Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway ... and More

by Russell Simmons (Draft Writer), M. Raven Rowe (Contributor), Danny Simmons (Editor)

This upbeat, one-of-a-kind collection brings the Def poets -- as featured in the Tony Award-winning Broadway show and popular HBO television program -- to life on the page. Among Suheir Hammad, Beau Sia, Steve Colman, Stacyann Chin, Mayda del Valle, Georgia Me, Poetri, and other well-established and up-and-coming Slam artists who have forever changed the face of poetry and offer a fresh, exuberant, insightful, and comedic look at who we are as Americans today.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Russell Wendell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.
After producing or managing artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J., Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.
Simmons has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle. He also published books about healthy lifestyle and entrepreneurship. In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam.

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Def Poetry jam for a while now. I was happy to see that the poetry showcased in that show has been published. While this is not all of the awesome poetry performed on the TV show, it is the powerful pieces done during the Broadway Show that won a Tony Award. It felt good to hear their voices as I read the words on the page.

[Lauren Galarza · Rating 4 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this book! i wish i could have seen the show on broadway, though the book does it justice. these are some amazing poets who talk about a huge range of topics, from tito puente to krispy kreme donuts. its PHENOMENAL!

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't finished this completely, but I've read most of it. I think that alot of this would have been more enjoyable in the live show. As I'm still new to reading poetry for pleasure, I'll have to get back to you on it, but slam poetry is were I really began to get into poetry.

[Matt Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of this show for a long time, so I'm glad I was finally able to read the book. However, I was turned off by the many grammatical errors within it. Whoever was supposed to edit did a horrible job.

[Katherine Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift by my good friend Win, amazing book, great poetry and ahhh what a way they have to tell a story and paint a picture, love it!!! :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I really enjoyed the poetry.

[Mike Da Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Religiously watch the show, and the book is great. It doesn't top the performances on the show, but a close second when you can't watch it.

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau Sia lyrically spits like a veteran. Black Ice cuts you deep...deep into your soul. And Poetri...she makes me think of Krispy Kreme in a whole other light.

Amazing.

[Miami University Libraries]

King Library (2nd floor) | PS615 .R87 2003

[angrykitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wanted this to be better as i wanted to add this to the resources for poetry that i have, but it just wasn't as good as i hoped it would be.....

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poorly arranged collection of performance poetry. I am sure that the live performances were interesting and compelling, but on the page this work fizzles.

[behsforensics]

Cutting is for Urges By Poetri

Another cutting is for America the Beautiful– A Program By Katharine Lee Bates; Langston
Hughes and the Poets of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway

[Cynequa Marie Sain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I saw this live, but this anthology contains some of my absolute favorite jawns...

[Aaron Johnson]

Poetry is the way we look at life and the conclusion we draw -- Niki Giovanni

How can I rate it. Just let you know that it's worth your time.