Extenstion of a post I made about last night’s slam.
- There were a few things I wanted to do leading up to the match in the form preparation —- I thought about performing new material, using music, and also bringing a mic stand because I hate holding the microphone- ultimately I decided against doing any of those things, and just go with my experience and skillset
2. Earlier, before the match started, a poet and I were speaking on strategies- what piece to perform and in what order- never in that conversation did I believe the poet may have to defend themselves after —
I have been in a few situations poetry wise (sounds funny right?) - where I had to observe the faces more than I usually do, count the exits and also see what I could get my hands on if it came down to it - almost like Sherlock Holmes or the Equalizer - you don’t want to, but sometimes projected words get people in their feelings in slam, and poetry overall.
3. If I’m there, my people are good.
4. I enjoy the sport of battle rap, and also the skill it requires to be good at it - when I was coming up, slamming had a similar energy- I’d often scout my opponents, study their best pieces, look for counters - basically go into it looking to rip my opponents heads off, then at the end, sew it back on and have some laughs.
5. Whenever a poet asks about slamming, I always tell them it isn’t for the feint of heart, and could alter the way you feel about your writing and poetry in general. - I also tell them that feelings may get hurt because of scores you receive and the level of competition you might be facing.
6. The older I get the more I pick and choose when and/why I’m leaving the house- but I can speak all day on that.