(The Root) — Harlem’s MIST Theater welcomed in a familiar sort of artistic renaissance on Wednesday night, one that had begun in 2002 and been centered on featuring the country’s top spoken-word ...

Marc Bamuthi Joseph has won four national poetry slams and appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. He’s been hailed by critics as being one of the most compelling and important spoken-word performance ...

The newly relocated troupe from up Columbus, Ohio, way makes its Valley debut with a performance by its slam team, a women-only slam, an open mic, and a special appearance by Lau (pictured), whose ...

Yasiin Bey began his career as a child actor before rising to fame as Mos Def in Hip Hop and film. His 2011 name change reflected a personal and artistic transformation. These photos highlight his ...