Def Poetry
Season 4
TV-MA
This show is a spoken word poetry television series hosted by Mos Def and airing on HBO between 2002 and 2007. The series features performances by established and up-and-coming spoken word poets. It's a spin off of def comedy and has been referred to as slam poetry although Simmons has said it isn't part of the movement. Just like def comedy jam Producer Russell Simmons comes out and makes an appearance each episode to thank the crowd at the end of the show. The series included historical legendary poets such as, The Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni, Amiri Baraka and Sonya Sanchez. It also featured poets, Saul Williams, 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. Even poets who are critical of the poetry slam, such as John S. Hall, have acknowledged slam's influence on the show.
Where to Watch Season 4
10 Episodes
- Episode 1
E1Episode 1Returning def poet Rives warmed the lovers in the crowd with his ode to post-passion bliss. Nafessa Monroe, Mark Gonzales and Zena Edwards all brought their fiery lyrics, while Black Ice (his second appearance on the series) also performed. Legendary writer and musician Oscar Brown, Jr. performed "Children of Children" and rap artist MC Lyte rounded out the show with "I Was Born". - Episode 2
E2Episode 2"Multi-tasking" takes on a whole new meaning when Rachel and George McKibbons perfom this dynamite poem. Def Poetry returnees Gemineye, Flowmentalz and Suheir provided extra energy. Litereary icon Nikky Finney gets onto the "Girlfriends Train" while Hip-Hop artist Kanye West shares his "18 years" with the audience. - Episode 3
E3Episode 3Educator and political activitst Michael Eric Dyson advised the audience on being an An "Intellectual MC". Will Bell, Dawn Saylor, Tish Benson, Kelly Tsai, Morris Stegosauraus and Bassey Ikpi also performed while actor Tracy Morgan entered the stage to describe his experiences of "Feeling F&%#ed Up" Hip-Hop legends KRS-One and Doug E. Fresh pooled their talents for a scorching performace of a new piece. - Episode 4
E4Episode 4Beware of "Danger", Amir Sulaiman cautioned. Ishle Park, Taylor Mali, Kevin Coval and Yolanda Wilkinson provided musings on a host of feelings. Julian Curry pondered the "N" word, Poetri relinquished herself to herself and the duo Floetry does just that, flow with words and sounds making sure that "Everybody Heard" with their amazing performance. - Episode 5
E5Episode 5Heavy-hitters all around in this episode. Actress Kim Fields asked the important "How Come" question many women ponder. Nobel poet laureate Rita Dove invited us to experience "Black on a Saturday Night". Dana Gillmore, Rafael Casal, Regie Cabico and Broadway "Def Poetry" alumn Lemon, provided searing words to the show. Icon Reg E. Gaines taught the other side as he explained how "I Don't Feel Like Writing" and Talib Kweli explained the pain of "Lonely People". - Episode 7
E7Episode 7Actor Mike Epps schooled the audience on why "I Love The Hood.". Jus Cus pondered on the relevance of "Homeland Security" while Georgia Me and J. Ivy offers their insights. Marlon Esquerra, Marvin Tate and Martin Esapada each shared personal stories of lives in motion and musician Ani di Franco warned the world of what's "Coming Up". - Episode 8
E8Episode 8This we love. Mayda Del Valle, Andy Buck, Faraji Salim and Bob Holman telling separate stories of strength and discovery. Tara Betts turned on the "Switch" while actor/poet muMs spoke "The Truth Parts 1 and 2." Hip-Hop artists and activists Dead Prez gave us two untitled messages. - Episode 9
E9Episode 9Nuyorican Poets founder Miguel Algarin stopped by to share what he "Met Walking". Universes melodically explained why its important we "Don't Front". Shihan, Buddy Wakefield, Ayisha Knight, Kendra Urdang and Red Storm provided more poetic magic with their performances. Broadway Def Poetry Alumn Beau Sia told us why "I'm So Deep". Artist/performer Speech sang of "Night Time Demons" and Def Poet Common shared "A Letter To The Law". - Episode 10
E10Episode 10The final episode for Season 4 brought Batmuthi, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Tommy Bottoms and Ayua De Leon performing. Stacyann Chin explained "These Frenzied Days". Philadelphia's own Musiq ruminated on "Pieces of This Life".Yusef Kumunyaka gave us "The Sure Beat" while Def Poetry regulars Georgia Me, Beau Sia and Suheir wrapped the season up.
