FOCUSING ON MAJOR ART
ART NU LOVE April .2011 ISSUE 7 VOL. 2 www.lovenuart.com
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LOVE NU ART Focusing on Major
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Love Nu Art April 2011
LOVE NU ART focusing on Major
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Arts/Entertainment Editor Markesha Woods m.woods@lovenuart.com
Advertising Director Terrell Jones t.jones@lovenuart.com
LOVE NU ART MAGAZINE
LOVE NU ART MAGAZINE makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited
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LOVE NU ART April 2011
issue 7 VOL.2
contents woodstar's poetic potpourri page 8
Fathom 9 page 14
Love nu art celebrates national poetry month page 10
Brese Squires page 18
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Jeanine Jones 7
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woodstar's POETIC POTPOURRI Welcome to Poetic Potpourri where the attention is focused on the written word. This is spot is reserved for poets all across the globe who desire to share their works. Each issue some of the most prolific poetry will be showcased on these pages. If you have a poem that you are interested in having featured in an upcoming issue, please email woodstar@lovenuart.com for submission requirements. Children Are the Future Children are the future The future is the youth To tell you the truth- the future don’t look so bright Sagging pants Hip-Hop woes Car-jack Range Roves The Future is over, over-rated and berated By Hood rats and hoodlums Who reign over ghetto slums Lost little ghetto-rella’s and confused Cinder-fella’s Seek guidance from Hip-Hopeless Icons, doped out parents and street thugs grip Parents lose focus of their position and substitute their roles with friendship Lost dreams, down stream Parents get on your job Stop letting our children be controlled by street mobs And our households governed by government checks Check your profile what kind of example are you setting Children are the present The present day breeders, the present day feeders Whose priorities are not what they should be Children are the Present, The Present that God sent Got to lead them the way they should go Got to give them the game so they can grow You once were a child you should know
Poet: Jeanine Jones City: Memphis, TN Contact: jeaninejones@speaktomebooks.com CROWN ROYAL ( male version ) I FEEL THE BREEZE OF YOU , TOUCH MY LIPS WRAPPED IN MY MIND IS THE BEAUTY OF YOU EYES TO FALL FOR ,YOUR HEART IS A MAN’S DREAM JOY THE ESSENCE OF YOU IS SO BEAUTIFUL YOUR LOVE IS GOLDEN, SWEET LIKE HONEY SOFT LIKE SILK AND YOUR HAIR SMELLS LIKE THE FRESHNESS OF LOVE
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REAL LOVE IS YOU & ONLY YOU CROWN ROYAL ON ICE YOUR EMOTIONS ARE RICH & DELICIOUS JUST YOUR BEAUTY ONLY IS HOTTER THEN A CANDLE YOU CAN BE A MAN’S CANDLE THE SWEETEST SMELL A MAN CAN FALL IN LOVE TOO LIGHT YOUR LOVE ON FIRE ,CROWN ROYAL’S SWEETEST DESIRE THE SWEETEST OF YOU ON ICE WOMAN IT’S SO NICE CROWN ROYAL ON ICE.
Poet: THE-JAGUAR /POET RAY WATKINS CITY: Panama City, FL Contact NEWYEARZEVE@GMAIL.COM
Spark One light from the dark shadows who thought the blackness could be called dark not knowing only those from the spark said something the rest stayed in their collective free from the pain of perspective and self-worth or lack of it, hovered the icons in the light-world clicking changed the tight curl into flax laid out into tracks spoke over by predators who forgot the food chain and remain eating scraps even those perhaps with the V on their chest with standard wetnaps and eyescans regret stands on the billboard, scratch your cards smell the feet of Oz like they don’t stink house tracked up with the outside turn off the lights turn off the lights the dark shadows were’nt black just infinite night
Poet: Renpet Renpet City: New York, NY Contact: renpet331@yahoo.com
ART I Can Recall a Time I can recall a time. When youre heart was as loanly as the brick wall rising from the foundation of my projects, and i was the loanly thug who grafitti’d my name across youre g spot and now flowers grow from the cracks in the concrete beneath you and there miricle grow comes in the form of a 40oz beer. because oyu taste so good to me i wana Pop Your Top, and poor some of you out for the hommies that aint here, this might be thug erotic poetry I wish you wer my envelope So i could fill you with pages worth of my best strokes, Lick you shut And post mark youre orgasms to a destination unknown PO BOX, 69
PO BOX, 69 Poet: POTTS City: Durham, NC Contact: j.quick86@yahoo.com Acknowledgment: Ready is a poem featured in the February 2011 issue of Love Nu Art Magazine. However, the credits for that poem were regretfully left out. Please find them below. Poet: Natasha Johnson City: Brooklyn, NY Contact: www.teamtntmusic.com Please note: All poems featured are in the approved format submitted by their respective writers. All poems are printed by permission of the artists who penned them and under copyright of their individual writers. Love Nu Art is not responsible for usage of the varied language, ideations, or expressions presented in the poems featured. The perspectives taken in poems featured in this section do not reflect those of Woodstar, Love Nu Art, or Love Nu Art Staff.
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Paying Homage to Poetry: Love Nu Art Celebrates
National Poetry Month 201111 WRITTEN BY: MARKESHA “WOODSTAR” WOODS As all you wordsmiths, prose enthusiasts, and seasoned poets know--April is National Poetry Month. In cities and venues all around the country there are a host of events being held to commemorate this coveted art form called Poetry. Love Nu Art is paying homage to poetry (written and spoken) as well as the poets who create it in conjunction with National Poetry Month. Love Nu Art is excited to present to some and re-introduce to others some of the poets currently making noise and representing in their respective cities on the poetic art scene.
Poet: Prophecy (Dejean Myrtil Jr.)
Poet: Potts Representing: Bull City, Durham, North Carolina LNA: What are some highlights around the city that you are you representing? POTTS: The city that I am representing is Bull City, Durham North Carolina. Home of the Jambolyah Soul Slam, and Bull City Slam Team, (ranked third in the nation) coach by Dasan Ahanu. Sacrificial Poets headed by C.J. Suitt, and Kane Smego, also home of Black Poetry Theater ran by Church Da Poet, and the duo Slam ran by Eliot Axiom, Wendy Jones and Slap. LNA: What is your background in poetry? POTTS: I am the 4 year bull city erotic poetry slam champion LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? POTTS: I work with Yashika Dickerson of Deep Entertainment and Nakeema Lee, intamacy coach, of Upscale Desires. We provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to explore, discover and celebrate there sexuality thru poetry and erotic seminars. I am currently working on my first project PANTYS OFF, the first erotic poetry mix tape. Contact: www.facebook.com/jasonpottsquick
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Representing: West Palm Beach, FL LNA: How did you get the name Prophecy? Prophecy: My name is a self given name. It derives from the bible, the tongue can be your blessing or curse. I’m one that rarely has dreams. but when I do have a dream it typically happens. And over the years I’ve come to find my tongue to be a blessing or a curse so I be careful in what I say to others and myself. Since I do spoken word poetry, I chose to speak words that blesses others. LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Prophesy: Well I currently provide a poetry show on Friday nights at Bouji lounge 3035 South Federal Highway Delray Beach Fl, 33483 called LOVE JONES, which is one of the biggest and sexiest poetry venues to date. It’s a more grown and sexy vibe and if you ever seen the movie Love Jones you would understand the concept of my venue. Also we do community give backs, such as going to high schools and showing them the impact and positivity poetry can have on their lives. LNA: Do you currently have any products that you are pushing? Prophesy: I currently have a poetry web page www.poetrypoem.com/prophecy21. I’m working on an album and a poetry book. Contact: www.facebook.com/I.MISS.MY.SON.ELIJAH Emails: dejean.myrtil@chase.com or dejeanmyrtil@yahoo.com Phone: 561-370-9945
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Poet: Michelle Antoinette Montgomery Representing: Memphis, TN LNA: Talk a little bit about how you got your name. Michelle: Thank goodness my big sister threw a “hissy fit” at the hospital when I was born! My parents were going to name me after one of their mothers: Alama or Louanna! Child, I loved my grandmothers, but Michelle Antoinette has such a better ring to it! ALMA?!! I don’t have a moniker or “Poetry Name. I am simply me, Michelle Antoinette Montgomery. LNA: How were you introduced to writing? Michelle: My English Lit teacher Mama got tired of me running my mouth every five seconds and she instructed for me to “write it down”, giving me a piece of paper and pencils from the kitchen drawer at the age of five. I ended up writing about how beautiful our neighbors’ rose garden was and she told me that I had actually written a poem. LNA: What is currently going on in your city and the poetry scene? Michelle: There are SO MANY awesome poets/artists in Memphis. It’s in our blood. I firmly believe that our energy comes from the soil/soulful ground we walk on. Despite what recent media reports may say about our city it has a hauntingly beautiful, powerful energy that reminds you of triumph. You, my Dear Woodstar are one of such. And if I were to begin counting the many other phenomenal poets, artists , musicians and (YES Memphis has a REAL Hip Hop scene), Hip Hop MCs then we might as well take out an advertisement in the Commercial Appeal. LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Michelle: I prescribe to many of the women/men that I work with to journal and write from spirit....I ask that they simply go out to a quiet place alone and let their words hit the air.... I love holding vibing sessions during “client meetings” and gatherings, as it encourages HEALING and FORGIVENESS. And I miss cyphers.....But MOST importantly I NEVER tell an artist of any kind that their language is too strong, or that his/her philosophy is incorrect, or their rhythm is off base. Their written and verbal experience is about THEM and NOT about you. Contact: www.facebook.com/michelleantoinettemontgomery
Poet: Khonsugo Representing: New York City, NY LNA: How did you get the name Khonsugo? Khonsugo: Gave it to myself. The Kemet Energy Being of Time/Travel and the Japanese word ‘go’ for either hard, honorable or relating to the language of country. In this case, the language of time/space. LNA: What is your background in poetry? Khonsugo: Not much. Still a newbie to a stage. I have been writing for 20 years at least. LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Khonsugo: Helping to organize events at Sister’s Uptown Bookstore NYC.....I have not published any poetry as of yet, I did publish a Sci-Fi Novel entitled Renpet. Contact: http://www.renpetscifi.com/ or renpet331@yahoo.com
ecy21. I’m working on an album and a poetry book. Contact: www.facebook.com/I.MISS.MY.SON.ELIJAH Emails: dejean.myrtil@chase.com or dejeanmyrtil@yahoo.com Phone: 561-370-9945
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ART Poetically Spoken/ S-cents Representing: Boston, MA (currently residing in Philadelphia, PA) LNA: How did you get your name? Poetically: People would always refer to the way I speak as being smooth, like Poetry so when I was in search of a suitable name to adopt for myself I came up with that. LNA: What is your background in poetry? Poetically: I’ve been really taking my writing more seriously as well as being more consistent for the last 12-13 years. I have several online poetry groups that have large followings and most importantly I am proud to say that I have one of the most popular #1 online Poetry/Spoken Word ‘LIVE’ radio shows to date. I have been blessed to feature such artists as Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart from FLOETRY, Taalam Acey, Floyd Boykin Jr., Shanelle Gabrielle-HBO Def Poet, and Blaq Ice from CHICAGO, to name a few. LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Poetically: Online I promote and encourage poets to write freely with their expressions and to not be discouraged if work is critiqued, instead push harder to perfect their craft(s). At the present moment, I am in the process of partnering up with Inner Child Enterprise to offer an ANTHOLOGY ebook to those interested in submitting their work for publication.....Last but not least, I am strongly considering the idea of starting an OPEN MIC venue in the Philadelphia or surrounding areas. I am currently working on finalizing my manuscript of poetry for publication which will be available in ebook form by September 2011. Contact: www.facebook.com/S.cents#!/The.Poetically.Spoken.OpenMic.Show or www.blogtalkradio.com/poetically-spoken.
Poet: Truth B. Told) Representing: Saginaw, MI (currently residing in Louisville, KY) LNA: How did you get the name Truth B. Told? Truth B. Told: An older gentleman a few years back came up to me after a set continually called me Truth, and it stuck. I added the “B. Told” part on the end a few months later, and I just rolled with it. It’s pretty cool, because my name is a reminder to uphold my integrity on and off the stage. LNA: What is your background in poetry? Truth: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but I have been a full time spoken word artist for about two years. I started off by going to open mics, then hosting my own at Kentucky State University. After moving to Louisville, I began hosting my own open mic, continued working at my craft, participated in and won a few slams, and continued to build my name up. Word began to spread and eventually it reached some people who wanted me to do a commercial performing my poetry for a Black History Month commercial this year for BET. Things have been moving every since... I am constantly participating in workshops at elementary schools and universities throughout America. I’m in the process of building a spoken word curriculum with members of Bellarmine University to implement in Louisville public schools. LNA: Do you currently have any products that you are pushing? Truth: I have two CD’s and an EP, all of which can be listened to in their entirety & purchased at www.truthbtoldmusic.bandcamp.com. Contact: www.twitter.com (truthbtold poet), www.facebook.com/truthbtold, or onemanhustle@gmail.com. Emails: dejean.myrtil@chase.com or dejeanmyrtil@yahoo.com Phone: 561-370-9945
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Poet: Michael Warrior Bonds/ Warrior G.R.I.O.T. (Ghetto Representative Interpreting Our Thoughts)
Representing: Boston, MA (currently residing in Atlanta, GA) LNA: Talk a little about the city you are representing Warrior: I’m from the roughest hood in Boston Massachusetts. I’m from the home of the late Hip Hop legend GURU of Gang Starr, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the New Edition and Bobby Brown. I’m from the place where El Hajj Malik El Shabazz aka Malcolm X stayed down and came up. In the words of Ed OG of the Legendary Hip Hop group Ed OG & the Bull Dogs; I’m from the Bury the Bury but not the fruit y’all/ don’t make me act like where I come from coz it’s brutal”. I’m from Roxbury. LNA: What sparked your interest in poetry? Warrior: I found love poems and prose at 11 years old when my sister read Langston Hughes “A Mother to a Son” to me for the very first time. After that I was “hooked on phonics”... I mean poetry. I later spit Hip Hop in Boston in the 80’s and found spoken word poetry and art actionism in 1999 when I joined the “Blackout Arts Collective” www.blackoutartscollective.com. LNA: What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Warrior: I am an “Art Actionist”. I am one who uses my gift to empower, educate and employ (if possible) others. I have been a youth and adult developer for years and currently I am CEO and Director of the ARTS Project which is a “Not For Profit” art actionist youth development program for inner city young men. LNA: What products are you currently pushing? Warrior: ….(a book) Gunz, Poems & Rosez, the Experience Strength and Hope of Michael Warrior Bonds and CD’s include: My Life Just For You, Inthugligence, Gunz, Poems & Rosez, Enemy of the State, A Spoken Book, Soul of a Warrior. Contact: www.thewarriorgriot.tk, www.reverbnation.com/warriorgriot, www. facebook.com/michaelwarriorbonds
Poet: Darius Phatmak Clayton Representing: Memphis, TN LNA: What does Phatmak mean? Phatmak: P.H.A.T.M.A.K, Passionate Honest and Talented Man Acquiring Knowledge LNA:What is your background in poetry? Phatmak: I would say I practice free verse spoken word & soulful sounds. Lol, I’m no singer but I make soulful sounds. LNA:What are some of the things that you are doing in your community to progress poetry and the arts? Phatmak: I create and promote several shows in my city ranging from laid back open mics to more production heavy themed events. I create shows in family atmospheres like Starbucks, hyped up live open mics in local bars, album release parties in art galleries, creative church events, poetic gettogethers, and jumping parties with live visual artists. My focus is to blend all forms of art creating a huge masterpiece using the talent my city possesses reminding the city who we are and where we come from, Memphis. LNA: What are the products you are currently promoting? Phatmak: I have a mix-tape called “Spoken Word Theraflu” and a company called “HypeLife Marketing” the art is my product. Contact: www.Phatmakpoet/twitter.com, email: phatmak@hypelifenow.com, or www.facebook.com/phatmakpoet.
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WRITTEN BY: K. RETRO, THE ECLECTIC GANGSTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: K. RETRO
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Fathom
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The Un
defined: FATHOM 9
“THE MIC IS AN INSTRUMENT I AM THE CONDUIT CONVEYING THE INTIMATE SENTIMENTS OF THE INFINITE.” -FATHOM
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ecently I was invited to a show that would be featuring an underground emcee. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I had a biased opinion about what I was about to experience. Based on the music I’ve heard from other Memphis emcees, I felt like I knew what to expect. Many rap based acts in Memphis have a similar vibe. As a rule, the material is often a combination of simplistic lyrics revolved around money, status, and clout. But like most places Memphis has its exceptions. Fathom 9 is an exception to the rule. He’s an out-of-place MC. He doesn’t appear to be in the right city, time, or even mental space when compared to other MCs in his demographic. With no introduction, Fathom grabbed the mic and started spitting as if this performance would be his last will and testament before falling to a sudden death. No music. Just Fathom 9 on the mic delivering a message that was probably over the heads of 95 percent of the people in the room. All chatter ceased and people stared. They stared for various reasons. Some were high and thought he was giving them the key of life. Some stared because they felt connected to his words. I stared because I didn’t know this type of Hip Hop existed in Memphis. I didn’t know this type of Hip Hop existed anywhere. After his initial display of vocal rapture, Fathom did two other songs that gave people a chance to bob but never strayed far from his fusion of mad scientist, poet, and something else that cant be put into words. We caught up after the show. Talking with Fathom 9, I was able to find out more about this “musical mad scientist.” Fathom appears to be connected to his craft by fate. He’s tried to abandon his craft on many occasions, only to be seduced back into the bosom of the beat. “I’ve literally bled for this,” he states. I don’t know exactly what he meant but I could tell he was serious. Currently, he’s working simultaneously on three different projects. That may sound chaotic, but according to Fathom it’s never enough. “I feel like I haven’t done anything. I have to continue to create so my existence is worth something.” Driven by a desire to perfect himself, the imperfect Fathom 9 dwells in a reality that may be a figment of his imagination. Is he insane? Many will say so. He’s a southern “rapper” who rhymes about existence, time travel, and philosophy. In a world of strippers, money, and rims perhaps everyone else lacks Fathom 9’s unearthly sanity. After the interview, we drank coffee and talked philosophy, books, time travel, art, women, space, life, etc. I checked out some of his music online, most of which are instrumentals. Nothing in his catalog sounds incomplete. The instrumentals weren’t missing vocals. The a cappella flows weren’t lacking instrumentation. The songs were designed to be heard exactly as the listener hears them. “The mic is an instrument I am the conduit conveying the intimate sentiments of the infinite”, he exhorts. Fathom 9 cannot be defined by mainstream media’s definition of Hip Hop. The definition he subscribes to can’t be molested by corporations. It’s refreshing. I’m already a fan. Fuck props. Love and Respect to the 9th Power.
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Brese
Squires
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IT’S ALL A BREEZE, AN INTRO TO BRESE SQUIRES
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WRITTEN BY: MARKESHA “WOODSTAR” WOODS
rese Squires is an fresh and innovative crooner with an old school flair. Brese, known as Breeze to his adoring fans across the globe is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO. While he currently resides in St. Louis, MO, he never fails to give credit to the small community where he was raised by a devoted and supportive single mother. He states that his journey towards becoming a professional singer began with a demo that he recorded at the age of 10. Although Breeze is the product of humble beginnings he striving to make epic moves in the entertainment industry. Breeze is a singer/songwriter who prides himself on being the primary writer of his music. “I perform R&B music it is the heart and soul that every human can relate to cause it’s about love and relationships. I dedicate my music to heal the broken hearts and hopefully help people engage long prosperous relationships,” Breeze explains. He cites the likes of Michael Jackson, Keith Sweat, and Marvin Gaye as some of his musical influences. N-LUV-W-DESTINY is the name of the CD that Breeze is currently promoting. He is currently working on a new project set to release in late 2011. In the midst of writing and recording he never forgets the importance of family and spirituality in his daily life. He emphasizes, “To all the people that didn’t know, I am a man of God and a strong believer in Jesus Christ and none of my accomplishments would not have been possible without his love and grace.” Breeze is a man with a level head, a soulful heart, and determination to share his musical endeavors with the world. Admittedly single, he shares that he is waiting to cross paths with that one special woman that he can connect with. It is no doubt that with that smooth voice and those love laced lyrics that it is only a matter of time before he is off the market. To contact Breeze please check out his official website at www.breeze.bizhosting.com. Also go to www. myspace.com/nluvdestiny to hear some of his music.
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COVER STORY
Jean I
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am working with some very talented young people on various productions that promote unity amongst African Americans. We are preparing for the next Speak To Me Theater Group Season
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WRITTEN BY: MARKESHA (WOODSTAR) WOODS PHOTOGRAPHER: AUDRIA “NUBIA” ARNOLD
Jones From the Windy to the Bluff: J the Poetess’s Poetic Journey
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eanine Jones, affectionately called J the Poetess or JJ by her fellow poets, is a sister who has deep roots in prose. A native of Chicago, JJ planted roots in Memphis over 10 years ago and had been making moves on the arts scene ever since. JJ started her poetic journey before leaving Chicago where she hosted an open mic show. She was also published in two anthologies by the National Library of Congress. In addition, she collaborated to start WHYBMAD Records (the acronym means: Why Hate Young Blacks Making A Difference). Upon her arrival to Memphis, JJ continued to leave her mark on this phenomena called poetry with the love and support of her husband Marcus. “My husband Marcus Jones, founding member of WHYBMAD Records has always been very supportive. He was just about at every poetry show I’ve done. He also help put together some of the shows,” she gushes.
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J took the Memphis poetry scene by storm. She was the founding facilitator of a pivotal open mic poetry night at a local club that at the time was owned and operated by a nationally acclaimed comedian. This was one of the first times that poetry and comedy were combined in one venue in Memphis. She did not just stop with that though. JJ also facilitated/hosted an array of poetic endeavors around Memphis and the surrounding area that included clubs, theaters, and hotspots on the infamous Beale Street. She did all this while acting as the Director of Poetry/ Events for WHYBMAD Records.
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ventually as JJ observed some changes in the underground poetry scene she decided to redirect her creative energy. That is when she turned more fully to community activism and youth enhancement. A teacher by education and training, JJ found herself in an opportune environment to influence artistic development and self esteem in young people. From this epiphany Speak to Me Theater Group was born. “I am working with some very talented young people on various productions that promote unity amongst African Americans. We are preparing for the next Speak To Me Theater Group Season,” she explains. In addition to working with the youth theater group she is also promoting her two published children’s books Yes We Can! Yes We Did! and We Can All Decorate the Same Tree, which was adapted into a stage play that premiered last December. They were both released under her brain child Speak to Me Books. JJ continues to contribute to the artistic, poetic, theatrical scene in Memphis and is currently working on several other projects to be revealed later in the year. JJ closed by saying, “I am happy to have a family that allows me to share my God given gift with the world. And I thank God for the gift.” For contact please email Jeanine at jeaninejones@speaktomebooks.com or refer to her website www.speaktomebooks.com.