April is still National Poetry month! We here at Kroun have not forgotten the promise to deliver poetry spotlights and new poetry from Sarabi weekly.  So, we’re playing a little catch up to bring you spotlights on three of our favorites: Shihan, Yasiin Bey, and Tupac Shakur. 

Shihan

Shihan Van Clief is a Black American poet and copywriter.  He has been featured on Def Poetry Jam 7 times over 6 seasons.  He’s responsible for everyone’s all time favorite love poem, “Love Like”.  He has been featured as a spoken word poet on several commercials, including 2 Adidas ads.  Shihan also hosts the nation’s largest weekly open mic, Da Poetry Lounge. As he continues to make his mark on the world through poetry, we will keep our ears open and our anxious hearts ready for what’s in store next. 

Yassiin Bey

Yasiin Bey, formerly known as, Mos Def is a Black American poet, rapper, activist, and actor.   Yasiin Bey has certainly made his mark in both worlds of entertainment and art.  From roles in The Cosby Show, The Italian Job, and Brown Sugar to music like Black on Both Sides and The New Danger, he has proven that he is a super talent and a force to be reckoned with.  Dynamic, Black, Excellent, Free, and Unpredictable, we’re waiting with bated breath to see what he’ll do next. 

Tupac Amaru Shakur

The controversial, undeniable, powerful, talented poet Tupac Amaru Shakur.  As a writer, poet, actor, rapper, and activist he captivated the world with his music and unapologetic attitude, yet stole our souls with his intellect and revitalized our people’s fervor to get free.  His book of poems “The Rose that Grew from Concrete” gave me a reason to be candid in my writings.  His smile brightened a room and his pen brightened the page.  Thank you Tupac for all that you gave us in your short time here on earth.  We…I…am forever grateful to have witnessed your greatness in my lifetime.