Christian Robinson
Rich Robbins is a rapper, songwriter, producer and educator. But more than anything, the Oak Park-born, Chicago-based artist is a world-builder.
Rich’s early years as a college student in Madison and the First Wave hip-hop scholarship program jumpstarted his artistry. He recorded wide-reaching tracks like "Dreams" feat. Mick Jenkins, along with records with Saba, Mother Nature, and more. He has performed at historic venues like the Apollo Theater in NY, and has done everything from work at Hot 97 as an intern to teaching classrooms of high school students how to read and write slam poetry.
His work is an inward look at society's ills and creates spaces in his songs for listeners to explore. In short, Rich’s work critiques the old while envisioning and manifesting the new. His latest music is available on all streaming platforms.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
The Spoken Word Club at OPRF changed the course of my life. I was always a diligent student, but I didn't have much direction. When I moved to Oak Park, I was grieving the loss of my aunt while also adapting to a new environment. Spoken Word gave me a home. It gave me the tools to cope and the skills to become a leader. Initially, it was a therapeutic outlet. I could go to club after school and unwind with people who were writing finding themselves through writing and performing. It didn't take long for it to become a lifestyle. Learning how to analyze the world, analyze myself, and how to translate my discoveries on to a page is the most useful tool I have ever received. I credit the Spoken Word Club for giving me that tool -- that purpose. The club helped guide me to a full-tuition scholarship to college, which opened countless doors including finding my voice through rap/songwriting.
From college I went on to become a Spoken Word educator and Hip-Hop recording artist. I’ve performed for thousands of people, facilitated workshops for thousands of students, have well over 1 million streams on Spotify, have collaborated with nationally recognized artists, started one of Chicago’s staple open mics, and continue to grow in all those fields. The Spoken Word Club laid the foundation for all my success, and I’m proud to call it my home. You will hear a lot of people say Spoken Word club saved their lives. The club not only saved my life, it gave my life a second breath during a time I had lost all my faith. And now, we up!
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Kendrick Lamar - Kendrick's delivery is unmatched. He has versatility, story telling ability, and creates albums that feel like movies. He also keeps a very low profile for such a big celebrity. You don't find many rappers who can create entire experiences through their work. But Kendrick's utilizes the language and adlibs of today, while weaving in cohesive concepts, which makes him one of the best for me.
Andre 3000 - Andre's flows and pockets on the beat are so intriguing to me. He's able to bend words in the most unexpected ways. He is a visionary and has a knack for including specific incident in his verses. His verse on "Int'l Players Anthem" is one of my all time favorites.
Lil Wayne - Wayne has some of the best punchlines. To this day I will hear a LIl Wayne verse and catch a lyric that's been going over my head for years. He's lost some of his touch in recent years, but don't let that fool you. He's got a catalogue of similes, metaphors, quadruple entendres, and provoking lyrics that can go toe-to-toe with any rapper in existence.
Connect with Christian
IG | Teach this poem
Writing Prompts
Write a poem that focuses on a food that is a family staple
”Today I am not….”
Write about a memorable family meal
Write about a family tradition