Ise Lyfe
- Friday, January 20, 2012 • 10pm
- Saturday, January 21, 2012 • 10pm
Nikki Thomas Network
http://www.IseLyfe.com“…He might someday take over Mos Def’s mantle as Hip-Hop’s activist poet laureate…”
- Seattle Weekly
“Four Stars! If revolution had a movie, Ise Lyfe just might be theme music.” - AllHipHop.com
Recently appointed Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs in his hometown of Oakland, CA, Ise Lyfe is one of the nation’s premier Spoken Word Artist and Emcee’s. His vast body of work spills over into the realms of theater, business, and even authorship with the release of his book “Pistols and Prayers.” Since converting the book into “Pistols and Prayers” the play, Ise is packing theatre houses wherever he goes. The 2006 debut album, ”Spread The Word” allowed him to mettle with a national audience, and the release of his second LP, “Prince Cometh” received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Unaffected by the sophomore jinx theory, it’s safe to say the response across the board was nearly 100% positive.
Ise first gained national recognition competing in national poetry slam competitions in his late teens. In 2001 he won the National Poetry Slam Competition, skyrocketing his popularity amongst the ever-growing Spoken Word/Hip-Hop Theatre audience. He has been featured on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He has also shared the stage with Gil Scott-Heron, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, E-40, Harry Belafonte, Mos Def, Malcolm Jamaal Werner, KRS-One, Martin Luther, Saul Williams, Ben Harper, Erykah Badu, Zion I, and The Coup to name a few.
However, Ise Lyfe is simply different than anyone else in his genre or league of peers. Period. Just in his twenties with nearly ten years of national and international stage performing and recording experience, he transcends the common narrative on and off stage. An award winning poet, emcee, performer, and educator, this young man is sure to be the impact we all speak of wanting, but rarely see realized.