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Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as a modern poetic voice, blending lyrical complexity with raw social commentary in his music. His verses explore themes like racial injustice, identity, faith, and survival, using metaphor, narrative, and rhythm much like traditional poetry. Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. showcased how hip-hop can function as a powerful poetic expression. Through his storytelling and wordplay, he challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the human condition.

excerpt from “Freedom” by Beyonce(accent on e) ft. Kendrick Lamar

Ten Hail Marys, I meditate for practice
Channel nine news tell me I’m movin’ backwards
Eight blocks left, death is around the corner
Seven misleadin’ statements ’bout my persona
Six headlights wavin’ in my direction
Five-o askin’ me what’s in my possession
Yeah I keep runnin’, jump in the aqueducts
Fire hydrants and hazardous
Smoke alarms on the back of us
But mama don’t cry for me, ride for me
Try for me, live for me
Breathe for me, sing for me
Honestly guidin’ me
I could be more than I gotta be
Stole from me, lied to me, nation hypocrisy
Code on me, drive on me
Wicked, my spirit inspired me
Like yeah, open correctional gates in higher desert
Yeah, open our mind as we cast away oppression
Yeah, open the streets and watch our beliefs
And when they carve my name inside the concrete
I pray it forever reads

Freedom
Freedom

I can’t move
Freedom, cut me loose
Singin’, freedom! Freedom! Where are you?
‘Cause I need freedom, too

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Olivia le

Olivia le is a talented youth spoken poet. As a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, she has won state and national poetry competitions and was a finalist for the California Youth Poet Laureate. Her work has been published internationally and she is a 2-year Get Lit Player with Get Lit-Words Ignite. She used spoken word to share about her experiences and raise awareness on social issues.

Dharma lemon

Dharma Lemon is a writer, teaching artist, and activist from Los Angeles County. She is involved with an organization called Get Lit – Words Ignite. Her work focuses on topics like feminism, body positivity, the environment, and racial injustice. She is known for her passionate writing and activism, having performed alongside celebrity activists and participated in various events, including “Artists for Amazonia”.

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Marcus Omari

Marcus Omari is a critically acclaimed poet, writer, performer, and instructor who teaches poetry programs across Orange County. He’s known for his spoken word performances and has authored several chapbooks. He’s a six-time National Speech and Debate Award winner and has been featured on TV shows like VERSES & FLOW on TV One. He’s also the founder of the Poetic Reform Party.

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