non-fiction. All of those R fictional novels. 

Photo Credit: Samantha Photography

If you had to choose, which writer/poet/artist would you consider a mentor?

 Gwen Brooks and Sam Greenlee. Gwen had a universal kindness and openness that was unparalleled, that I hope 2 exude just a piece of. Sam is SO real, honest and basic, it's beautiful. Those R characteristic that I easily relate 2 and love.

What three living people would you love to meet that you haven’t yet?

 I'm looking 4word 2 meeting Melvin Van Peeples. he's always been inspirational 2 me and as cool as midnight N a mild summer. I wanna spend some time with Jon Bon Jovi and have him school me N the ways of business. And I'm looking 4word 2 meeting the individual that is going 2 do what they have 2 do and have what they need 2 have 2 handle Discopoetry's business end and help us properly manifest this takeover. 

What are your current projects?
Currently, as of May 29th, I am on my way 2 China 2 perform, spread and receive some of this love with the PRC. Just broadening my reach, opening additional doors and expanding beyond what's happening here in this country and in the city of Chicago. After that I'll B spending some extended time in NYC where the industry has been so welcoming and receptive 2 me. Discopoetry's main mission is 2 take over the world so I'm taking it 2 the world.

What three people no longer with us would you love to have dinner with?

Malik El hajj El Shabazz, Patrice Lumumba, Jimi hendrix. Nuff said...

What is the hardest part about what you do, writing or live performances?

The writing definitely takes more work. It’s not hard. It just takes work. It can’t B forced; it comes when it wants 2 and involves a lot more time. The performing is just me being me and doing what I do any day 2 an intensified degree. It takes work, practice, and rehearsal but that's only 2 learn the words that were written. Everything else is already there and I LOVE it!

Explain what you mean by "Spoken Word musician traveling roads of balance between entertainment and social responsibility; between wealth and working on my terms; between love and fury; debauchery and righteousness; and wishing 2 help mankind and watching all dem bastards suffer and die. HA!"

Simply put I’m always working 2 attain balance and B at peace with all of my thoughts and actions. I think of myself as a bevy of opposites. 

Anybody can B an entertainer but few do it with the integrity and responsibility I work 2 maintain. I want the wealth that comes with this career but I'm not willing 2 compromise my soul 2 get it. The babies need something better 2 look up 2. I love hard but it’s sometime hard 2 love with so much wretchedness N existence. I'll dance delightfully on the darkside but I know I must always reverently represent my ancestors that got me here. And finally I love people and I want 2 save the world but like anyone else, sometimes I know it would B a better place with some select people dead and gone. God has me existing in Love. I’m tested daily 2 stay there.

Final thoughts?
Thank U 4 reaching out my way and lending that kind of Love.

Photo Credit: FourthEye Photographics

Grammy-Award Winning Artist J. Ivy Discusses His New Music Video, Giving Back, Hon. Louis Farrakhan, and Sunday Night Football

CHICAGO--Known for outstanding repeat performances on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam and stealing the spotlight while trading verses with Jay Z and Kanye West on “Never Let You Down” from Kanye’s College Dropout CD, J. Ivy stopped by the GlobalNewsForum.com studio Dec. 7 to talk with Bean Soup Times Radio Show host Toure Muhammad.

The two discussed his new music video, “WAR” which features Hip-Hop MC, Blitz the ambassador and is currently competing on MTVu.com for favorite video. 

From Los Angeles to Chicago to New York to Washington D.C., J. Ivy and Kurt Williamson traveled the country to create this visual entitled “WAR,” “WAR” has true to life visual elements that spark realistic conversations needed for the healing of today's society.

“Unable to learn from the mistakes that were made before us, today’s climate has grown harsher than ever. We’ve seen the results of destruction and turmoil, yet we continue down the same coldhearted path. It's evident that the same battles that raged in the past haunt our current existence. It's evident that we are still at WAR,” said J.Ivy.

“I enjoyed speaking to J.Ivy as always because not only is he extremely accomplished as an artist, but he’s a down-to-earth brother who loves his community. His video and the message reminded me of words from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in his enlightening book, Torchlight for America, said Bean Soup Times Radio host Toure Muhammad. 

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW