Definition of a Poet

Late night, where I am the most productive, and get the most work done, I am getting my materials ready for tomorrow's final exam. And as I gain my materials of Gil Scott-Heron for the exam, I came across this fantastic interview, in where Gil gives his opinion on the definition of a poet

Good luck on everyones exams, and Happy Holidays! 

Finalizing projects

As the semester comes to an end, and I am finalizing projects, I sit here with my music library on shuffle. Coincidentally, this gem is stuck in my head and on repeat, and it demonstrates some quality poetry. Enjoy!

Comment response: Christian Bök and DNA

Awards well earned! Christian is a genius, and took poetry to a new level. Not only did the master poetry, but he mastered science. I'm really curious to know how he came up with this idea, and the process he went through to get to it. Living a day in the life of Christian Bök wouldn't be too shabby. I mean, there are hopes and dreams, and then there is reality. I'll be completely honest, if I heard an idea/hope/dream like this, I wouldn't think twice to say it would not happen. Christian created reality with his hopes and dreams. He had one gear, GO. As I conclude this comment towards Christian Bök's brilliant success, I will continue my research towards his project.

Because of my major, Graphic Design, I feel as if typography has a HUGE part in poetry, more so written poetry, in which is produced on either paper or screen. The way the type is laid out, the typeface is used etc. These qualities alone tell a story, and are apart of the poetry in hand. I feel as if some poems were produced or layer out in a different typeface, the poem would not be as effective. This piece of Visual Poetry is a perfect example on how effective typography is towards poetry. I think if the type was laid in a different form, it probably wouldn't be as affective.

Discuss.

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - SAME LOVE feat. MARY LAMBERT

Seeing as how last week we looked at how Rap music is considered poetry (I agree), and Jay-Z's opinion on the matter, and speaking about his book, I figured I'd help support the argument. Macklemore speaking the truth on homosexuality, and how it is degraded and looked down upon. The struggles someone may have if they were homosexual. He is promoting a positive message, where society should not ruin someone's life because of their sexuality/skin colour. We are all the same, underneath, we are all the same person, regardless of sex. Don't change for nobody

LYRICS:

[Piano Intro]

[Verse 1: Macklemore]
When I was in the 3rd grade
I thought that I was gay
Cause I could draw, my uncle was
And I kept my room straight
I told my mom, tears rushing down my face
She's like, "Ben you've loved girls since before pre-K"
Trippin', yeah, I guess she had a point, didn't she
A bunch of stereotypes all in my head
I remember doing the math like
"Yeah, I'm good a little league"
A pre-conceived idea of what it all meant
For those that like the same sex had the characteristics
The right-wing conservatives think its a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made, rewiring of a pre-disposition
Playing God
Ahh nah, here we go
America the brave
Still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children it's somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written
3,500 hundred years ago
I don't know

[Hook: Mary Lambert]
And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm [x4]

[Verse 2: Macklemore]
If I was gay
I would think hip-hop hates me
Have you read the YouTube comments lately
"Man that's gay"
Gets dropped on the daily
We've become so numb to what we're sayin'
Our culture founded from oppression
Yeah, we don't have acceptance for 'em
Call each other faggots
Behind the keys of a message board
A word routed in hate
Yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color
Complexion of your pigment
The same fight that lead people to walk-outs and sit-ins
Human rights for everybody
There is no difference
Live on! And be yourself!
When I was in church
They taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service
Those words aren't anointed
And that Holy Water
That you soak in
Is then poisoned
When everyone else
Is more comfortable
Remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans
That have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same
But that's not important
No freedom 'til we're equal
Damn right I support it
[Trombone]
I don't know

[Hook: Mary Lambert]

[Verse 3: Macklemore]
We press play
Don't press pause
Progress, march on!
With a veil over our eyes
We turn our back on the cause
'Till the day
That my uncles can be united by law
Kids are walkin' around the hallway
Plagued by pain in their heart
A world so hateful
Some would rather die
Than be who they are
And a certificate on paper
Isn't gonna solve it all
But it's a damn good place to start
No law's gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever god you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love
About time that we raised up

[Hook: Mary Lambert]

[Outro: Mary Lambert]
Love is patient, love is kind
Love is patient (not cryin' on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays) [x5]

Jakwob - Stay ft. Rocky Nti

My favourite producer collaborates with a mind-settling, uplifting vocalist, Rocky Nti. The lyrics are so powerful, and the production is soothing. In my opinion, the lyrics in this song has great poetry, and brings a solid message. One of my favourite songs of all time! Unfortunately the lyrics are not available online, but they are pretty easy to follow along to. If you are a fan of this song, be sure to check out Jakwob's other productions, where he has release a free album, labeled The Prize (link for download below). Enjoy!

www.jakwob.com
http://www.jakwob.com/downloads/

Jo Shapcott on Poetry and Technology

Jo Shapcott explaining how technology has an impact on poetry. She explains how poetry can be branched out to more then just the feel of a pencil/pen. Jo explains the benefits technology has on poetry. Quality video! She brings up some quality points, give it a go!