Poet Taalam Acey
Poet Taalam Acey
Taalam Acey's work has been featured on BET, TV One and in Essence Magazine
I began shortly after attending my first Spoken Word event in the mid 1990's. I was overwhelmed with the message and the energy of the crowd; so moved that I couldn't even stay and witness the entire show, because I wanted to participate but did not have a performance poem to share.
How would you describe your art?
I've always described my work as "abstract lucidity" meaning that I attempt to walk the line between being artistic and communicating with the grass roots. The artist in me reaches for new heights in imagery, cadence and language while the grass roots side strives to communicate as lucidly as possible.
Who would you say your work speaks to? Do you have a specific audience in mind?
I have a broad audience. However, the majority of my listeners tend to be in their late 20's and 30's. Most are women; though many men enjoy my messages and support my work. I write to manifest that which is in me and share what I've found. I'm open to anyone who appreciates what the truth I share.
How do you see your place in the world as an artist?
I see myself like an educator. My job is to illuminate topics, inner thoughts and ideas such that the listener recognizes having felt a similar way or had similar thoughts but was simply unable to articulate them as lucidly. My charge is to speak what is normally only thought and often merely subconsciously felt.
What recent book or books have you been recommending to your friends?
My favorites to recommend are the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett Jr...
Who has influenced your work?
My work is influenced by every inspiring line I've heard from famed poets as well as those on the open mic. I'm not one to imitate others, but inspiration can be gained from unsuspected places. I bring the sights I've seen and things I've overheard into my writing. It builds like a gumbo and stews until it's uniquely my own.
What have you been working on lately that you're most excited about?
My latest work is a project called The Market 4 Change Volume 2, which is my second CD collection and includes re-mastered prior work, alternative version and the newest pieces I've written including "Sell Hell: Augustine 2009," "Pride," "American Sickness" and "Rules of Engagement."
What is your next project?
My next project will most likely be a fifth book, but I imagine a year will pass before I truly begin working on it.
www.taalamacey.com