Prentice Powell … A Spoken Word Phenomenon
To “spit” is a colloquial term used in the urban music culture of rap, hip hop, and spoken word. With perfect timing, rhythm, and tone, this 2010 East Bay “Best Poet” spits his spoken word so organically into the microphone, one can almost visualize relatable scenes from their own life experiences. This enormous talent is none other than the incomparable spoken word artist, Prentice Powell.
Prentice started his venture in 2003, competing on a national level, placing 4th. After writing his first piece, he pursued his career in spoken word. Since then he has won the Oakland and San Francisco Grand Slam Championships, the 2007 Black Music Awards “Spoken Word Artist of the year,” and an NAACP Image Award Nomination.
His genius has allowed him to travel nationally and internationally sharing the stage with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Eric Roberson, Goapele, and Amir Sulaiman, just to name a few. He has appeared on national television shows, such as “The Arsenio Hall Show” and T.V One’s “Verses and Flow.”
Powell is a force to be reckoned with, and his humility will carry him far. Even with all the stardom and limelight heading his way, he still has a regular 9-to-5 job of working with youth in the community which he’s very passionate about.
Recently, QOTS Magazine had the pleasure of sitting and talking with the phenomenal Prentice Powell before “The Word of Mouth Experience” show at Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C. He received a standing ovation from the audience with his poem, “The System”.
Check out the interview:
