Last weekend i was blessed to be in the presence of several talented poets, immersed in some of the best conversation i've had since college. Amongst the topics of hip-hop, the slam the previous evening, current events, poets that are changing the game, and food, the someone asked this question: "Is it ok to write about something you may or may not be feeling at the time, even if the crowd is feeling it? Is it ok cool to be a an artist who writes what ppl want to hear?"
Up until this conversation, i didn't think so. I was always led to believe that one shouldn't speak on what they don't feel or haven't been through (subsequently, i have come to dislike rappers who talk about shooting 50 million ppl #wedontbelieveyou,youneedmoreppl).
But then i realized ppl actually BUY this stuff, cuz that's what they wanna hear. (that's a completely diferent blog entry). But also there are artists (Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild) whose songs are so relevant anyone at any age can relate. I'm almost certain that they experienced some degree of success.
Suddenly, i received a revelation!!!!
As artists, it is our duty to be RELEVANT!!!!
If we only talk about what we feel, without conisdering if others experience our feelings, how do we expect them to relate and listen to us? It is our duty to establish a connection, make our audience feel and relate to our songs, poems, and art. We not only speak for ourselves, but we are a voice for the voiceless. Moreso, i think it is our duty to fully run the gamut of our emotions and eloquently catalog and communicate them. They say the best artists have the hardest lives. Mary J.'s first four albums are evidence.
So, i guess it's time to write the poetry i have been running from.
Artistically yours,
T. Odis
SPIT FOREVER.
