At the age of 9, I along with many others, became hypnotized by rap—the music, as well as, the lyrics. By the age of 14, I was
writing my own rhymes, placing them into battle against other playground warriors, where victories were titles crowning me the "Best MC". Just a few years later, after being side-tracked by life, the fire in my heart that burned for the
affection and appreciation of an attentive crowd, dimmed and laid dormant. Until family support forced me into an open mic reading at Brookland's Cup of Dreams. There I found the creative gases blazing in so many of the poets, that it
sparked my flame once again,and after a month or so, I was inspired to write my first poem called "Temptation". Most of my poetry centers on relationships, scorned or otherwise. I want to positively influence people with my
poetry—in the way that we deal with each other in common situations. I was formerly a house poet at Brookland's Cup of Dreams, which has been a lyrical springboard for other spoken word opportunities. During my brief period on the poetry
circuit, I've performed and or featured at various places along the East Coast. From the Little Rascals in Harrisburg, PA to the Power Studios in Miami, FL and places in between; Teaism (formerly Café.myth), Sankofa,
Mango's, Dos Gringos—all in Washington, D.C., and Poetry on the Side at Java Head in Maryland. I was also the co-organizer for the 1st and 2nd
Annual "Poetry In The Park" where I debuted my poetry production company, GentleGiant Productions . My other performance credits include: The Harlem Renaissance Festival (Landover, MD, 2000), The 34th
Annual Art In The Park (WDC, 2000), and The US Department of Agriculture Juneteenth Celebration (WDC, 2000). The Daka Maneno Poetry Series
(Silver Spring MD,2001). I am a guest artist on two independently-produced poetry CD's: Crystal by nationally- known performance artist Crystal Adair and Vibes and Verse: The Beats and Love Chronicles, a collaborative project
between various East Coast poets. I am also a D.C. National Slam Finalist (2001), as well as, a 2nd place winner in DC's Russel Simmons Def Poetry Jam competition. As I continue to grow and evolve on the poetry circuit, I am
constantly influenced by positive hip-hop legends and spoken word artists like Common, Mos Def, KRS-1, Public Enemy, Saul Williams, Avery Lanier, and especially, Lauryn Hill and DC performance poet Crystal Adair.
I can be contacted at GentleGiant212@hotmail.com
