The Spoken Word Revolution

by Mark Eleveld (Introduction), Mark Eleveld (Editor), Marc Smith (Narrated by)

"A dynamic and clarifying volume chock-full of fresh and informative commentary...and an exciting array of knock-out poems." ―Booklist Starred Review
"Accompanied by a terrific CD that showcases the great variety of styles performance poetry embraces, from the purest of recitations to seductive musical presentations, this dynamic anthology embodies the thrilling and mutually beneficial rapprochement between the traditionalists and the slammers, something that seemed about as likely 10 years ago as that proverbial cold day in hell." ―Chicago Tribune
The Spoken Word Revolution brings to life the written and performed works of more than 40 of the most influential slam, hip hop, performance art and contemporary poets in the world today. This defining collection of spoken word poetry captures today's electrifying words and voices, in text and immediately live on one audio CD.

Genres: Poetry, Young Adult, Writing, Music, Teaching, Pop Culture, Education

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poetry on the page wasn't very good. A DVD goes along with it. I enjoyed that more, which is the point of spoken word poetry.

Here is one example:

"The Foxhole Manifesto"
by Jeffrey McDaniel

There are no atheists in foxholes.
--old Christian proverb

The first god I remember was a Santa Claus god, who you only
turned to around Christmas time,
who you tried to butter up, and then got mad at if you didn't
get what you wanted.
That didn't make sense. I knew if there was a god, he could see
through us, like we were made
out of cellophane, like he could stare directly into our hearts
the way we look into an aquarium,
like he'd know what was floating around in there, like he might be
the one feeding it.

Then there were those people who used god to threaten you,
saying you better
be careful--god's watching, like god was a badass hillbilly
sitting in some cloud
with a pair of binoculars, a cotton candy beard, a six pack,
and a shotgun.

Then I saw people who had Jesus' name on their bumper sticker,
like he was running for president.
And sometimes those people with Jesus on their bumper sticker
would cut you off
on the freeway and give you the finger, which is very different
from lending you a hand.

Then there were people on television, dressed in weird clothes
and scary make-up, swearing
they had the secret to god, like god was a keyhole and their eyeball
was pressed to it, and if I just
gave 'em some money they'd let me look, and then I could see god
just hanging around in his boxer shorts,
and though I liked the idea of spying on god, I began to wonder
if the world would be a healthier place
if the Romans had just put up with Jesus and let him die of old age.

And then there were the football players, kneeling down in front
of everybody, thanking god,
like he was their best friend, but then they'd jump up and spike
the ball, yell I'm number one,
and I'd be confused, because if you're number one, then
what number is god?

Then I saw politicians trotting god out on a leash, like a racehorse
they wanted to hop on
and ride to the finish line. But if they lost it would be god's fault
and god would be the donkey
they'd pin all their problems on, and that was very nice of god:
to be both a race horse and a donkey.

And then there were those who said you better be good on Earth
if you wanna get into heaven,
like heaven was the United States, and Earth was Mexico, and angels
were border patrol. Like when you die
you sit in a parked car on the outskirts of heaven, the engine idling,
your soul in the back seat in one of those kennels
used to carry small dogs on airplanes, as you listen on the radio to all
the people you ever wronged testify against you.

And then there was the church which was like this cafeteria, where
they served god to you on these very
un-godlike plates, but I wanted my god pure, and not watered down
by human beings, so I just had one of those
catastrophe gods-- you know, the one you only turned to in an emergency,
like god's the national guard you call in
to clean up the earthquake of your life. So I got drunk one night,
drove home, passed out behind the wheel,
woke up, going sixty straight at a brick wall, slammed the brakes, heart
banging like a wrecking ball in my chest,
staring at death's face in the bricks, close enough to see we had
the same cheekbones.

Now I have a god who's like a mechanic who can fix anything,
so when I wanna chew somebody's head off
like a saltwater taffy, or amputate my DNA, or open my wrists
like windows that have been painted shut,
I just put my soul into a box, like a busted computer, and haul it in.
And he never asks to see my paperwork,
or says my warranty has expired. And I walk out feeling better.
And I don't care if he doesn't exist.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former Poet Laureate, Billy Collins states in the prologue of this book, “So, hearing a poem lends the experience of literature an immediacy, a reality not found on the page where we must conjure up the ghost-form of the poet who wrote the poems,” and the audio CD that accompanies The Spoken Word Revolution provides just that intimacy with dramatic voice and occasionally music for its verses. This anthology is selectively comprised of six parts with an explanatory essay and numerous poems to illustrate the innovative oral traditions of poetry: the Beat Remnants; Hip Hop; Performance Art; Competitive Poetry/Taos; Slam; and Youth Speaks. The poems are all unconventional, and many challenge the status quo. These poems are likely to resonate with youth, especially those in the slam section. For example, “it’s a teenage thang (for every teenager who has rebelled against their parents by sneekin out to party” is so quintessentially adolescent as it recites, “we don’t give a damn/bout ass kickin/waitin on us when we get/ home way past curfew/ (ok a little).” I found this book in an "April is Poetry" Month display at the San Mateo Public Library, and it was also included in Aragon Library by my predecessor.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with any poetry anthology, The Spoken Word Revolution has its hits and misses. The hits can be raw enough to peel the skin back from your nerves. The misses...well, one presumes they do better within the theatrical context of a spoken word event than on the page, though some of them are so weighted down by pretension its impossible to picture them going over well anywhere.

More consistently excellent are the introductions and various short essays scattered throughout the book on the evolution of the slam poetry movement, tracing it from the remnants of the Beats through hip hop to the contemporary competitive environment. Each entry is penned by an eyewitness to the particular era in question, and their perspectives are just as fascinating as the poems they offer context to.

Whatever your feelings about the verse included in The Spoken Word Revolution, the book offers an excellent overview of the movement, and a solid place to start exploring slam.

[Resi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the poems, and there are some very powerfully written pieces. However, I didn't enjoy that most of the writers/artists here were men. I read another spoken word book prior to this (Word Warriors, which is exclusively women artists), and so in regards to gender, this book was disappointing in that diversity.

As a spoken word artist/poet myself, I came into the art through a lens cognizant of identity, and my first pieces were very much written with/in a social justice and intersectional feminist mindset. And so I was disappointed to see that not represented here, and instead, find men's voices almost over-represented.

That being said: the pieces by Patricia Smith were by far my favorites in this book.

[The Reading Pilgrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Spoken Word Revolution" by Mark Eleveld is a book that truly captivated me. As someone who appreciates the power of words and performance, this anthology felt like a treasure trove. The collection includes poems, essays, and interviews from some of the most influential spoken word artists, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history and impact of this dynamic art form.

What I loved most was the accompanying audio CD, which brought the performances to life. Hearing the poets deliver their work added an extra layer of emotion and intensity that reading alone couldn't capture. Eleveld's compilation not only celebrates the creativity and diversity within spoken word but also serves as an excellent introduction for those new to the genre. For me, it was both an inspiring and enlightening read, deepening my appreciation for contemporary poetry and performance art.

[Kasandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rescued this from a dumpster at work because the CD was missing. That said, yes, a lot of slam poetry doesn't "work" on the page, and must be heard to be appreciated. If you've never been to a poetry slam, you're missing out. However, there are plenty of poets in this book whose work rises to the level of both page and stage, including Daniel Solis ("Elephant Song" in this book is one of my favorites), Sherman Alexie, Regie Gibson, Jack McCarthy, Jeffrey McDaniel, Taylor Mali, Viggo Mortenson, and, of course, the incomparable Patricia Smith.

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved most of this but FUCK MARC SMITH!!!!!!!!!!


the stars are for everyone in here but him.

Nevermind the recent NPS drama, but a white dude saying the hard R in a poem is diabolical. Especially more than once. Even in the early 2000s.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The CD was the best part.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some good stuff in here, but much of what I wanted to use it for isn't really what I thought. Not a bad collection to have, but not quite as enlightening or moving as I was hoping for.

[Tabitha Vohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing anthology of modern spoken word. It gives a nice sampling of each movement in the American spoken word revolution, starting with the Beats and moving up through Youth Speaks.

I really got into the short historical essays that prelude each section. The CD (with some of the pieces performed by the poets) is a cool bonus, too.

I recommend this for poetry teachers, poetry workshop facilitators, and anyone interested in spoken word poetry.

[Judeo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think The Spoken Word Revolution has the potential of being awarded 5 stars if the poems were read aloud by each poet. I prefer listening to poetry rather than reading it, therefore it was hard to grant 5 stars to the anthology. The poems range in topic from "First Period," about a teacher's lack of faith in one of his students, to "Chicago," about the wonderful and horrible things that go along with being poor in that city, to "Belated Valentine: A Work in Progress," about the ups and downs of love. The various themes presented in the collection was appealing, which was the reason I chose this anthology to read.
Despite its strength in presenting many views on different subjects, the poetry anthology failed to meet my expectations. When I first picked up the anthology, I expected it to be about modern civilizations, personal opinions, and rebellions, suggested by the word "Revolution" in the title. Once I began reading the poems and skimmed through the different chapters, I realized it was not associated with any sort of society or civilization, but rather discrepancies in global ideas, such as music and love, in the last couple of decades.
One reason I found the anthology disappointing was because each poem was written by a different author. Due to this, the viewpoints ranged and so did the tones and moods of each poet. It was harder to differentiate between sarcasm and commendation because each poet had a different technique and style in writing. As a reader, it was hard to notice the changes in tone and adapt to the different styles of the poets.
Some of the poems in the anthology are moving and motivating, while others are solely bland, failing to justify the title of the anthology. The anthology as a whole is aimed at a youthful population, therefore, I don't recommend it to anyone but teenagers, seeking inspiration, who wish to change the world.

[Miaree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
This is a collection of poetry that isn't strictly young adult, but I think that it would appeal to young adults because these poems are meant to be read aloud and heard by an audience. These poems are very much like music, and the CD that comes with the book is amazing. There is a good selection of the poems on the CD, but because it's a recording of a live performance there are wonderful spontaneous things that happen too. The book adds to the catalog of amazing poems. The poems range in topic from "First Period," about a teacher's lack of faith in one of his students, to "Chicago," about the wonderful and horrible things that go along with being poor in that city, to "Belated Valentine: A Work in Progress," about the ups and downs of love.

Rating: 4 out of 5
I think this book is fabulous, but then I love to listen to poetry read aloud. I can't give it 5 out of 5 in the context of a classroom though. It has strong language and covers complex uses, so it should be taught with care. Students should also be prepared if they want to read the book because it is at times very raw. With that said, I would love to due a unit of late 20th and early 21st poetry, probably in high school, with this book as one of the resources that I would use.

Characters: N/A

Keywords: 20th/21st Century Poetry, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, Hip-hop Poetry, Slam Poetry

[Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very awesome book. Good for the casual enjoyer of poetry, the reader who is adventurous but has never appreciated poetry before, the teacher who wants to find a way to make poetry come alive in his classroom, and the casual listener who simply wants to be entertained.

Included along with this inspiring book is a cd which includes many of the better spoken word poems being read aloud, sometimes by their authors, sometimes not.

Among others, check out everything in the "redux" edition of this book by Patricia Smith and Saul Williams, as well as the poem "Marriage" by Gregory Corso.

(Actually now that I look at it, I haven't actually read THIS book, I've only read the redux "sequel.")

[Shedim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The CD which comes with the book is worth more than the rest, and even that is only fifty percent fair. Like much of the poetry, the essays are self-indulgent and preposterously portentous in their comical pomp. But, oh, how here and there are such gems of the contemporary world - not for their modernism, but their transcendence. Check it out from the library and don't be afraid of the next track button.

[Riah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most others who have posted here, I believe that the enclosed CD is perhaps more valuable than the words written on the page. Performance poetry is best appreciated in just that way. I loved some poems, hated some, and was grateful for most. I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in not just the poetry, but also the history of the poetry, the performance, and the collaboration of artists and movements involved in this revolution.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spoken Word Revolution has a wide range of contemporary poetry aimed at a younger generation. There are hip-hop lyrics, slam sessions, and more. Students doing the Mr. Wood anthology will love this because it fulfills their requirements, but also might hold their interest. The biography information in the back is also complete except for birth dates.

[Cassie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved it. This school year, my students and I will end with spoken word poetry. This book is packed with poems my students are certain to connect to. With this said, there are many poems that contain vulgar language. I found, too, a number of poems that will be perfect for imitation like the one titled "Before I Read This Poem" by George David Wheeler.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an interesting collection of urban and hip-hop style slam poetry. It provides great insight into the struggles inherent in those lifestyles and subcultures, but the language can be somewhat harsh. Not a read for the easily offended.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination book and CD set explains and demonstrates the evolution of contemporary performance poetry such as hip-hop and slam. There are many examples of the poetry and the best part is the audio CD that demonstrates the power of the spoken word.

[Jenne Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out the words of today's poets, though glad the cd is included as page poems and spoken poems can be *very* different beasts, and on the page, much of these fall flat, but rise in the landscape of sound.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoying. Pulling out excerpts of poems for my classes and getting excited about playing some slam and hip hop for my poetry studies. Definitely defacing the book with some black marker, however. Lots of F words!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mix of anthology/reference; not for a classroom library, at all, but good for the poetry teacher understanding modern spoken verse. More poems than not are inappropriate for school, which is a damn shame.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great compilation of poems- now I have to go listen to them all! I enjoyed all of the personal essays, although some basically said the same thing as others (I suppose that means that there is consensus among the spoken word community!).

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty pleasures at their best -- this book is fun and eye-opening, eyebrow lifting and spirit soaring fun.

[angrykitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

not as great as poetry speaks...partly due to the fact that a lot of the poems are hit or miss depending on what you're teaching, but it's still a really great book to get into spoken word poetry.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent compilation of poetry, though I thought the essays interspersed throughout the book were disappointing.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good place for a survey of spoken-word pieces. The accompanying disc is good, though not a complete roster of poems from the book.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this collection! especailly "First Period" and I didnt even know Viggo Mortensen did poetry! Love the CD and hearing the authors read their stuff is great for my UIL'ers

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read with selections from Saul Williams and Beau Sia, two of my favorite poets. Also comes with a CD.

[Aals]

AWESOME!!! 5 Stars!