Interview with Mobile, AL Spoken Word Artist, Award the Poet

For some, poetry is simply a hobby that comes and goes like the latest fad of our time. For others, poetry is immersed in their every existence – far beyond the unimaginable. For the individual that calls himself "Award the Poet," poetry is a breath of fresh air that provides a sense of purpose. His passion is shown in every performance - from local grade school auditoriums to regional and national platforms. Those who have witnessed his presence have been truly blessed. Those of you who are wondering who exactly is this poet and what is he all about, I would encourage you to indulge yourself in our recent interview. "Award the Poet" is truly what others strive to be - humble, talented, and refreshing.

By: Source

Hello Award! First and foremost, I want to thank you for agreeing to our interview. I am definitely grateful to receive this honor. Your background is very impressive and I am happy that I now have an opportunity to share your experiences with our followers. I know your time is limited, so I will get right to my questions.

What inspired you to pursue your talent further?
Really it was that I knew that if didn't find a way to create a life for myself that someone else would do the controlling for me, whether it was a job, an organization, or a religion. Embracing the dream meant freedom. I knew once I mastered myself no one could ever take that from me and I was willing to sacrifice everything to unite with my destiny as I saw it. When did you realize you had your talent? I was seven when my mom had one of my early poems published in a local paper and before that it was learning crazy long speeches to recite for church functions. It's known that The Most High has a plan for us all and it wasn't something I ignored, just something that I had to gain a grasp of. At age ten, I published a school newspaper and at twelve wrote my first full length movie. I've loved to read, write, and create always; it's something I can't explain.


How long have your been performing on a professional level?
Locally, I've been a regular in every open mic venue in my area since 2000. I've always associated me taking my passion seriously with my first trips to Atlanta (the region's poetry Mecca) to perform in 2002. I had no idea what to expect nor did I have much money to invest in riding out to Atlanta weekly. It was late fall and my car didn't have heat. I think I caught the flu or something from that idiocy. You know that a fool's passion is often a wise man's desire. I haven't been back to ATL since. I will soon! I'm looking forward to it.

What were some of the goals you set out for yourself in the early stages of your career?
I still consider myself in the early stages LOL. Honestly my goal is to constantly get better and hopefully inspire the same in those I associate with just like they inspire me and I don't have to know you for us to be associated. I can see you online or have your CD. You could've been a Harlem renaissance poet. I'm down for you like that, so I keep on pushing myself harder cause once I get ahead I know you'll want to catch up.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments thus far?
Hands down my first poetry book "Paradox Lost," not to mention competing @ Southern Fried Poetry Slam and not coming in last place, I mean no disrespect to those who did. To me a large scale Slam is really the best of the best not because of the talent but because of the dedication and spirit. Slamming isn't something I saw myself doing. I even was confused about it a bit when I was younger, but I didn't want to rob my soul of a poetical experience and I met a lot of great artists because of that courage. Oh yeah, becoming known as Award, finding a pen name/ stage name isn't as easy as it seems. Luckily that name was one I can say I was born with. What would you tell an inspiring artist looking to follow in your foot steps? Travel, travel, travel! Get out of your box. Plus get a CD, chapbook or even lulu.com if your have to. Once you start generating a financial return off your work, it'll help your spirit even if it's small. Trust me it'll grow.

What bothers you most about your industry?
I'm in a lot of industries even though I make them work together; but, that poets get exploited too much. We come in, bring our friends and crowds to a venue, help owners/managers feel secure when times are rough or they're just getting started, and then get marginalized for the sake of a few dollars later; only to have them come back begging once hard times return again. Poets aren't just poets. We're business people, activists, dancers, musicians, painters, singers, moms, dads, soldiers, young adults, pastors, vampires, old, crazy, fun, nerds, thugs, you name it and you can find one at a poetry venue on the mic for the mic's sake – nothing else. You don't have to like us! That's powerful! I wish more poets felt this power and demanded respect for themselves and not simply for the art. The art will live on, it's virtually universal. When poets that believe in themselves step on the mic, new poets emerge and the movement begins.

What do you do for fun in your spare time?
I write, read, and think of new ways to express myself. I'm one of those few that have made a business out of something I enjoy. That's why I got into marketing as well. I founded a marketing company three years ago named "KMT" and we've grown incredibly. It's a professional career in which thinking and creativity is encouraged, rewarded, and respected. What is one thing you would like to share with our audience that we don't already know about you? Please tell them that I'm not as crazy as I seem, but that might scare some people because it must mean that I'm seriously thinking about my actions. Strangely enough, being a "thinking" black man can be considered crazy – even suicidal.

What is most rewarding about performing?
Conquering my fears and inspiring the next generation to do the same.


What is the next stage for you at this point in your career?
I want to create more powerful performances. I want to transcend myself. "I'm Guilty As…" is a spoken word stage play I've coordinated and will premier this upcoming national poetry month. I want to help bring poetry to the main stage in my area and expand my artistic interests in the theatre.

You've accomplished so many great things thus far in your career! What motivates you to stay focus?
I'd like to do better work, more work. Honestly there's so much more I can do everyday which is exciting. Plus, I know a lot of incredibly talented people that just keep inspiring me to push the envelope. You should always keep people around you that motivate you.


Tell us about your recent CD?
I have an album in the works. The Ghetto Process was an underground release a couple years ago that went strong in the streets. The new project will fuse my spoken word with some craziness I hope. Hopefully it'll be blitzkrieg on the ignorance lying in wait in the folds of the cerebellum of doubters just as all my offerings to the God force are.

Tell us about your book?
Paradox Lost is a book of poetry, lyrics, and some rough mini essays. I published it in 2004 and released it in 2005, but it mostly captures my essence from 2002-03 a snapshot of personal rage and religious frustration. My new book "The Children of Confusion" is a novel. I noticed that there are few, if any college stories for/ about young black men and the issues they face. This book dwells into that world and some of the problems they face. Particularly street violence and how close the two worlds actually are and how they interact regularly. I've been receiving great response and good feedback from readers. I thank them! God Bless you! You can check them out on my website WWW.AWARDTHEPOET.COM. Please get it from me or search amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, etc. I have web and regular store order distribution for any new copy by the time you read this. The wheels are in place and turning.

Tell about your tour?
"The Children of Confusion" tour will span the summer months and will mostly involve developing strong relationships with fellow artists in order to grow the movement. I'd rather be strong in a region than weak all over. The next generation can take the baton and run with it if need be, but believe me, I'm running and they have to catch me! However, I'm increasing my range with every new development, so even a little international traveling by the time the CD drops is a must. I do plan on hitting the four corners on the U.S while still pushing this new book over the next six or so months starting this summer.


What inspired it?
I do it for the love, so I know there's nothing that can stop me. When it's time to go - I go!

For more info on Award the Poet, please visit: www.awardthepoet.com

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Source of Pas'sion has been a member of Black on Black Rhyme since 2003. He is also President and CEO of Pen-Line Promotions Group