Overview
with Chuck D, Rakim, slick rick, DJ Spinna, Tyehimba Jess, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Slam Team and more
MCs and poets unite for a moving celebration of spoken word as a catalyst for social justice. Featuring:
Chuck D, the rapper, songwriter, frontman of Public Enemy — and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Rakim, the influential rapper and “inventor of flow.” He first exploded onto the scene with Eric B. is President and raised the bar for all future MCs.
The hip hop storyteller Slick Rick brings a clip from his new album/film Victory (starring Idris Elba and Nas), followed by a live performance.
Raina Simone, the producer, writer, rapper, freestyler and TikTok sensation who dropped her debut album Old Soul New Conscience in 2024.
DJ Spinna, the genre-defying producer and remixer of soul, hip hop, R&B, jazz, funk, electronic/dance and soulful house.
Tyehimba Jess, poet and author of Leadbelly and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olio. Widely published and anthologized, his many honors include fellowships from Guggenheim and NEA.
The 2025 Nuyorican Slam Team featuring Brittany Barker, Sola Kush and Sumbodies Mama, with special guest Caridad de la Luz, Executive Director at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
