Jamaal James
Jamaal James is a Product Manager for residential and commercial loans, earning his MBA in Brand and Product Management as well as Marketing Strategy and Planning from DePaul University. Getting his start as an on-air radio personality he has since founded Mindframe Media Group, a music licensing and publishing company through which he has won two Daytime Emmys for original music performed in the Netflix original series “Ask the Storybots”. Via his company he has also gone on to have placed music with brands and networks including Coca Cola, Red Bull, Netflix, ABC, and many others.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the influence and experiences in Spoken Word Club. Participating in the program instilled confidence in not only public speaking but being able to lead a group and effectively work with people I don't know on a quick turnaround. The creative foundation and tools that I learned from Peter Kahn, Michael Dorame, and Dan Sullivan were instrumental in helping to sculpt who I am today. Through poetry I’ve learned to better articulate my ideas and think outside the box not only in regards to music but in marketing and strategy as well. Although now I’m more on the business side with placing music in TV shows/commercials as well as product management, I still utilize many techniques that I’ve acquired; whether it be developing innovative solutions to increase market share or working with artists to create the perfect song for your favorite show. In addition, poetry nurtured the passion to even pursue music as a possible career, with winning the Martin Luther King Jr oratorical contest my senior year allowing me to recognize that creative writing could actually create opportunities for me outside of Spoken Word club itself. As a Spoken Word team captain I learned the value of working behind the scenes and the satisfaction of coaching others towards a collective vision and creating an impactful piece. Even coming back as an adult to assist with teacher feedback has allowed me to continue learning from both the students and the program, not only through their creative process but via working with them to achieve their maximum potential.
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Poets: Lao Tzu and Maya Angelou
Lyricists: Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Andre 3000
Connect with Jamaal web
Writing Prompts
Write about a time you were supported through a difficult time or a time you were someone’s support
Write about the last words you remember from an old friend, family member, teacher, etc. What meaning do those words hold for you now?
Write about the best piece of advice you’ve received from someone older than you