专辑简介

In this new generation of performance artist, songwriters and activist, Sharrif Simmons is a poet among poets. His writing career has spanned more then a decade, beginning in the early 90s, his prophetic poetry has become incredibly relevant to today. Few poets possess the incredible life experience, political insight and musical ability found in his work. His education as a writer began at U.C.L.A. also known as (University on the Corner of Lenox Avenue), at the famed Liberation Bookstore on 131st St. & Lenox Avenue. Founded by his Great Aunt, Una Mulzac, the bookstore has served the Harlem community for over 35 years, 5 of which found Sharrif spending his days there as a book salesman. That experience made him into the writer he is today. Sharrifs accomplishments are astounding. He became a phenomenon early in his career, astonishing audiences with his political humor and musical performances. His reputation as a performer quickly gained him comparison to legends like Gil Scott Herron and Amiri Baraka, both of whom he would eventually share the stage with. As poetry and spoken word underwent a cultural resurgence, Sharrif Simmons became a staple in New Yorks cultural art scene. The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, The Cooler, CBs Gallery, CBGBs, the Brooklyn Moon Cafe, Satta Cafe, Frank Silveras Workshop and Joes Pub, were some of the New York based venues that found Sharrif showcasing his poetry on any given night. Poets and emcees like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saul Williams, Asha Bandele, Mike Ladd and Jessica Care Moore, who would eventually publish his first book of poetry Fast Cities And Objects That Burn on her imprint Moore Black Press, would often share the stage with him, helping to develop what has now become The Movement. Sharrif has toured europe extensively. From 1996 through the present. He has performed in Amsterdam, Holland (Talking Heads Festival, Double Talk Festival, Palabras at Paradiso) Berlin, Germany (Littereature Werkstatt Festival, East Berlin Poetry Conference) Toulouse, France (Verb Action Mix Media Festival) London England( Apples and Snakes Brotha Talk Concert, The ICM International Conference, The Battersea Arts Festival) The Hague (Crossing Borders Festival). Glasgow, Scotland (CCM). Sharrif has held performances and workshops at several Colleges and Universities throughout the United States. Alabama, A&M, The University Of Southern Florida, Howard University, Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, St. Johns University, MoreHouse College, Spellman and Duke University. Most recently, he taped on episode of Russell Simmons Presents HBOs DEF POETRY JAM. Set to air in June of 2005, the show will coincide with the realease of his highly anticipated debut CD the ECHOEFFECT. The album, a remarkable collaboration between poetry and music, will set Sharrifs work in a class of its own. The music on the CD transcends categories, breaking conceptual barriers while remaining in the tradition set by the Last Poets, Sonia Sanchez and Linton Kwesi Johnson, artists who have all deeply influenced his writting. Truly a remarkable perfromer, Sharrif has appeared in several feature length films including, New Line Cinemas Panther, directed by Marion Van Peebles, Slam, directed by Marc Levine and the documentary Hughes Dream, presented by Bravo and Black StarZ Network. Sharrif has also appeared in the short films, BUM by Demetria Celez and Ripples by the Stickmen, winner of the Birmingham based Sidewalk Film Festivals best in show award. With the release of the ECHOEFFECT, Sharrif is prepared to stand out from the crowd and once again make his mark on the cultural landscape. With the current state of mediocre popular music and cookie cut major industry artist, Sharrif Simmons brings a refreshing burst of originality,passion and controversy where it is desperately needed. Sharrif Simmons is one of the most profound young poets writing and performing today Abioudun Oyewole of The Last Poets