Poetically Speaking…
By
Phoenyx Reign
Hello
BMIA Family! Welcome to "Poetically Speaking". Allow me to take
a moment to introduce myself to you. I am Ms. Phoenyx Reign, the
creator and founder of the event, as well as A.I.R.R. Magazine©
(www.airrmagazine.com)
, a new startup online mag that focuses solely on independent artists,
entrepreneurs and creative thinkers. Several years ago I met Gary
Johnson in a little venue in Fort Washington, MD named "Sipp'ss."
As time has passed Gary has become my Mentor and friend and I want to be
just like him when I grow up!! LOL! But seriously, Gary has supported
my art and the business of it all, and I am honored to be a part of the
BMIA family! Together we have decided to expand "Poetry by Reign" into
something new.... "Poetically Speaking" because I am truly passionate
about art and poetry and the free expression of it all.
- Reign and BMIA.com Founder Gary
Johnson
In this
section we will explore "all things creative"...poetry, art, artists,
venues, and life. Life???? Yes, life. You see, I firmly believe that
Art Is Life, and Life IS Art...well, "Poetically Speaking" that is!
Creativity begets creativity and I believe that there is some level of
creativity and/or creative expression in everyone. Given the right
inspiration, we just may find it... together.
Allow
me to take you on a journey as we travel the globe and expand our
horizons. There will also be times when we will remain at "home"...
only to find that poetry, and art, and cool places to hang out or to be
entertained are right under our collective noses! I will not only share
my work with you, but also the work of others, and even encourage you to
share your work and thoughts with me. We all have gifts and it is my
goal to help you find yours. At times I may also touch on some hot
topics... in a poetic manner of course! After all, what good is art if
it doesn't provoke you to think outside of your respective boxes? In
this way, "Poetically Speaking" becomes a truly interactive
experience. I welcome your questions, dialogue, and feedback, so don't
be shy. Pack your bags and join me on this poetic journey..."Poetically
Speaking"!
Glossary of Terms
For
those who may be completely new to the world of art, artists, and
artistry, I thought it would be good to keep a running glossary of terms
to keep us all on the same page. Now, I must forewarn you that many of
these terms may not be set in stone. I will do my best to give you what
is known to be "industry standard", as well as some that may not be
found in Webster but are "commonly used", along with some of my own...
simply because I have a weird sense of humor and have been known to make
up a word or two! You will need to know this to stay abreast of the
conversations (LOL)! As this list grows, I will be sure to indicate all
of the above so that we may all actively participate in the discussions
that are sure to ensue.
Artist(s)
–
Pronunciation:
\ˈär-tist\
1
a
obsolete
: one skilled or versed in learned
arts
b
archaic
: physician
c
archaic
: artisan
2 a one who professes and practices an
imaginative art
b a person skilled in one of the fine
arts
3
a
skilled performer; especially
: artiste
Poetry
-
Pronunciation:
\ˈpō-ə-trē,
-i-trē also
ˈpȯ(-)i-trē\
1
a metrical
writing
: verse
b the productions of a poet
: poems
2 writing that formulates a
concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and
arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound,
and rhythm
3
a something
likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression
b poetic quality or aspect
<the poetry of dance
Concrete Poetry -
poetry in which the poet's intent is conveyed by the graphic patterns of
letters, words, or symbols rather than by the conventional arrangement
of words.
Performance Art / Artist(s)
-
a
nontraditional art form often with political or topical themes that
typically features a live presentation to an audience or onlookers and
draws on such arts as acting, poetry, music, dance, or painting.
—
performance artist noun
Spoken
Word
-
is a form of literary
art or artistic performance in which lyrics, poetry, or stories are
spoken rather than sung. Spoken-word is often done with a musical
background, but emphasis is kept on the speaker.
One of the most common sorts of spoken word performances is
performance poetry,
where a poet either reads previously-published poems, or reads poems
specifically written to be performed aloud. Another kind that has gained
popularity in recent years is political and social commentary, done in
such a way that it is, while still prose, somewhat more artistic than a
typical speech. Spoken word artists are often poets and musicians.
Spoken word gained notoriety in the late 1980s and early 1990s through
the emergence of "poetry
slams,"
where spoken word artists would square off in
cabaret-style
duels.
Venue(s)
-
2
a locale
also
: a
place where events of a specific type are held
<music venues>
b: outlet
Hot
Spots
Venues
to explore & enjoy: One of my favorite quotes is by Oliver Wendell
Holmes..."A mind changed by a new experience can never go back to it's
old dimensions." Here I'll keep a list of venues that are not only
worthy of your support, but that are blazing a trail in the world of
art. Some are famous and/or infamous spots that have been in existence
for years, and some are new and/or up and coming. However, what they
all have in common is that the experience will change you. Don't be
worried if you don't see your favorite spot listed... this time
around... we have to keep you coming back now don't we (smile). As your
"Poetic Globe Trekker" I promise to do my best to get to them all!
New
York
The
Nuyorican Poets Café
– We cannot even begin this discussion without paying tribute to the
legendary Nuyorican Poets Café. It is truly the heart and soul of the
“underground” spoken-word movement.
For
more information and to visit The Nuyorican Poets Café –
www.nuyorican.org.
Washington DC
The
Attic
– Hosted by Beny Blaq (Beny Blaq Entertainment)
The Attic is every 1st
Thursday of the month at 8pm. It takes place at The Lounge @ Station 9,
1438 U St., NW, Washington DC 20009. (For More Information:
www.benyb-ent.com or (202)344-5759).
Philadelphia
Jus
Words
– Hosted by Shyster (For More Information:
www.myspace.com/mrsbettys_son)
Jus Words is every Thursday night from
9pm-1am at 1310 N. Broad Street, Philly, PA.
Sacramento
The
Social – Hosted by Khiry Malik (MalikSpeaks)
This
open mic with a weekly featured artist takes place at The Sol Collective
Art Gallery (a sight to see in and of itself!). The Social takes place
every Wednesday night @ 8pm – 11pm with a $5.00 Cover Charge.
Miami
The
Bohemia Room
– Hosted by Ingrid B (B Side Entertainment)
Everything this sista touches is just FIRE! The Bohemia Room takes
place every Tuesday Night at Cielo in Coconut Grove (3390 Mary St.) (For
More Information:
www.myspace.com/bingridb).
Artist
Spotlight
Ok so I
know this is Black MEN in America (smile), but since March is
National Women History Month, the first artist I’m going to spotlight is
a Woman… my sister-friend, Naima Jahmaal (aka Naima J.). This
Sister is beautiful thru and thru and her work is simply amazing. To
experience Naima J on stage is to be forever changed. In my
estimation her lyrical skill rivals the great Lauryn Hill! I
first experienced Naima J some time ago at the event of a mutual
friend. She has never left my spirit and I don’t believe she ever
will. Most recently Sister Minister Naima J has partnered with
Sister Minister Afrykah on the Queendom Come project.
Queendom Come is the femine faction of the
progressive guerilla movement strategically maneuvering through the
audio waves of mass media to save the minds of Afrikan Youth. These two
sisters are the sexiest revolutionaries I know!! LOL Both Naima &
Afrykah have graced the stage of Poets & Painters in DC along with
Father Jah and make appearances at venues across the country. I
would encourage you to NOT believe it because I say so…. Go CHECK IT OUT
FOR YOUR SELF… Them come back and tell me “Reign you were right!!!”
LOL
For More Information:
www.myspace.com/naimaspits.
Poetry
I’ve
picked an older piece to share with you for this first edition of
“Poetically Speaking” because I believe this particular piece will
spark conversation. As I’ve said at the onset, my goal is to encourage
as many people as possible to search themselves for their gifts and be
empowered to use them. I believe this piece speaks to that goal
perfectly!
Virtuosity Manifest
© 2002
Phoenyx Reign
No
Validation or Legitimization needed or wanted
from
those who make false accusation of grandiosity
afraid
of their own insecurity
Who am
I NOT to shine?
…to
hide my virtuosity…to stifle my greatness and
not
make manifest the glory of God that is within me?
Who are
you?
…child
of darkness…artist of deception…enemy of the truth
out to
kill my spirit, steal my dreams and destroy my prosperity
you
have no authority
Greater
is He that is in me than he that is in the world
No
weapons formed, opinions scorned by children of iniquity
shall
keep me from fulfilling my purpose…my divine destiny
No
Validation or Legitimization needed or wanted
Why
should I hide my light…settle for mediocrity…
fail to
speak… pretend not to know
just so
you can keep on acting like you're right
believing your own hype
all the
while worsening my plight
Acquiesce to being oppressed by tricks of the enemy?
Dominated, segregated, incarcerated,
marginalized, gentrified, crucified…a financial hostage of
systemic economic disparity…and STILL I rise
Free
from this condition…the bondage of apprehension
answering my calling to a higher disposition and
God DID
not give me the spirit of fear
No
Validation or Legitimization needed or wanted
Standing tall…breaking down the walls of this prison
spiritual captivity…see
War is
the proposition
the
governments sublime omission
of the
truth in its totality
No
liberating knowledge…affirmative action…funding for college
no
affordable housing or economic prosperity
allowing my people to be free
No
opportunities for all
conspiracy…lies…deceit resonate thru those "hallowed" halls
there's
no REAL justice for all
still
we fightin' for equality…
Lady
Liberty…does she stand for me?
A
symbol of freedom…the illusion of democracy
a tower
of Babel in a land of iniquity where men and money are deity
and I
WILL NOT bow
No
Validation or Legitimization needed or wanted
by
those seeking to keep me down…afraid of the power of my success
not
able to understand…despite all their mess
why I'm
still blessed
a
descendant of Kings and Queens with unshakable faith
my
history is strong and the legacy will live on
you
can't handle me…this is the Reign of Truth, Power, and Authority
Who am
I NOT to shine?
…to
hide my virtuosity…to stifle my greatness and
not
make manifest the glory of God that is within me!
Speak 2
Reign
“What
is your gift? Have you discovered it yet and are you using it? If not…
What is the fear that binds you?”
Contact
Information
Meet me on MySpace
Shop Phoenyx Reign Designz Online Store
www.cafepress.com/phoenyxreign
What
is the Phoenyx Factor?
Who is
the spoken word artist, poet, writer, singer and designer who does
everything with passion and flair? Her name is
Reign and this is
what she's all about.
Reign is the "Phoenyx" born out of the death and
fire that consumed the life of the OLD self. Now I know some of you
won't get that, but as you learn my story through my creative work...U
will!
I'm just a sista lovin’ the skin I'm in
and strivin to do the things I love....sing, write, design, create,
flow... do my thang, put it down, tell my story, share life, love, and a
song and hopefully inspire somebody along the way!
"Passionate"...That's me. Passionate
about enjoying life, moving fully in my purpose, finding and dwelling in
my peaceful place and space. Making the most of this moment in the
universe to share my gifts and be thankful.
Where there's
fire...there's Reign!
