Artists/Poets
Akil Dasan
Incredible. I think we slammed/performed together at the Nuyo a few years back. I'm not sure.
At any rate, he is amazing. Singer. Songwriter. Emcee. Guitar player. Iron Chef. Master Hot Wheels mechanic. My Little Pony Groomer. High tech Vegan Marshmallow Sculptor. He can do everything.
I'm a huge fan.
Al Letson
One of my favorite people. He has no idea how much he's influenced my life. Al is the hardest working man in entertainment. Poet, playwrite, actor, director,husband, father, brother, beautiful soul, inspiration and so much more. Get to know him so you can say you knew him when.
Beau Sia
Slam icon. Loves unicorns. Looks awesome in pink.
Edward Garcia
Big. Big. Big. Big. Smile. Hair. Talent. Heart.
Sweet. Sweet. Sweet. Man.
F. Omar Telan
Omar sees the world in a way that frightens and intrigues me. I love him. You will too.
Giles Li
One half of Regarding Verse.
Finally has his own site.
My Mellow, My Man.
Guy LeCharles Gonzales
Blame Guy for introducing me to the world of slam. Then, hug him for giving me a safe place to call home in this cold, cold city. Sight unseen, he opened his arms and welcomed me. I will forever be grateful.
Helena D Lewis
Powerhouse Poet from New Jerusalem.
She's also the person I'm often mistaken for.
She's hilarious. You will love her.
Ishle
Aigu! She inspires me to fight and live and dream and love with everything that I have. She is too much beauty and I'm honored to have shared so many stages with her. Diva Diction, Say Word!
Karrie Myers
So multitalented, she makes me tired.
(don't think about that too hard or else it won't make sense.)
Kenji Jasper
My brother since the days of Teen Summit. Reconnected at a place called UBO. Now he's star journalist and ace novelist. Love him. Go get his books.
Kirk Nugent
Such a beautiful, giving, inspiration. I'm so happy I can call him my friend. And I call on him often.
Lemon's Hood
He's schooled me and taught me and made me love him more than I thought possible.
He's doing big things. Go over and say hello to him.
Mahogany Browne
So strong, she encourages me to fight.
So sweet, she makes me want to smile.
So talented, she forces me to work harder.
So real, she'll make you want to listen.
Margaret Cho
I've always kinda liked her. Then I discovered her online journal and I think she's wicked awesome. Don't ALWAYS agree, but I agree enough. Plus, she's quite a good writer.
Peter Dressel
One of the best photographers I've ever met. And a very nice man. He makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in front of the camera. If you ever need studio pictures done. You know where to go.
Poetri
Poetri is an absolute sweetheart of a man. Please keep him away from the Krispy Kreme.
Regarding Verse
The Asian American Ashford and Simpson! Or perhaps The Capitan and Tennile? I don't know. All I know is that Giles is my boy and I've never met Leah. I love Giles, but unless I get more proof that Leah exists, I'm just going to assume that Giles...
Roger Bonair Agard
Trini wild child and one of my first performance inspirations. He's super talented.
Shihan
My west coast link. He's my touring partner in crime and my late night AIM advice giver. I love his work and his dedication to his family. Also, like Samson, he can never cut his hair.
Skyscraper Creative
This is the official website of the man, Steve, who designed my website, my postcards, and the "Who Died For Your Bling" logo featured on the tank in my DPJ photos. The t-shirt will be featured on the next season of Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He's super talented. GET HIM SOME WORK!
Spirit Guardian
Cam and Ben developed the new site. They made it so that I can update at my own pace and have been really fantastic in helping me get the site that I wanted in the way that I wanted. They also put up with my inane questions. Their site also hosts my site and it's just been a joy to have them on my side.
GET THEM WORK!
Suheir Hammad
Suheir is one of my favorite people. Her work is beautiful and fluid-- Just like her. I started reading her when I was in college, I looked up to her then, it's an honor to now call her friend.
Taylor Mali
Teacher, Teacher! Taylor is the coolest WASP I know. Or perhaps, the only.
The Poemcees
DP, Patrick and Rhome. Or Nat-Law, Black Picasso and DJ Stylus. They inspire me to get a hip hop name. They are also dope, dope, dope. Awww, DC!
Artistic Organizations
A Gathering Of the Tribes
Historical lower east side writing community
Louder Arts Collective
First poetic home away from home. I made great art and even greater friends here.
Rives
This is poet Rives' website. It's less a personal site and more of a place for you to gain access to some of the best poets out there in the most unconventional way possible.
The Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Where it all began...
Entertainment
Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories
More Chapelle Show. Charlie Murphy is a story telling savant.
Google
Yes, google is highly entertaining.
I'm Rick James, Bitch
Seriously, the funniest thing that I've ever seen. Dave Chappelle is a genius. And cocaine is a hell of a drug.
Jeopardy Online
I'm some sort of trivia savant. Seriously, I know everything.
Spell Awesome
When I was younger, I lived for my Speak & Spell. I also had a Speak & Math, but as you can tell by the title, it just wasn't half as cool.
The Unauthorized Biography of New Edition
The entire book is online. I kid you not. And it was written by Nelson George.
This Game Will Drive you Mad
Click on the blue circle to get started. The object of the game is that you get everyone from one side of the river to the other. Only two people on the raft at a time. Only the mother, father, and cop know how to steer the raft. The mother can not be left alone with the sons. The father can not be left alone with the girls. The prisoner can not be left with anyone other than the cop. Questions? Just ask.
Journals
Don't stop the Boogie
Speaks her truths. Makes me laugh.
Dooce
New mommy dealing with post partum depression. She can be break your heart and make you howl with laughter seconds later.
Guy's journal
I wasn't sure whether or not to have a seperate entry for Guy's journal. But I decided it needed it's own seperate distinction. Guy is a brilliant writer and his rants on and knowledge of all things political is inspired. Fuck what you heard, LeCharles Gonzalez in 2008!
Kanke
Hands down my favorite person in the entire world. She's my little sister, but I still want to be her when I grow up. Love her too much; so will you.
Marty's Journal
I started in slam with her. Beautiful poet. I use a lot of her work for writing exercises. She's doing big things.
www.declareyourself.com
Matthew Siegel
Doesn't post as much now that he's got a new fancy job. But still manages to keep things interesting.
Sadia
Beautiful woman, beautiful writer, beautiful soul. Honored to call a partner, friend, and sister.
Shihan's Journal Page
Shihan's journal page.
Trey
What an absolute doll he is. Trey emailed me last year after my second DPJ appearance and we've been friends ever since. All the changes and improvements you found on the old site can be directly attributed to him. He's a genius.
Zach Braff
I do NOT have a crush on him.
Also he's on Scrubs.
Just Stuff I Like
Andy's Daily Dose
The most random and hilarious site online. Andy is awesome. I've spent hours laughing at loud while going through his archives. I've got two words-- Rudy's Letters.
Being Mama Daily
A collection of writings from women (and a few fathers) sharing their thoughts on motherhood in all it's forms.
Bust Magazine
It's a magazine for grrrls who like to look pretty but not appear vapid. You hear that Jane magazine?
Plus they had the good sense to put me in their Spring issue. Heh:)
Fametracker
From the people who brought you Televisionwithoutpity. Fametracker is a good place to waste a few hours reading about stuff and people you are probably better off not knowing about. That is unless you plan on never beating me in a pop culture trivia game. Challenge!
MySpace
It's crack.
Princess Melissa
I like the way she writes. That is all.
Recipes Gone Wild
This is why I don't cook because it would look just like that.
Television Without Pity
Where to go when you miss your favorite TV Show and need a recap and/or a someone to make fun of it for you. It's also where you can go to talk about the shows you are ashamed to admit that you watch. I'm talking about Passions, y'all.
Whu Dat?
Who you?? Ignore the girl in the booty shorts on the start page. All sorts of stuff on the site to keep you entertained.
Music
Arrested Development
Don't front. You know you loved them.
Dead Prez
I don't fully subscribe to everything these brothers say, but I agree enough. Not to mention, I find them incredibly brave to be making music like this in a world that supports bling and bland. It's bigger than hip hop.
Fertile Ground
James and Navasha have been doing their thing for years. I was fortunate enough to attend college with James and have watched them take over the world. Forget all those neo-soul wannabes. Fertile Ground is the real deal.
Jason Mraz
He's a curbside prophet with his hand in his pocket and he's waiting for his rocket to come. Okay... that sounds way more sexual than I'm sure he intended. Jason Mraz is one on of my favorite musicians right now. He just seems to have a lot of fun doing what he does. Can't knock that.
Jeff Buckley
"So I wait for you and I burn/will I ever see your sweet return..."
Died tragically and much too young.
Maroon 5
My new favorite band. Why? Lyrics. Lyrics. Lyrics.
Get the album.
Music Music Music
Every song, every album, every artist.
Okay Player
Home to the Roots, Talib Kweli, Common, Dilated Peoples, Reflection Eternal, Me'Shell...
Basically, the hotness lives on Okay Player.
Old School videos
This site makes me happy.
Rahsaan Patterson
Real music is out there.
Soul, funk, jazz, beauty.
Ricky Fante
He's sensational.
Sam Cooke
Reminds me of late nights and my father. Sam Cooke is the truth.
The Mighty Mos Def
"Mos Def, blessed with the breath of life so arise and give praises/ Turn my face to where the mighty sun raises/ My book of rhyme pages, filled with phrases that amaze/I could go on for days/
First name Dante, last name Beze"
Seriously. Do I really even need to explain why?
W. Ellington Felton
I've known him since high school another Teen Summit Alumnus. The man's talents know no bounds. He's beautifully absurd. DC's doin it.
Shopping Online
Amazon
This is where I go to read reviews on books before I head over to half.com to buy them. I'm also too lazy to complete a wish list. How sad is that?
Dangerous Breed Tees
They make really unique political T-shirts. It's where I got the t-shirt with Dubya's image and the word BUllSHit printed underneath.
Ebay
I'm addicted. I'm lucky I don't live near any casinos because apparently I'm into gambling-- and vintage tops.
ELuxury
Seven Jeans, James Perse, C&C California-- need I go on?
Funky LaLa
LaLa is one cool mama. She made the Nigerian flag t-shirt I wore on the second season of Def Poetry Jam. And she can make you something nice too. Just ask.
Half.com
books. books. books. books. books.
They sell other crap too, but seriously all you need to know is that you can get a book for 59 cents. From the people who brought you Ebay. And by people, I mean angels filled with chocolate and magic. What?
kipepeokipepeo
I like her accessories.
Wishing Fish
Online store with cute, whimsical items. Yes, I said whimsical. And no, I am not Martha Stewart. The stuff is cute. I have the fancy contact lense case.
Think Differently
Amnesty International
Fight for Human rights.
Blood Diamonds Are For Never
One Sky Campaign to end the trade of conflict diamonds.
Conflict Diamonds
Did someone Die for that diamond?
Crooks And Liars
This website has great media clips.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Offers support to those with mood disorders and the people who love them.
Glitter and Greed
Blood diamonds must be cleaned.
Harvard BiPolar Research Program
Fantastic resource for those who struggle with bipolar and the people that love them.
Human Rights Watch
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
-Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King
Info on Bipolar Disorder
For information on this particular mood disorder.
Let Love Rule
Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is
love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love etc. etc. ad nausem infinitum
Monkey Fist
Essays. Commentary. Politics.
More Info on BiPolar Disorder
This is basically a general list of symptoms.
Move On
Bringing every day folk back into politics. YOU make the difference. YOU make the changes. YOU can move on.
National Organization For Women
Pro-Choice. Pro-Equality in the workplace. Pro-Same Sex Marriage. Pro-HUMAN RIGHTS gender included. Again, I may not support every single thing they promote, but the above is enough for me. Re-define feminism.
Refuse and Resist
"Because I exist-- I resist..."
-Arrested Development
Save Marcus Dixon
I first saw this story on HBO's Real Sports. The level of injustice and racism depicted in the mishandling of this boy's life is astonishing. Michael Jackson is NOT going through a "modern day lynching" Marcus Dixon IS.
Support Same Sex Marriage
As long as reality dating shows exist, there is no such thing as "sanctity of marriage". Let love rule.
The Icarus Project
The Icarus Project is a activist created website for artists and young people negotiating the delicate balance between brilliance and madness. It was created by friends of my friend, Todd. It's a wonderful site. It's been helpful. I hope it helps some of you.
What to Do in A Terrorist Attack
It's funny 'cause it's true.
Who Died For Your Bling?
Coming Soon.
Word of Blog
Put your money where your blog is.