When I was younger, I watched several episodes of Def Poetry Jam. I remember it coming on really late at night on HBO, so most nights I wasn’t able to catch it. What I really loved about the show was that it wasn’t mindless, it was a different form of reality TV that illustrated to viewers how alive poetry can become when it’s spoken.
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I remember that show! Gosh, it’s been ages since I thought about that! It’s so great that you remembered and that you shared this video with us. Very cool post today!
Thanks for sharing the video – it was fabulous!
For real, K?! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This is kinda off topic, but your post reminded me of something I read recently. Have you heard of the Deaf Poetry Jam? http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/deaf-jam/film.html
This is perfect, Edi! Thanks for mentioning it. I haven;t heard of Deaf Poetry Jam.
Great video! It brought back some memories. I use to watch Def Comedy Jams all the time.
Whoa – that was amazing! Thanks for sharing with us.
I never saw the TV show on air but I came across several segments of it on YouTube a few years ago when I discovered Suheir Hammad’s poetry. It’s such a fantastic group of talents. I wish the show was still on or at least that there was something like it on today. This is way more appealing than the current reality TV fare.
Mona, I definitely agree. Can you imagine if this was still on TV?
I enjoyed the playfulness of this piece; I haven’t heard his work before. Thanks for posting about it!
Yay Gemineye! I miss Def Poetry Jam. I was just a little too young to appreciate it when it was on, but I wish that it was still on. It’s kind of amazing to me that it was ever on. I love going through Youtube videos of old episodes. So. good. Thanks for sharing.
I wish Def Poetry Jam was still on too. I absolutely loved it! And a little off topic – did you ever see “Love Jones”? That was my first intro to that type of poetry and I still love that movie to this day!
I love Love Jones! I haven’t watched that movie in ages! Thanks for the reminder.
I have not thought of that show in ages! Either that makes me rather old or just forgetful. Thanks for sharing such a great video!