The Definition shows have come and gone, and I'm happy that's the case. Organizing an event is stressful, mainly because you're held accountable be it a success or failure. Thee thing is, you never know which way it's gonna go. The Thursday show with Psalmayene and the Poem-Cees was cool, just a small turnout. Thing is, it is a Thursday so that's understandable. I honestly didn't want to do Thursday, but was talked into it. But I didn't want to have the illpoets collective performing on a day I knew Drew would be hosting an event (Java Head). Friday's turnout was...sad to be real with ya'll. To be honest, the stress involved with this joint wouldn't have been so stressful if I wasn't such a nice guy, and I'll just leave it at that. The show will be marked as a successful event overall primarily because of the reaction of the patrons who saw the event. Each show had a mixed crowd, and each night was a favorable response, especially Saturday and Sunday.
Speaking of Sunday, Sunday was dope because my Mom's, who hates hip hop and has dogged it for years finally understands it ain't all bad, in fact, she bought a poem-cees EP as proof. THAT'S HUGE!!! The show was meant to break down negative stereotypes and stigmas associated with poetry & hip hop, and if as a result my moms buys a hip hop EP, I consider that a success. I feel bad only on one front, and that's Psalm and Waldo didn't get a chance to rock for the larger audiences we pulled in*but aside from that, it's all good.
I also learned a lot about peoples attitudes, level of commitment, etc. when it ain't they ass on the line, too. Do not get it twisted, I dig all the talent that was associated with the show, BUT, there were some definite conflicts behind the scenes. Nothing television worthy, but damn, they were getting me heated at points. Issues like punctuality ain't viewed the same, and I had to learn that. I hate being late, and feel bad if I am...because I'm grown and believe that unless something barred you...you should not be more than a couple minutes late. So, yeah, everything is cool, but shoot*awww, man, I don't even want to go into it. I don't want anyone to misconstrue this journal entry like I'm salty at anybody, because that ain't even it. I'm sure I tested the patience of almost everybody involved at some point or another, but*you know what, I'll leave it at that.
The show was cool, if you missed it, you missed a really good show, and I say that sincerely. For the record, the Poem-Cees rock*hard! After seeing them perform the three nights this weekend, their act never got old or boring. Also gained a greater personal respect and appreciation for Patrick Washington; since Patrick pulled me to the side and expressed his concerns and reservations regarding the show prior to the show going live.
I actually dropped a line in one of my poems, an freaked out because I've never really just flat dropped a line and been stuck*it freaked me out, ya'll. When I messed up, my first thought was "Oh shit, I dropped my line*what line's next?!" I drew a blank for close to 10 seconds*not happy about that, but hey it happens, and it's over and done with now. Everybody else did a great job in delivering their pieces; some, including myself at points, were guilty of taking too long to set up pieces. Only reason I brought that up is because there were concerns that it would make the audience jittery, but the audience seemed engaged the entire time. Still wanted it to be closer to an hour for the illpoets.com time slot, but hey*whatever.
I'm glad folks (like Vanja, Jumand and Mama Bon, Mr. Mayo and his wife) turned out to check the show, some of my fam even came down from NY (Dio, Jewels, Nova and Alicia). Shoot, I was happy to see folks like Bru and Jennifer, too. My family turned out big, Dad, Uncle Allen, Aunt Jackie, Aunt Bessie, & Aunt Bessie (and of course mom and Ken)*so I was happy to be supported and surrounded by family. Hey, thanks also to Amy and Tracy for coming out too*that's what's up. And even though she's gonna act all indignant once she sees this, Lynn, you really did make it a lot easier to handle. Thanks. Big ups to Eric and Elisha*I'm out.
Why do I feel like Tupac giving shout outs on the Makaveli CD???