Saul+Williams

At an age when conservative poetry was the standard form of our time, a new light emerged upon the poetry world using “Spoken Words”. The Spoken Word poet, Saul Williams, jumped on the scene, bringing a new energy to the game. Raised in New York, Williams originated the “Slam” poetry genre. Saul broke out of the box and used words to paint a fast moving picture. He was able to also turn his words into music, creating rap albums alongside his poetry publishing’s. He broke out as an actor as well in the Independent Film “Slam”. What he did to the poetic world inspired new poets to come out to poetry readings to show what they can do. His pieces also influenced political views and lifestyles in many. Is that all it takes though? Could one black man running on little life experience and an education create a new form of poetry that inspires so many? Born and raised in Newburgh, New York, Saul Williams was not always interested in poetry. As a smart individual, he attended Morehouse College and graduated with a B.A. in philosophy. Not satisfied, Saul moved on to New York University to receive a Master’s Degree in acting. Now that he was in the city, he was exposed to the café bohemian life of New York. With inspiring actors, artists, poets, and musicians roaming the streets, Williams began exposing himself on the Brooklyn Performance art and spoken word circuit. In June of 1999 Saul Williams released a book that compiled a collection of interlinking poems, entitled “S/he”. It was the beginning of his artistic career. He later on went on to release many other books. Saul’s career was not just poetry though; he had a very musical mind as well. In 2000 he released an album under the name of Penny For a Thought. This was a start of a later on very influential music career (saulwilliams.com). Alongside Saul William’s start off works, he went on to release a number of pieces throughout his ongoing career. As he began to become a well-known spoken-word poet, he took place in the Independent Film “Slam”. This film exposed slam poetry to the public eye. It revolved around the main character Joshua (Saul Williams), who had a talent for poetry, but was held back by his surroundings of drugs and violence. This movie features his poem “Sha-Clack-Clack” which expresses his hopes and fears for black males like himself. He also appeared on other artist’s tracks and albums. He appeared on DJ Krust’s album “Coded Language” with his track titled “Coded Language”. Since then, he has continued to release a number of politically based albums and many other poetry books (saulwilliams.com). Saul Williams successfully influenced the world in many ways. His entire take on life and the way that it is expressed through his work could change one’s point of view on a subject. He originated slam poetry as a determined black spoken word poet. Saul’s movie appearance, albums, and books all show a great perspective on life. After taking the time to really take in what Saul says throughout his pieces, one could only imagine how it will affect them. Saul raises the question to many, “What is considered poetry?”” Where do you draw the line between poetry and music?” Music is poetry. Music is living breathing poetry. Saul respects the genre and makes it his own. He is only becoming greater and greater as he continues to influence the artistic community. He shows that anyone can make a change by speaking his or her own mind. “ We enlist every instrument: Acoustic, electronic. Every so-called race, gender, and sexual preference. Every per-son as beings of sound to acknowledge their responsibility to uplift the consciousness of the entire fucking World.”

HE IS THE ORIGINATER OF SLAM