Diary of a Poet
Diary of a Poet
November 4th, 2008
WOW...has it really been 10 months since my last update? Okay, my apologizes to those who check my site regularly and have been waiting for my next update, my newly assigned publicist wants to kick my ass for not doing so sooner. Ahhh, the Election, it is just pass midnight, and I am excited to go vote this coming afternoon. The World awaits the outcome...as Do I... You know, there has truly been sooooooo much that has happened within the time of my last update, so much in fact, that I decided to extend my memoirs to detail some of those events...but all I can truly say right now, is that this past year has perfectly positioned myself for the steps I'm about to start taking now. I am going through the process of updating my whole website, so stay tuned. In the works, a Fan Club, my Next calendar of events, of some major Marketing. I'll check back in soon.
Marc
January 22nd, 2008
Man, it's been awhile...yes, I do admit. I don't really know where to begin, other than to say just because you may not have heard from me in a while, doesn't mean I haven't been constructive. And No, to answer a question I received, I have not retired, I have not gotten a (Real) job and stopped doing poetry. Poetry has been good to me, at least, as of late. Every now and then you got to rearrange your hustle if you want longevity. Everything changes, so as things change, you must revamp yourself, or change up to some degrade, otherwise, you'll be left behind as things progress without you. As a matter of a fact, I present my 8th Spoken Word CD, "All Around the World, " a Double Disc collaboration with over 20 poets. To say the least, I am honored to every single poet who blessed me with their creativity, truly their poems were the inspiration of many of my own that are on the album. And thankfully, there are those that are awaiting my return to their city and asking when my calendar will be updated...and to those, I promise, I'm just right around the corner.
Marc
July 14th, 2007
This has been the best one of the best summer’s I have had in years, and I have no one else to thank, but my son. He is at that age now, where almost everything he does, matters, almost every decision he makes now, can come back to haunt him, or benefit him in the future. And I could see he was in need of discipline, unfortunately, with me being on the road as much as I have, it seems like everything I teach him, would just vanish, due to the fact that I would leave right afterwards to go on the road. So what did I do…I cleared my schedule for the summer. I turned down a pretty good amount of shows, and switched around a few dates, and decided to not pursue filling my calendar out this summer. And it has been one of the best decisions of my life.
My son amazes me in so many ways, and I couldn’t be prouder of the progress he has made. Not to put his on blast, and reveal to the world some of the things that he was lacking in, but he has made me so proud…at first, I was thinking it was going to be a very trying ordeal, I felt there were many things that needed to be corrected, and truthfully, just the thought of it was kind of exhausting…but he has proved to me, that he is the beautiful boy that I always knew he was, and is. He has made gigantic strides. Someone asked me if I missed performing as much as I have? Are you kidding? This experience has been one of the best times in my life, and I have him to thank for it. Fatherhood has never been better!
Marc Marcel
PS – Oh, I'm writing my memoirs…I know that put a chill through some people’s spines. And yes, be afraid, be very afraid, I'm revealing everything. LMAO
May 26th, 2007
Wow, has it really been that long? Well, truly, people, I don't have any big news, I just figured I'd check in, just to let those that may care, know that I'm alive and well. You know, every time I come back to this Diary page, I think about all the things I could've been writing about since the last time I posted a journal, and every time I get around to doing so, I in no way possible, feel like writing all that information. Honestly, I'm leaving out a lot of gossip. Right now, I'm trying my best to remain on one side of the country for the summer. But...I do have some news.
Currently, I am working on my next 2 Spoken Word CDs, yes, I know, you're probably thinking, 'Didn't he just drop 2 Albums last November?' Well, yes, I did...but that was last November. I was on the West Coast, and a very Well Known poet asked me, (I say no Name), "How do I find the time to write," with all the travel, they had written 2 poems in the past 2 years. Well I told them 2 things, 1...there's always time, and 2, Truly, writer's block as never been an issue, the only issue I've ever had with putting together a CD, was the poems that I was going to have to leave off the album.
I'm getting more and more excited by the day thinking about my next 2 projects, 'All Around The World,' which will be Double CD, with collaborations with some of the World's Most talented and Recognized Spoken Word Artist. I'm aiming to get over 20 poets on the CD, we'll see what happens.
And Secondly, I'm also working on my 9th CD, which will nevertheless be titled, 'The Number 9" Okay, I'm going open up just a bit here, sometimes after I complete a CD, I get this feeling like I might not be able to top my previous work, I feel that way after ever since one of my CDs, I felt like that with, 'Smoke,' and as always, that feeling usually settings down when I get midway through my next Album...and it's happening now. 'The Number 9,' I know will be my most controversial work, not only from the subject matters that I'm touching up on, but I believe the music behind most of the poems, will be for acquired taste listeners. I was letting my Homeboy hear some of the musical tracks I had produced, and he could see where I'm way in the, "Left Field," on this one.
So I just wanted to check in, give you a heads up, no rush though, the dates of the releases have not been determined, although I will release, 'All Around the World,' this year, with, 'The Number 9,' spread out at least a few months apart.
People, I'm out. Live your dreams, be blessed, and KNOW, that YOU, are GOD. Peace.
M Marcel
October 19th, 2006
What's up peoples, it's been awhile, and truly, I feel like I am 6 months behind on my life, but, at least I can say I am back to breaking even again. For my fans, and supporters out, there, who have been behind me, and were looking forward to seeing me perform on the Sweet Verse Tour, I have to deeply apologize. The circumstances that came about in the cancellation were totally out of my hands, I fought for even the crumbs of it to continue, for the sake of those who put so much into it, but my effort was miles short. it has been 2 months since the tour was X, and all I can say is now, I can finally fee free to discuss my feelings on it. And not that i really feel like discussing it, cause truly, I am tired of even the thought of it, I just feel it is appropriate to give my apologizes.
I'm just thankful that the artist I got involved, understand my position with the tour, and I am free of blame, but still, being the person I am, I felt shamed getting them into such an awful situation. Out of my 6 years of being a full time poet, this was truly the worst ordeal that I have been through, pertaining to my art. Trust, my 6 months of full dedication to the project, LOL, I can't even buy a pair of Air Jordan's with what I was compensated, Yo, I'm am laughing my ass off while thinking about this and all the promises that comes out of peoples mouths.
The ordeal brought back thoughts of wanting to turn my back on the whole poetry way of life, but my thoughts always got cut short when I would think about my next projects. Truly, I had planned for a summer release, but, due to my time being taken up for nothing more than a large lesson in life, it was pushed back to a November release. And even still, I am barely making my deadline.
NOVEMBER 2nd, 'Have You Ever Made Love to a Poet,' and 'Smoke,' my 6th and 7th CD, will be available for purchase. It's not a double CD, it's 2 totally different albums. 'Luv Poet,' is totally based on my relationships with women, and my thoughts about Love. Much thanks to my homegirl Lizz Straight, for helping me through the interludes, the album plays as if you are listening to the radio And, 'Smoke,' is played out as if you are listening to the CD being recorded, with interludes of sessions in the studio. For me to begin to talk about this album, might not do it justice…but a little insight into the album, well, honestly, I have never worked harder on a CD before…NEVER. I put everything in this one.
Check out the Store section on my website, or go to poetcd.com, NOVEMBER 2nd, and don't miss your chance at a discount in buying both.
I'm going to try and check in before the release date, but, I don't know what kind of time I'm going to have in Hawaii…yeah, Hawaii. Spoken Word…and Hawaii. Damn!
M
September 12th, 2006
DAMN! Has it really been 3 months since I checked backed in, wow, I feel like I'm not on my shit. You'd think I was mad busy during the summer, but, in all truth, this was a quite summer for me. Well, actually, I was busy, I was doing some unproductive production work, for things that probably shouldn't be discussed right now, and, more importantly, I have been in the studio and marinating my next 2 CDs.
People, it's coming, SOON, be on the look out. I am truly excited about these albums, my 6th, "Have you Ever Made Love to a Poet," an all love based CD, focusing on my relationships with women, situations, and thoughts about Love, and women enlightenment. I've been planning to do this one for 4 years, it just had to be at the right time...which is now.
And my 7th CD, "Smoke," will be released on the same day. I know you're thinking why? Well, simply...I just didn't want to be performing only love poems for the whole year. So I had to do another project, that would be right up my alley. Truly people, my "Smoke" CD, I haven't been more excited about an album. I know it's my best work, there's no comparison, I put everything I had into this Album...everything. Honestly, I've never worked on a CD for as long and hard as I have with, "Smoke."
I had to push my dates back for the release because of some other things this summer that sidetracked me, but, we moving again. So please, be on the look out, "Have You Ever Made Love to a Poet," and "Smoke." COMING SOON!
Marc Marcel
June 16th, 2006
What's good y'all, I know it's been 4ever, but, I just want to thank everyone out there who has help my career advance, to where it is now, whether it be a contact, a performance, or simply buying a CD or Book from me, thank you. You have truly kept my career moving, and I will always be in debt for that.
Now that we got that out the way, I REALLY want to express, how whiny and jealous a lot of poets are. It is the funniest thing in the world to me, some of em', who I even thought we my friends, it's like they don't want anyone else to advance, but them. I swear, I truly wish I could express to you in whole what has been going on the past 3 to 4 months...craziness, backstabbing, lying, jealously. But, you got to love it, because, I am blatantly watching them dig themselves into their own ditch. You know, I learned a lot from the dude who introduced me to the poetry world, he would always tell me things like, "Marc, don't expect nothing from anybody," and, "Always be humble and gracious for what anybody wants to give you, because nobody owes you anything." And I learned a lot, from watching his downfall, from how he didn't listen to his own advice. I don't know, I just wish some poets would've had themselves an example like the one I had, so maybe they could have seen, or prevented the situations they are putting themselves into now.
I can honestly say, there are so many snakes in this business, so many cry babies, so many jealous artist, it's very disappointing. And I wish I could just tell em', I wish I could just get in their ear and be like, "Yo, get ya head out your ass," but by the time I can do that, they'll already have dug themselves into such a place, that there's no reason for me to even try to make and attempt and help them, all they'll do, is pull me down with them...just like crabs in a bucket.
Truthfully, this is the funniest shit in the world to me, to see poets with the BIG HEAD. I haven't seen 1 of them yet, on Jay Leno, David Letterman, or Jimmy Kimmel, but, these are the same cats that will sit there and demand they have fruit in their dressing rooms before a show. You got to be kidding me, where's the humility, like they forget about all them 3 dollar open mikes they've been to...so, I want to ask them, "Slim, who the hell are you?"
Marc Marcel
April 14th, 2006
I really don't know how to fill this journal entry out...I had a lot of things I was going to say and talk about, truly, every week that went by I was like, "Damn, I
should start writing my journal." Because every week that went by, I knew some of the information that would have gone in there, wasn't, due to the fact that I'm trying my best to stay away from them long, long journal entries. So every day that went by that I didn't write what's been going on, I knew that was more opportunity for it to never be voiced. I can't express to you, right now, the people who have touched me the last 2 months, the shows I've had, the experiences that have happened, the conclusion to situations, everything has been going cool. ...Until
Truthfully, I was telling my boy, Taalam, and I was probably having my best stint being on the road, but I was just waiting for something to go wrong, and he said, "Like I was waiting for that other shoe to drop." Well, it did.
Right now I'm in a state of shock that...I don't know how long it will take to get over... My God Brother, whom was my first and closet counterpart for my first 15 years going up, was killed in a Car Accident. His Father, whom I consider to be my 2nd father, had a relationship with his son, in the same manner that I have with my own father. They were best friends, teacher and student, comrades, soul mates...I could go on, but honestly, I know no one loved my God Brother more than my God Father, and my heart is with my Uncle right now. He is a great Man, just like his son, both of them full of love, and they love people, both have beautiful hearts, they were a duo to me...now...
Virgin John Maupin
RIP
March 6, 1975 - April 13th, 2006
"I miss you...I think of you...and cry for the loss that I have."
PS - I apologize for the phone calls that have not been returned, please understand...my head is elsewhere right now. Don't ever forget to tell the ones that you love...I love you.
Marc Marcel
February 15th, 2006
Hello to all, I know my journals are getting shorter, and I really wish I could sit here and write something good for y'all, which I most certainly could. The last
few days, weeks, have been crazy, more like, it had me contemplating other things to do with my life other than poetry...but...I'm still here. Anyways, I got to hit the road...Nashville.
M
January 13th, 2006
I swear, the years move fast, it seems like it was just last, and now, it's 2006. DAMN, I swear I wanted to do so much more with 05, I was hoping someone
would add in a few extra months...but it didn't happen, the year new still came around. Anyways, me, New England was dope, the holidays were...whatever, and my new years resolution, to stop smoking. ...Naw, I'm just kidding around. Hope all is well, and I just wanted to check in with y'all. Hope your 06 is your best yet. I'm trying to get a jump on things by scheduling my how year out, all the way to 07. Busy, busy, and Mo busy.
Marc Marcel
November 25th, 2005
What up Peoples, hope everyone is enjoying themselves on the holidays, Me, I'm just trying to maintain, I had dinner with my family, Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, Cousins and Grandmother. I made the observation how we are all getting older, and how things will never be the same...well, things never are the same...but
I meant in a way of family life. Everyone gets older, and goes off to different things, whether it's marriage, death, or whatever awaits them. It's like I feel everything that was, slipping away...I don't know if it's just me, or if anyone else out there can identify with that, when I spoke up and mentioned it, I was looked at as if what possibly goes on in my mind to make me think about things like that, nevertheless, it's always a pleasure being around them, they keep me grounded.
I've been doing a lot of behind the scenes work, sometimes the hustling of the grind, going from state to state, city to city, will eventually cause you to do that. I remember last year around this time, I was about to be in Miami, nice warm weather for the season of winter...well, this seems to totally have taken a different turn. I'm just getting myself ready to go up to New England Area for the next few weeks, and on a seriously note, I am NOT looking forward to the weather. I am looking forward to seeing some of the familiar faces though, Boston was one of the first places I toured (5 Years Ago), so it has a special place in my heart for it. But the last time I went, it was during the month of May...not December, and anyone who knows me, knows I despise cold weather. Me being in Miami last year during this time, wasn't a coincidence, it was strictly planned out...so I'm wondering what I was thinking with this one. But truthfully, cold weather and all, I'm looking forward to Boston...even though I know I just set myself up with this one. Time to break out the Leather.
B Well,
Marc Marcel
October 22nd, 2005
Juan Carlos "Los" Alford
RIP
June 16, 1971 - October 16, 2005
October 15th, 2005
Truthfully, I had a lot I wanted to write on in this entry, it was cool being in Florida and Georgia, seeing old Friends, and poetry...was what it
normally was, but life just seems to take all kinds of turns and twist. Life for me, right now, it's like my head's been spinning with all kind of drama that I may or may not be putting on myself. But, really, it's like when it all falls down, IT ALL FALLS DOWN, and let's you see how deep life can really get. Someone very close to me, whom I love dearly, is laying in the hospital, thankfully she is recovering and health wise, will be fine, but she will not be the safe. My friend, was evacuating for the hurricane in Houston (That never came) and while driving, her brother fell asleep at the wheel. Now, she's paralyzed waist done, broke leg, and a collapsed lung. So I really don't have anything all that exciting to express, it seems like anything that I could be happy about, or depressed over, is pointless. It's like I'm just in a daze right now. I don't even want to begin on how her parents are handling the situation, let's just say, they're not making the situation easier for everybody. My prayers, love, and thoughts are in Houston right now, laying in a hospital. Sometimes, poetry...is just poetry.
..........
September 21th, 2005
What can I say, this is the second time in a row that I started off selling a new CD, in North Carolina. The only difference, is that I was in Greensboro last time, but still, it's pretty much been the same results. North Carolina has some of the coolest cats across the United States. J.C. from Touch One Productions is
holding it down for Charlotte, it's almost as if you can't make a move in the city without going through him first. And if you get the chance, you got to come through one of his events just to catch out the band Elemental, they are straight fire, no doubt.
I truly feel blessed to know some of the people that I do, I couldn't help but thinking that when I was sitting up on J.C. and Lawrence's couch, watching all their VHS and DVD movies. Sometimes you feel like life is trying you at different points, and at others, I recognize how lucky I am to be able to go almost anywhere in the country, and the people there will make me feel like I'm home. I love y'all for that.
So far, the response to my new CD has gone smoothly, and positive. As you can see, I'm still writing in my Journal, so no one has crucified me as of yet. I know Soul Evans, CEO of www.poetcd.com is waiting to hear some of the responses from some of the poems, cover and title. I don't have nothing for you yet Big Fella...but I know it's just right around the corner.
I went by Charlotte's Slam venue, in mind that I was going to go slam, but as soon as I walked in the door, Terry Creech (Charlotte's Slam Master) asked me if I would feature instead. I was kind of looking forward to slamming, I've been telling folks this probably will be my last year participating in poetry in that type of manner, so if I do go to Nationals, I want to be on a rock fire team. And Terry, I got mad respect for this dude, I was showing up thinking that I was going to get some points towards finals, but when he made his request, how could I turn him down.
I know Charlotte has gotten some slack for things that happened on the final stage at Nationals, but Terry isn't a reflection of that. I was talking to Maze Forever, building with him on a few things about the road life, and the events that happened in Albuquerque at PSI. He was telling me how some folks were looking at them like they were sore losers, and I expressed to him that he has to understand, people who don't know a thing about you or your team, are going to think that after what the audience saw that night. (And for anyone who knows what transpired, personally, I thought there was justice in the thought and feelings, but conviction in the words and the manner it was done.) And I was telling Maze, people tend to group the whole, around 1 individual act, but for the people who know the members of your team, and have built conversations with them, they may have a better understanding.
In my eyes, my point of view, Charlotte was the best team up there, and even though Albuquerque was very deserving, I know a lot of people believed that as well...but it's sad that people left out of there looking at the team negatively instead of people talking about how well they did or how they should've won. Sometimes you have to let history fall where it may, instead of forcing things. I mean, I can't count the Slams and shows I feel like I've been shafted for, or the people and poets that haven't given me a certain amount of respect, but all that just makes my story that much better.
Hey, I'd rather be Cinderella any day.
Always,
M
September 13th, 2005
It's 3:16 in the morning, I got to be in Charlotte by tomorrow. Just a few hours ago, I was in New York, planning to go to Bar 13, but something very unusual
happened, it was closed, due to a shortage in electricity. So, I was headed back to Baltimore so I could get a few things done before I'm suppose to be in Carolina, but, my car was gone...the fucking New York Towing company. Hey, call me what you want, but the sign said No Parking 7 AM to 7 PM, No Standing 7 PM to 7 AM. I mean, if it's no parking anytime, why don't they just say that shit in the first place and get it out the way...because if they did, they wouldn't make no money, they just do shit to confuse you. And just when New York was starting to rub off on me. Oh well, it seems that my CD is right on time, especially with the title. Things happen that seem to test your faith, sometimes daily, but what is it that keeps us loyal? I assume that answer is different for many of us. Anyhow, I just wanted to give a quick shout out, and thanks to anyone and everyone who has ever supported me through the years...and hopefully the work on my new CD can show the growth, and continue to live up to the expectations people have had for me.
Marc Marcel
September 5th, 2005
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know...it's been a long time. I hope y'all didn't think I was going to leave y'all hanging, I know I haven't written for my Journal entry in awhile, but, a brotha's been mad up to his head in water (it seems like with everything that has nothing to do with poetry), but oh well, it could always be worse. That's pretty much my motto, I got to remind myself of that so it makes it easier to wake up in the morning.
A few good notes though, I got to give a congratulation to my sister, formally Robyn Bragg, now Robyn Dixon, and my new Brother in Law Juan Dixon. They official tied the knot on July 30th, and I must say, this had to be the fliest wedding in the world. I mean, it was so good to get my mind off things in my life, and just be happy for someone else for once. It was a very emotional event, they have been together for 10 years, been through ups and downs, and to finally see 2 people who are no doubt each other's best friend take that step, it's a beautiful thing. Juan just signed with the Portland Trailblazers, I'm wishing him well, I know he's going to do his thang out there, he has all his life. I was just out there doing poetry, so I told my sister I'd come and see her, because I know none of her friends are going out there (Joke).
I went to St. Louis for about a week or so before Nationals, so I could practice with the slam team, we didn't do that well, but, I sure as hell appreciated the time we all spent together, it kind of reminded me of the days I use to hoop, bonding with the basketball team. And even though I went there to build on some team pieces, I had to go get my money. Practicing don't pay thought, so I booked a feature in Kansas City. Bonnafide G really looked out for a brother, and their spot is popping, afterwards they go downstairs and start their club night, and people who know me know I hate going to club settings. I think it's from being in a lounge, coffee shop, bar or nightclub every other night of the week, so it kind of kills it to go party in that type of atmosphere, so I thought I was going to shoot right out once the poetry set was done, but something made me stay. And I must say, for the first time in years, I actually had a good time in the club. When I got back to St. Louis and performed at Legacy, which always treats me well. I swear, seeing them cats always feel like a small family reunion.
Let me just say this, Nationals, was OFF THE CHAIN, it was well worth the trip. I've only participated in 2 of them, last year's, and this year's, and from the response, I went from the worst Nationals, to the best, back to back. But, it is Nationals, so you're not going to escape without some controversy. I don't think it's in my best interest to start dropping what happen on my website, the last thing I need right now is for people to find another reason to be upset with me. I'm already getting all kinds of crazy vibes from folks about the title of my next CD. I heard through the grapevine, that this young lady (whom was doing SOME work for me), ONE of the reasons for that stopping was because she couldn't get over the title...Truthfully, I could care less, and honestly, that was one of the reasons that I did it, to piss people off...goal accomplished. Hey, I know I can be off the hook sometimes, but I never once try to present myself in this way which I can do no wrong. I just love it when people who CLAIM to be women or men of God, just get so bent out of shape that they forget to present themselves in a Godly manner. I'm not even going to get on the way she reacted or responded when she saw me in Houston (After I made it my responsibility to go say hello to her), but let's just say, I'm sure her Pastor has told her many of times of the saying, 'God don't like ugly.'
This CD is no doubt my grandest work, I knew it was better than anything I've done even before I breathed a word in the recording booth. The only thing that I was waiting for was the live recordings, and now...it's pretty much complete. I went to Austin, TX for a show with the Neo Soldiers (Who always be holding it down), and put the last pieces to the puzzle on audio files. I thank them so much, for making those recordings, if not the best, some of the tightest recordings I have to date. I got a few more shows in Houston, truthfully, I'm here just hanging out with some special friends of mine, I'm trying to find that time in life to just enjoy myself and friends, and not be so wrapped up in my work all the time...even though I know it's just momentarily.
Right after I left Houston, I took a flight back to St. Louis, where my car was, and drove up to Chicago for a few days to hang out with a close friend of mine. Afterwards, I got the chance to go up to New York and do a few things, slammed at the Nuyorican on a Friday and Bar 13 on Monday, both went really well, plus I got the chance to hang out with my homeboy and dope poet, Ainsley Burrows. Life is crazy sometimes, I bumped into a special friend while I was going to the post office. I swear, God be working wonders, some of the things I wanted to make clear, I finally got the chance to do, even though not in length, it was still good to get off my chest. I don't want to be the type of person holding grudges towards people I care about, I already have enough on my shoulders that tries to kill my energy, so it was a Godsend to be able to express my feelings in person.
So, with all that said, I'm back in B-More, I do have a few more things to process, spend some time with my son, and put my final touches on my new CD. As soon as soon as the Middle of September comes around, I'll be off again, and on my way towards down south, for the first time promoting and selling my 5th Spoken Word CD. I swear, I'm going to push this shit so hard, I'm going to try and get a copy to the President...he'll have to pay $15 for it though. :)))))))))))))))
Seriously,
Marc Marcel
P.S. My prayers go out to all those who have suffered from the tragedy in New Orleans. I have tried to contact some friends and poets down there, but due to the conditions, no phone lines were working. So if they are reading this, or if anyone knows their whereabouts, please contact me to let me know you/they are still with us.
Posted June 26th, 2005 - Written June 10th, 2005
Just checking in, for those of you who come back to check out the updates. I can honestly say after being on the road for 3 months, I am more than elated to
be home. I keep telling people I'm on the road so much, while people get homesick, I often find myself getting roadsick, from being home too long. My life for the last few years have been on the road so much, I find I get fidgety if I ain't out there. But this go around, I'm just glad to be home. But that doesn't go without saying, the experiences I had this go around, have been a blessing.
Denver, is now 1 of my favorite cities, and for some reason, before I went, I knew it would be. Thank God my voice came back to me before I made me run through the week, because I sure as hell needed it. The city is dope, it truly has it's own vibe, and weather was ridiculous, it was so damn pretty out there, you just wanted to sit outside all day. The only downfall, is that the air is so thin up there that it makes you tired and sleepy, so you be taking like 2 naps a day.
First and foremost, I got to thank Day Acoli (Panther) because without her, my Denver trip would not have gone down as smoothly. She's like my family now, her family treated me like I was 1 of their own, and I dearly appreciate them for that. Much love to Oracle Speaks (Lavender Laughta), she knows what I'm talking about. I got to thank Ken, from the Denver slam team, great poet, but even a dopier person, his set at Pretty Boy's was off the hook, it was the perfect way to make an introduction on the city.
And for the first time in some years, I went out to the club afterwards to go hang out, which is a big deal for people who know me because they know how much I hate the club scene, I mean, my life consist of Bar, Coffee Shops, Nightclubs and Lounges, and performing as much as I do, kind of kills it for the excitement part of it, being that my work involves those places. But nevertheless, it was cool, met some cool folk, and even won a Common CD, the weirder thing about that was that I knew I was going to win it, no doubt.
I forgot the name of the venue, but the Host Nat Qi and Jess treated a brother extremely well. Nat Qi is a dope ass artist, he drew a portrait of me while I was there, and Jess, is just plainly beautiful peoples. Her son Zion is the truth, I believe he's 6, but even now, I can see the genius in him, that dude is going to grow up and start his own government, shit, I'd be in his cabinet, all he got to do is ask. I bumped into my homeboy Taalam again, it's starting to become a trend, crossing paths in different cities without either one of us knowing until we bump into each other. It's always dope seeing him on the road, it kind of makes me feel like I'm not out here so much alone, just knowing that there's someone else out here who knows exactly what it is that's going on with the grind we put ourselves through. And Cray, I appreciate the love Man, keep being you. I thank you coming out to Boulder to check out that crazy as set. That was the weirdest shit I've ever been to, but, in a humorous sort of way, I'm glad I went, because even though it was what it was, it was comedy, and I needed a good laugh right about then. You should've heard the poems they were reciting, someone got up there and spoke straight gibberish, I swear, I thought she was putting a spell on the whole poetry venue.
But nevertheless, all good things come to an end, it wasn't too bad of a down note, I was headed straight to St. Louis, 1 of my core cities I travel to, and a city with people that always shows a brother some love. In quick, Yes, I'm on the St. Louis slam team, but, as of right now, that's all I know. I don't know if I will be going to Albuquerque to compete, quite a few things would have to be worked out before that happens, and none of them have been in transition yet, so I don't know. But 1 thing that I do know, is that Legacy on Fridays is always hot and popping when I come into town, and I am so thankful for that. Maurice and Floyd from Spoken Vizons Magazine, thank you for the hook up, Legacy is 1 of my favorite places to perform at across the country. Q & Jerry, they've been like family to me, as a matter of a fact, I finally took my cat that they had been holding for 2 to 3 years. Sometime ago when I was in St. Louis, she was promised to me when she was born, but she was just a newborn and needed to be around her Mother, so I couldn't take her with me then, until know. Yeah, it's a little long, but honestly I forgot all about her, well, better late than never, now I got myself a brand new playmate.
made sure I set up my schedule perfectly to get back just in time to celebrate my Son's birthday. It's so great to see him grow up, it's truly a gift that keeps on coming, because while I do miss the younger years, I still greatly appreciate seeing him mature, it's a blessing. He's truly starting to get his own personality, which is great, because I want him to be the Man he wants to be, he don't have to walk in my shoes, or nobody else' for that matter, he has a special pair of his own that he has to fill out.
Well, life on the road has been grueling, and it's great to be back in Baltimore, Murder Capitol of the world. I really can't say how soon I'll be checking in this next month with my Journal, but I will try to put up some new underground tracks. Right now, I'm on a vacation, a hiatus, well, maybe not exactly, I did start recording on my next CD. I narrowed down my choice for a title...but maybe I'll keep it to myself as for right now. But what I will say, as I have said about all my CDs when recording, I don't know how I'm going to top it. But this time, I truly believe that's the case. I think by the time I'm down this CD, I can only do just as good, but with a different flavor. I've truly slaved over this project, and maybe at another time I'll explain in depth about my process towards it, but for right now, the Lab is COOKING.
Marc Marcel
May 21th, 2005
Well, I really don't know where to begin, I'm up here in a hotel in Omaha Nebraska, drinking some herbal tea for my throat, and smoking a cigarette, even
thought the doctors at the hospital today told me it might be in my best interest to stop smoking. Hey, my parents will tell you all my life I've been hard headed, plus, with the week I've had, it was calling me. I went in to get my chest looked at today, I guess it really started kicking in when I figured I was really losing my voice, and I can't have that go down. I haven't been feeling the best the past 2 weeks, maybe the road life is catching up to me, I don't know, but what else am I going to do...seriously, I'm not the 9 to 5 type of dude.
The doctor was asking me what I've been doing these pass few months, and I kind of chuckled, because I knew she was going to tell me the same as everybody else, that my health probably is a sign from my lifestyle. But Hey, there are some high points.
Youth Speaks in San Francisco was off the hook, Man, the kids up there on that final stage were amazing...no, AMAZING. Every team I got the chance to see, I found myself watching the future, I was touched by every teen that got up there on stage. But I'm sorry to say, team Chico seemed like they got a rotten hand, I kind of fault there few 2 judges that had it in for them. The team from New York took the crown, but Chico took my breath away. And I was only honored that my next show, was in Chico, with all the team members there. I stayed a bit so I could talk to em' and build, they were some real inspiring dudes, they seem like they really enjoyed my set, and I had nothing but love to give them afterwards, just talking to them about poetry, the scene, Slam and other wise.
Afterwards, it was on up to Seattle, which is a beautiful place. I can seriously picture myself living there, maybe if it didn't rain so much...but even still, I might be able to picture myself living there. I don't know, I haven't seen their winters yet, and I hate myself a cold winter, so we'll see. I did a few sets there, 1 on the University of Washington's Campus, and another at their slam venue. I met some really cool cats, I got to thank Tony and Anthony, Krista Bell and Desmond. Funny how life is, I showed up not knowing no one, as always, but I know God always treats me right, so I have no quarrels with how things end up. I was telling that to my new homeboys Rogani, and Lapreil, who went to my college in Atlanta the same time I went there, but amazingly we don't remember each other. Oh, and of course, I got to give a shout out to my boy Esa, along with acknowledging the time I spent on Whidbey Island, meeting the extraordinary women of Hedgebrook.
Now, nobody I know has been to Portland, I didn't have not 1 contact on what was going on in the city either, and any contact I got, somehow, it fell short of what I needed. So, I figured I'd just show up there with my back pack full of CDs and find out what the deal was. And believe me y'all, by the luck of God, I did. I went to this cafe that really wasn't for poetry and asked around if anybody knew what was good, and just as I was walking out the door, only 1 person, who faintly remembered, told me of an underground bar to go to. And when I walk in there, it was like I was Home. Dope Love Jones Type setting, they had a special 2 year anniversary going on, so I couldn't get on the mike that night, but the Host Chris, who is cool peoples, set it up for me to come through and do a mini set before their feature.
So I spent some time going back and forth to Seattle and doing some smaller venues in Portland, and I must say, when I got back for that next Sunday, everything worked out lovely. I felt my voice trying to rip away from me last night in Portland though, so I tried my best to save it for when I got to Nebraska.
I was suppose to go to Boise Idaho, I was really looking forward to it, Jeanne Huff, the slam master from they team had hooked it up for me. And I was really excited about it, but what can I say, about the only thing I saw in Idaho was highway 84, passing through to go to Nebraska. Their venue closed down the past 2 months, and would you believe it, I wouldn't have known if I didn't give 1 of their team members a call...on the day before I was scheduled to be there. Oh Man, I'm just glad I had another contact in Idaho that could tell me the 411, because Jeanne wasn't returning my messages, I would have hated to show up at the door step with the doors closed, and turned into the Incredible Hulk.
Anyway, the scenery driving through Wyoming, is short of breathtaking. If I wasn't feeling so bad, I would've gotten out my car and just looked around. Driving wise, it's the most fantastic view I've seen as of yet. I feel blessed to have seen it, I mean, how many people actually see Wyoming, who don't live in Wyoming.
It was a long stretch getting there, but I must say, I seriously enjoyed my show in Omaha. The rest I gave my voice came in handy, because after the show, it felt like it was running on weak batteries. While I was on the microphone, I told the people in Nebraska that they were some cool folks, and 1 of them shot back and said, "Believe me, they're all here in the venue."
I don't know, the people at the hospital seemed like they were cool people as well, other than having to explain what was wrong with me to 5 different people, things went smoothly. Right now, it's late, or shall I say early...in the morning...again... ...I'm looking forward to Denver.
Be Real,
M
April 23th, 2005
For those of you who have e-mailed me, or asked me in person about the next time I was going to post up my next journal entry, or for those of you who just simply thought I might be on the side of the road somewhere...I'm back. Truthfully, I don't know where to start. LA has been all kinds of emotions, I met so many dope ass folks out here, and aside from getting my car swiped from one of those Californian construction trucks, and having to get a new rearview mirror, I'm pretty cool. I got to give a big ups to all those who've made my Cali trip that more rewarding, than just the scenery. Big ups and thanks to George Macdonald (Who really looked out for me on the venues), Socks, Damn Yo, and John Hensley (Who has the hottest show for a poetry showcase across the country).
It was crazy the first second I got there, because I saw my homegirl Sonia Renee (National Slam Champion) at my first gig. It was right on time too, because she was with me through all the highs and lows in LA, and I'm glad we had that time to build on not only our views on the poetry scene, but our friendship, she's 1 of the coolest sisthas you could meet. Deep Red's spot is booming, and it was a cool setting to get acquainted with everyone my first night in town, Babu, Keyann, Paul Maybine, Setto, and my homeboy Zo, who is truly 1 of a kind, you can't have a party without this cat around to sit back and talk to. I can't thank him, and Setto enough, for the gang load of books they put me on. I was at that point to where I was searching for that next book that I truly, and fully wanted to read, and they put me down to about...15 of them...seriously.
They put me down to this movie too, 'What the Bleep Do We Know', it's a documentary based one Quantum Physics and I encourage everyone to watch it, seriously, I'm about to start putting my finger through walls. But the wildest thing about the movie, wasn't even in the movie, 2 days after talking to Setto and Zo and it, I walked into to where I was staying that night and the movie was sitting there on the desk, right in front my eyes, like it was meant for me to watch it. And that was the 4th incident that week, to where something of that nature happened to me.
I got to thank Ms. Laurel, for being such a dope hostess, and Woody and Justin for treating me like family. I told them it felt like I was staying with my Aunt the instant I got there.
'Da Poetry Lounge' was dope, I got to thank Shihan for putting my feature together, it was a blessing to be inside the venue. I met a lot of cool folks, and felt real appreciate by the audience. But poets, I always say you receive hate no matter where you go, whether it's walking into gang territory, or family reunions, so I know I'm not immune to it, even if I am in a poetry venue. But you got to love it.
I got to give a big ups to to 1 of my biggest fans for the past 2 to 3 years, who finally got the chance to come out and see me perform. She was one of the first people to e-mail me through my website, and solely enjoyed my words, for what she read, and not my performance.
John Hensley, Flypoet, performing at his show was definitely the highlight, performing in front of 350 or so people on a big stage, if your energy don't rise from that only, than you don't have a pulse, and sure as hell was thankful for the opportunity to lay some fire on the microphone.
I bumped into 1 of my old, old, old homegirls from back in the day, as a matter of a fact, we didn't even recognize each at first. She came up to me to say hello, just because I was from Baltimore. She told me her nickname at first, but it was only until she told me her real name that it clicked, she didn't recognize me because she only knew me from my middle name, QwaZim, so it was crazy weird how that went down. We hung out a bit, and I guess the craziest thing about that, is that we still don't know how we met, or why we stopped talking, we just remember each other names, and with the new age of e-mails and cell phone, we promised not to lose touch again.
I capped off my last 2 nights in LA at Paul Maybine's spot, Coffee on the 6th, and the Behive Center. Coffee on the 6th, was a pretty cool set, nice place to chill and be around an adult type family atmosphere. Tony B. Conscience walked in while I was on the mike, I ain't seen this dude since my days in Atlanta. it was great seeing him, especially because I finally got myself 1 of those Poet shirts, we swapped product with 1 of my CD's. But the the Behive Center on Sunday, was what everyone said it was, and more, it was amazing. I chose the perfect pieces to go with my set, and at showed from the energy the audience gave back to me, I thank them for that, their energy that last night was enough to fuel for my next go around.
The scenery driving on up to San Jose was dope as hell, just as Becky D said it would be, the Host and slam master for the San Jose team. San Jose's venue is a tight, tight spot, but, I had a even better time hanging out with the people afterwards. I forget, but someone was telling me that they were surprised I had a credit card machine, they said they hadn't seen a traveling poet with them yet, I told me I wasn't the first. In all honesty, I feel like I was way too late with finally getting one.
A few days after San Jose, I hit Sacramento, Malik, the host expressed the crowd was a little light, but the energy was at a good level, plus, I left out of there with a good amount of CDs sold, so I encourage anyone to go, because Sac Town ain't just all cows and bells, they got some hot venues and poets there as well.
I wish I could've scheduled this out better, but I had to go back down to Southern California for a show at Mic at Dim Lights, and I must say, I am glad I did so. I thank Best Kept and Simply Kat for making that possible. I only had a couple days to realize, and then it was back up North, to Palo Alto California, where I was going into enemy territory (JOKE), their slam team was in the Infamous, 1st time in History, re-bout at PSI slam, which my team was as well, Pensacola. Thanks to some jackass that wanted to get the club night started, 2 people didn't get the chance to perform, and even though it wouldn't have changed the outcome of the bout whatsoever, had they both gotten perfect scores, PSI felt the need to redo the whole bout. Which if the 1st bout had stood, history would've been a whole lot different for a lot of us, including yours truly. I thought about protesting to PSI, concerning the possibility of me being in individual finals from that original score I had from the first night, but then figured I'd just be like every other poet whining about something that didn't go their way, so I let history take it's course.
But nevertheless, you got to love it, because certain bonds form from weird events, and I felt well received when I come into Palo Alto. There was another event going on that took away some of their regular crowd, but I had a great, short experience there. Melissa Rose, and Lee Knight are great people, I after the show Lee made Chicken and Waffles at his place, courtesy recipe from Sonia Renee. The after sets usually are always the best, and I wish I could've stayed longer (As I always do), but eventually, the time comes for me to hit the road, no matter how tired I am.
And truly, for those of you who may already be complaining about this journal entry, thinking it's long winded...you're right, but I figured I couldn't get passed it without a pretty detailed description of what the haps is in Cali, so far. The Weather's beautiful, and I have a few off days to just sit in the hotel, write, enjoy quite, see friends, do a few things that I'll leave out of this journal entry, and just soak up...doing nothing. ...Ahhhh, the good life.
Until
Marc Marcel
March 28th, 2005
I got to give a BIG BIG Ups to Texas, between all the venues going on in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, there's more than enough for someone to
stay busy and fully enjoy themselves, and on top of that, the hospitality and the love people show you, is about as big as the state itself. I got the chance to hang out with my Homeboy Christopher Lee and slammed at his venue in Austin, Sidekicks. Met up with Matthew John Conley from Austin, that's a cool cat, I'm still waiting to hear that poem he told me I inspired him to write, so Matthew, if you reading, you got some writing to do.
Neo Soul is off the hook, and everyone there who attended, I got to thank you for making Austin so DOPE for me. Herman, and Kim, they really know how to look out for a brother. People who know me, know I'm a night owl, and how I usually like to go right back home, or to my hotel room after the venue, but instead, I went out to I-HOP after my show with about a group of 8 to 10 people, and everyone who was there, THANK YOU, y'all like my extend family now.
I'm glad I got the chance to see my homegirl Efa again, before I left Texas. I'm not going to get into too many details, but I participated in this Sock Puppet Slam, unaware of what I was getting into, but I had fun. Like Efa told me, it's always good to branch out a bit...even though I wouldn't be caught dead with a Sock Puppet on my hand while I am performing, ever again.
I went back to Houston to do a few more shows before I left Texas, it was cool to see my new friends again, AJ, E-Dub, and I finally met up Seven who holds down the new Shadow Bar on Sundays. That's a cool cat, he definitely lives up to his rep. Synthia from Val Mag did an interview on me outside in the parking lot, at the after set, and I must say, she had some pretty good questions, I get tired of the same usually questions that come my way, so it was good to see some variety.
But I must say, my favorite night of all, which people might find strange, was my last night in Houston, and why...let me explain. First off, I loved performing at G's to Z's, the energy level was so high in there, I didn't want to get off the mike. After the set, several of us just chilled outside talking, killing time for a bit, but for me, when I have a good time, it's always hard to leave a city. I meet so many new people and form so many new bounds, it always goes through my head that, "Damn, I ain't going to see these cats for awhile," but, that all comes with the territory. But, when the time came to finally take my bow, the craziest thing happened to me as I was about to leave, all the cash I made in the venue that night, was going towards getting my car from the towing company. My car was nowhere insight...but it was worth it. I could've have paid a price for what happen next. The group of people that was outside with me, out of nowhere just started chipping in on the fee, putting money in my hand. Nef Jones, Jala, Shanie, DJ Cool, Troy, Budda, thank you all, and please forgive me if I left out a name (It's late, and I'm halfway awake right now), I know I'm missing somebody, but I love y'all for that....and I thank God he gave me that night.
That was really my climax for Texas, I went back to Dallas, hung out with Michael Guinn, Silence, Twan, Rock Baby and god (The lower case g). I ain't going to call her out, but somebody from Houston came all the way up to see me performing, and got there about an hour after I got off the mike.
Well, the last few days, have just been spent in Motel 6's, and Ramada Inn's, writing, I wanted to get some in before I went out to Cali and started going hardcore performing again. I was trying to get to Albuquerque, hang out with Danny Solis for a day or two, but, I got sidetracked with going to go check out the Grand Canyon. And I must say, it's a glorious sight...but it didn't feel like I was seeing it for the first time. I don't know if it was from all the pictures, or if it was that I had just been there before in another life or something, but I wasn't owed in the way of seeing something for the first time. It was much more beautiful that any picture I've seen of it, and it did look a little different in person, so maybe the dejavu has more to do with it than I can put together right now. I thought about going to go see Area 51, but by the time I would've been able to get directions, but time wouldn't allow it.
All in all, I keep trying to write shorter journal entries for y'all, but so far, that hasn't happened. I'm really looking forward to my show tonight, in Mesa, Arizona, and right afterwards, it's just me and the highway, I-10, and the dessert...on my way to L.A.
Peace,
Marc Marcel
P.S. Soul, thanks for sending me those Credit card slips, you've changed my life
March 12th, 2005
Man, it's like, 4:40 in the morning, Austin TX, and I'm tired as hell, but this is nothing new. Right now, I'm loving road life, as all poets know, you go through
your ups and downs, but right, I'm at a pretty good high. Greensboro was dope, Woman Storm and Joe, from the Collective, run a tight venue, I encourage everybody to go hit up the show. My homeboy Last 4Ever came up from Atlanta, along with Rozzi from North Carolina, came through the venue, and I must say, seeing old faces always makes your hustle that much easier.
I drove straight to Houston after the set, and let me tell you, when I pulled over to get some rest, I got some of the best car sleep that I've ever gotten, I almost woke up feeling like I just got out of bed...almost. The Main Event in Houston was the perfect Ice Breaker, going to a city you haven't hit before can kind of be weary, but I felt right at home. The people in Houston really know how to make a brother feel like he ain't even left his hometown. Marcell and Karega, from the Houston Slam Team, came up the spot, and I got to give a special shot out to A.J. for being so hospitable, she made me feel like I was just hanging out with an old friend from back in the day.
But I guess the thing that really caught me off guard, I got a chance to see 1 of my old homegirls that use to live in Atlanta. I kind of had a falling out with her, reasons that I won't reveal, but through time, wounds heal. I'm glad my homeboy (Last 4ever) keep in touch with her, to tell her where I was in Houston, so she could come out and surprise me. I hung out after the venue with her and some of her friends till about 4 in the morning, and I would've probably stayed longer, but I had to hit San Antonio the next day.
I got the chance to see my homegirl Efa, if it wasn't for her, a lot of my venues in Texas wouldn't have been possible, she's a dope as poet as well. San Antonio was fly, Herman from South Flavas Entertainment came through, he's great peoples, I can't wait to do his venue when I get back to Austin on Wednesday, I keep hearing dope things about it. My night ended kind of funny, I did this poem during my set (Save YaSelf) and this young lady came up to me, explaining that she had a question about the last line in 1 of my poems, feeling as though I was saying God would not save you, when you need to save yourself. It was funny to me, because the whole poem has a spiritual feel (At least I thought), I guess SOME people ARE waiting for God to save them, and I do stand by what I say, but to be frank, YES HE WILL HELP YOU...YOU JUST HAVE TO HELP YOURSELF FIRST.
Now, I know I'm about to fall in love with the Texas poetry scene, I'm not even close to being halfway through my shows, and I'm having a ball. I left San Antonio right after the show and went to Austin, performed the next day around 4:00 PM, and even though there was another event afterwards, I did something unusual, I passed on it. My schedule was clear and it wasn't a set show for me, so I figured I'd get some rest before I go to Dallas the next day. Thanks to Kim for looking out, and I got to thank Vocab for inviting me to hang out and eat some Enchiladas, her friend Amy, is a pretty good cook. We all had a pretty dope conversation afterwards, I know I probably caught some folks off guard with some of the things I said, not necessarily in a bad way, but it's always interesting to see people's different angles and viewpoints on their faith and spirituality.
Well, people, this is much longer than I wanted, I got to go get ready to hit Dallas and do want to get a little rest in. It seems like I never have time for it...rest. Someone told me I needed to not only take a vacation, but a MIND break, just to take some time off from not thinking about anything, I feel that, but truthfully, I don't see it coming any time soon.
Peace, and until next time,
Marc
P.S. Oh, and before I forget, I want to thank Asia, and Matt Archibald for taken most of the photos that made it on my website.
March 3, 2005
DAMN! What up family, it's been a long time coming. I hope all is well with y'all, in this twisted place we seem to be walking in, but, nevertheless, you got to make due, so I pray we still walking out here like we can make heaven out of hell.
But, anyway, for those who don't know, this is my first journal entry, I've gotten all kinds of e-mails asking about, when my calendar was going to be up, and how come I don't have a guest book, and how come it hasn't updated in almost 4 years. Well, I really don't have no excuses, I could tell you how I've been on the road for the most part, and it's hard for me to get the time to update it, or I could express how hard I write, and my intentions are so wrapped up into my art that I don't have time, or think about it, but I'd be lying. Truth is, I've just been lazy with that side of the business...but time's getting away, and I couldn't let it slip any further. So, here I am, back again, and not only a Calendar or a guestbook, but I also had to add a few new features, a Journal, and an Underground section, with work that I haven't released.
I'm going to try my best to come as close to making a promise as I can, and update my journal section at least once every week to 2 weeks, when I'm on the road. But when I'm not performing, I'm hoping I'll have the time to update it at least once a month. You'd think I would have more time to update it during those times, but if I'm not on the road, I'm usually in the lab cooking up my next master plan, so I can get kind of possessed. People who know me, know that about me, but I'll try and give anyone who ever wondered what's going on inside my membrane, a little closer peck.
My Underground section, is just a little something that I unexpected came to the conclusion that I'd put up, i usually put everything that doesn't make it to print, in a cabinet or vault to be reopened when I have no say so in the matter anymore. But I figured I'd do something a little different, and set up a section for anyone who's ever wanted more of my work, this, is for you. I've gotten some vibes lately, people complaining about how much work I'm putting out, saying it's too much, but those seem to be from people who want me to get on their level, and drop something every 3 or 4 years, sorry, but I can't wait that long. I write way too much to ever be satisfied with waiting years to put out product. The Underground Railroad section, WILL be updated randomly, and, often enough, so there'll be more than 1 reason to keep checking back into my site.
Anyway, it's been real, I was going to fill this out (Since it was my first journal entry) with past experiences and endeavors, but, I figure why dwell in the past, I'm sure I got enough coming my way that I'll have plenty more to talk about, so, let's ride with the time we got left. So stay up, and I'll holla at y'all soon, I'm off to Greensboro...ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
M. Marcel