What’s In a Word? The Massive Pull of Spoken Word Poetry And Its Variants In Music
Spoken Word storytelling is one of the continuums of our human experience. Deeply rooted in our human history, many of us are aware of BEAT POETRY which was often performed as Spoken Word poetry in 1950s America, and which led — some argue — to Rapping and then Hip Hop. But we owe our ancestors everything when it comes to Oral Traditions. Here are some Oral Traditions that helped pave the way for Spoken Word Poetry in Music today.
In ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and India, oral storytelling played a crucial role in passing down myths, legends, and epic poems. These narratives were often performed by skilled storytellers or bards, who would recite them in front of an audience.
In parts of Africa such as West Africa, GRIOTS — also known as jalis or djelis — held an important role as oral historians, storytellers, and musicians. Griots would recite genealogies, historical events, and cultural traditions through spoken word performances accompanied by music. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, troubadours and minstrels entertained audiences with poetic songs and narratives. These wandering performers would recite their compositions, often accompanied by musical instruments. The First Nation cultures of the Americas, Canada and Australia and New Zealand had/have a rich tradition of oral storytelling and spoken word performances. These oral traditions have been used to pass down cultural history, legends, and spiritual teachings.
Culturally significant, Spoken Word, Poetry Slams, and Open Mic Nights often combined with music have resurged in popularity, aided by online recordings. SPOKEN WORD POETRY set to MUSIC often sounds like HIP HOP but the difference is quite profound. Spoken Word Poetry focuses on the spoken word itself, its use of rhythm, cadence and the power of language to convey emotions and message. Spoken Word Poetry is typically performed without music — but in the case of New York SPOKEN WORD songstress DANA BRYANT, it’s performed with low-key musical accompaniment.
And watch the beautiful NAIMA J, American SPOKEN WORD songstress, performing with her musicians at The Lyric Cafe in Washington, D.C here:
Hip Hop, on the other hand, is a broader artistic culture that encompasses various elements, including rap music, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Hip Hop music, which features rap verses, usually involves a musical backdrop, including beats, melodies, and samples. While RAP is a significant component of Hip Hop, Hip Hop as a culture extends beyond just spoken word, emerging as a cultural movement in the 1970s, primarily in African-American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York City. It grew as a response to social and economic conditions, and chronic racism, expressing the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities. Hip Hop has since expanded globally and has had a profound impact on music, fashion, and popular culture.
Let’s take a look at some of our SPOKEN WORD artists who combine SPOKEN WORD POETRY with MUSIC.
Welcome to the Spoken World World of NRBARZ with his melodic & deeply soulful SPOKEN WORD POETRY that skims around the beautiful edges of HIP HOP.
Here’s his bio: Ricardo Neeley, professionally known as NRBARZ, and (formerly known as Noble Barz), is a Hip Hop artist from the Bahamas. NRBARZ was born on August 9th, some years in the 1900s. He was born and raised in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Island of New Providence. He has been consistent in the Hip Hop scene over the years and has crafted a unique style for himself. For NRBARZ, the aim is to deliver a message to the world through Hip Hop.
Check out his classic HIP HOP TRACK “FANTASY”.
Then there’s American SPOKEN WORD songstress DANé WYLER with her track ‘OBEY’ — beautiful SPOKEN WORD POETRY with exquisite musicianship. Listen here.
Here’s her bio: Currently based in Virginia, Dané Wyler is a talented singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer who was born in South Carolina to a musical, military family. With a vibrant personality, dance moves anyone would envy, comedic timing, and an angelic voice that soothes the masses, Dané hopes to entertain you and make you think at the same time. Working in the RnB, Pop, Soul, Dance, Funk, and Rock genres, she is a member of two frequently gigging local bands called the 2nd Wind Jazz Band and The MVP Band.
And here’s Bonnie Legion with her track ‘EPIPHANY (CHRISVILLE) Listen here.
Her bio says: ‘California singer-songwriter and multi-genre chameleon, collaborative artist Bonnie Legion joins us with her style-bending music. Working with producers and artists from all over the globe, she creates a wide variety of original music. Bonnie has released seven full-length albums, five EP’s, and hundreds of single tracks as well as hundreds of remixes. Her current project with Canadian producer and musician Wav-Dr. is a full-on fusion that mixes Electronic, Pop, and Rock in both novel and interesting ways.’
SPOKEN WORD POETRY becomes HIP HOP when Beats and Music are incorporated, such as beats, instrumentals, or sampled music, and at this point it can start to take on Hip Hop characteristics. The addition of rhythmic elements and musical backdrops can transform spoken word into a more rap-oriented or hip hop-infused performance. The following rules also apply.
- If spoken word poets begin adopting rap-style delivery, characterized by rhythmic patterns, rhymes, and cadences, their performance can shift toward a Hip Hop aesthetic. The emphasis on flow, wordplay, and rhythmic precision can bring spoken word poetry closer to the realm of Hip Hop.
- When spoken word poets collaborate with hip hop artists or become part of Hip Hop projects, their work can be influenced by Hip Hop sensibilities. This collaboration may involve sharing stages, creating joint performances, or featuring on Hip Hop tracks, leading to the blending of spoken word and rap elements.
- If Spoken Word Poets immerse themselves in the broader Hip Hop culture and embrace other elements like graffiti art, breakdancing, or DJing, their artistic expression may evolve to encompass a Hip Hop identity. This integration of multiple artistic forms can contribute to the transformation from Spoken Word poetry to Hip Hop.
Here are some examples of this fluid transition from SPOKEN WORD POETRY to HIP HOP.
Australian band DEEP JUNGLE CHILDE tiptoes carefully towards HIP HOP with a huge respect to the SPOKEN WORD POETRY movement, but with aching longing to be part of a HIP HOP tribe too. Their instrumentation gives them away as pure HIP HOP. Check out their track: KILLA INTRO. Listen here:
And here’s their bio: Deep Jungle Childe is an extremely talented Australian group of guys and gals with a unique style that crosses all demographics. Jazzy, bluesy, lush lyrics, compelling beats, and edgy spoken word — their genres are a seamless fusion of cool Hip Hop, Electronic, Dub, and Jazz. An urban sensibility and driving, youthful vibe infuse their lyrical message-driven stories. With shimmering sweet grooves, perfect for TV and Film late-night club ambience, or 20-something steamy love scenes, Deep Jungle Childe will capture your audience’s attention with their fresh new sounds.
And USA Hip Hop band SELECTOR with their track ‘She’s Hot’ Listen here.
Here’s their bio: ‘Selector is a unique hybrid of Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Funk, and Dancehall music. Led by NY and UK composers/producers Michael Corn and Dennis DeCambre, Selector’s musical style reflects a hot, innovative, and danceable groove. You can now license and download all the songs from Selector’s debut album “Get Wild!” right here! You can hear Selector’s music currently in HBO’s “Real Sex,” Warner Bros’s “Fastlane” series, ABC/Disney’s “The Latest Buzz,” and the feature film “Hard Breakers” released in May 2011, now available on DVD!’
Finally, let’s listen to a SPOKEN WORD devotee, Australian composer NIGEL MALE with his SPOKEN WORD ode to the AFRICAN GODDESS OYA. Here he describes his track:
“A Spoken Word piece in the style of Beat Poetry paying homage to the Yoruba Orisha Goddess OYA. Mellow World Beats and mysterious instrumentation with a subtle wondrous feel.”
This sublime track ‘OYA’ features the SPOKEN WORD delivery of a Nigerian Spoken Word Poet friend of Nigel — called Nyala. Here she’s reciting the poetry that Nigel penned himself. Listen here.
Here are his lyrics:
“Wild and free, I stand, the Goddess Oya.
Feel my power, fierce and untamed, A tempest’s fury, never be tamed.
Through stormy skies, my presence roars, Lightning’s embrace, thunderous applause.
Heed my warning, mortal souls so frail, I am the guardian of life’s gale.
My essence, a torrent of passion untold, A force that shakes, a mystery to unfold.
Feed my hunger, embrace the winds that gust, within their embrace, true strength we trust.
From ancient lands to the deepest sea, I’m the breath that stirs, the pulse that sets free
Feed my soul with fervor, raw and true, And I’ll guide you through battles, old and new.
In cycles of life and death, I find my might, A guardian of transformation, darkness turned to light.
Embrace my essence, let your spirit soar, And I’ll unlock the secrets of the ever-changing door.
So, let the tempests swirl and the hurricanes howl, in their midst, my essence shall prowl.
Feel my power, heed my warning, my dear, I am Oya, the Goddess you should revere.”
So, there you have it, SPOKEN WORD POETRY is rising in popularity globally, as an outlet for community and personal rage, to call out racism, injustice and struggles in all societies. RAP & HIP HOP brought SPOKEN WORD POETRY out of the coffee houses and underground clubs of America, and we have our AFRICAN AMERICAN brothers and sisters to thank for this.
Check out some of our playlists where you can find our artists’ award-winning SPOKEN WORD POETRY & HIP HOP. Click on the title under the PLAYLIST COVER to be taken to the PLAYLIST.
Cafe Beat Poets
Intellectual Hip Hop
Hip Hop Girls
Hip Hop Soul
‘In Conversation’ is the RADIOSPARX magazine on MEDIUM. Check out the RADIOSPARX — About Us Video here — Change Your Music, Change Your Life with RADIOSPARX.
