"The MC is the one that'll whisper the truth, the rapper is the one that'll holla the lies,
So don't act surprised at what your daughter knows when she's five, just blame it on the bull-- that you buy"
Just as you're sitting back listening to another barrage of shallow lyrics on the radio wondering "where is the art?", enter Sekou (tha misfit), whose unique and powerful synthesis between spoken word and hip-hop provide a welcome, refreshing respite from the traditional, pre-conceived notions of poetry.
"I should've been born tomorrow, the simple-minded say I'm hard to follow, the biters say I'm hard to swallow"
All of Sekou's independent CD releases - including his latest double, spoken word CD, "Afrodeezyackz/The Mumblings of a Madman" - have been critically acclaimed, earning him national music awards for Best Spoken Word Album, Best Spoken Word Song, Best Hip-Hop Album, Best Hip-Hop Song, and the acclaimed Best Producer award from Just Plain Folks - the largest music organization in the nation. In addition he received the Los Angeles Music Award for Outstanding Music Video and nominations for Best Hip-Hop Artist. He has also showcased his production/writing talents in other genres through his release entitled "Seven: A Kwanzaa Soundtrack" - a compilation album featuring various independent artists in R&B, soul, and pop music, entirely written and produced by Sekou - which also won the JPF Music Award for Best Holiday Album.
But you have not seen Sekou in his prime until you have seen him onstage. Sekou is an incredible performer who commands attention on any stage with effortless presence and energy. He is currently the two time National Poetry Slam Champion, having defeated over 250 other poets from across the nation twice to win the 2003 team championship (with Team Los Angeles) and the 2002 individual championship at the world-renowned National Poetry Slam Competition, as well as the individual championship at the 2003 Word Up! National Poetry Slam. Sekou's work has been featured on ABC World News, FOX News , Good Morning America, MTV, BET, HBO Def Poetry, NIKE.com, various radio and internet spots, and two national spoken word tours - the Underground Poet's Railroad, and currently on acclaimed TV/film producer Norman Lear's Declare Yourself Tour. His marketability expands far beyond urban markets. Sekou is a favorite among college students, but is so universally successful because his repertoire speaks to audiences of all demographics. Be it a hip-hop or spoken word show, crowds are never left unmoved by pieces like the emotionally honest "Insecurity", the inspirational "When I Grow Up", or the erotic hit "Puddles On Your Belly."
"I speak to the silence, I sing in the dark, I represent the last working swing in the park. . ."
Previously an elementary school teacher, Sekou remains committed to youth through his poetry workshops at Boys & Girls Clubs and volunteering at juvenile detention centers. In addition to his poetry accomplishments, he actively works as a music producer, songwriter, and actor. And when his deep, rich voice intoxicates a crowd, it is easy to why he has been successful as commercial voice over artist as well.
Sekou (tha misfit) is a favorite among literary poets, spoken word veterans, and true music consumers - be they
hip-hop fans or not. His music is complex and moody. His words are powerful and invoke limitless images in the listener. His performance poetry is the embodiment of passion. It is what art is supposed to be - emotional. You will listen to it, but more importantly, you will feel it.
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