Ricky Brown
Ricky is an educator and an entertainer. He's currently pursuing an MFA from an institution in New York. Over the past decade, he has spent a significant amount of time between the US and Japan working as an Actor and an Instructor.
The impact of poetry and the spoken word club
Spoken Word Club and the principles taught in the program saved my life in a time when I wasn't really focused on much but the wrong things. The program and writing/poetry taught me how to express myself in a positive and constructive light. I owe my growth to the club, hip hop, poetry and most importantly, PK. Thank you Peter Kahn. I'll never be able to thank you enough.
Top favorite poets or lyricists
Poets
Danez Smith: He has a presence and a message that speaks to Black Existence. Period.
James Baldwin: (My cheat. Look up his poetry. It's amazing!) He was what I think Danez is now in terms of voice. Added bonus: He makes traveling sound cool.
Akiko Yosano: In an era and time where women in Japan were items and an afterthought, she was a voice of strength and assurance that women were more than mantle pieces for men.
Lyricists
Scarface: Just check his discography and greatest hits list. His Geto Boys "The World is a Ghetto" verse is easily one of the best verses in hip hop history.
Bun B Bun: Much like face is all about his group and solo discography. Listen to UGK's "Diamonds and Wood" for reference.
Phonte Coleman (Little Brother): This man is Drake minus the superficial, pop/award winning bullshit that comes with Drake. But, we're not ready for that conversation on most levels.
Writing Prompts
Write about something that brings you back to a moment in time (it could be a positive or negative experience)
Write about an experience you’ve had that you felt like you couldn’t explain to someone close to you (because you didn’t know if they’d be able to understand or because you thought they’d look at you differently)
Write about a place you’ve lived or visited that was drastically different from where you’re originally from