Step Up to the Mic: A Poetic Explosion (article) by Afrika Abney on AuthorsDen

Step Up to the Mic: A Poetic Explosion, a written version of an all-stair open mic, and features poets and spoken word artists of the new millennium.

Featuring HBO's Def Poets Red Storm & Georgia Me and Essence Best Selling Author.

Featured Poets: Afrika Midnight Asha Abney, Akua, Michael J. Burt, Tichaona Chinyelu, Gaudemus, Def Poet Georgia Me, Veronica J. Hill, Bill Holmes, Tinisha Nicole Johnson, a. Kai, Stephanie L. Kemp, Marc Lacy, TS Murphy, Grace Ocasio, Dana Rettig, Nyah Storm, Def Poet Red Storm, Queen Sheba, A. Shakur Towns, Neil G. White, and Estrell Young.

Step Up to the Mic: A Poetic Explosion is an anthology that is edited by Michael J.Burt and published by Poetic Press/Xpress Yourself Publishing. The cover designed was created by The Writer's Assistant and will be released on September 25, 2007. The layout of the anthology, Step Up to the Mic was simply outstanding.

Step Up to the Mic is created in an open mic format and gives an opportunity for various known and established poets/contributing authors to share their words and messages with the mainstream society. Each poet/contributing author offers a different message and touches on different subjects. Some of the subjects that are highlighted include love, inspiration, war, politics and revolution.

I think that the introduction to the anthology was phenomenal and very unique and was written by Michael J. Burt and entitled: A Cappella. This piece was very vivid and strong full of imagery and strength.

Another piece that I found to speak of honor and commitment was entitled, Pledge of Allegiance by Akua. I think that this piece is a self-reference and very well crafted. It serves as piece for all of us to reflect and refer to. It also is an educational and historical piece.

Older Than Hip Hop by Tichaona Chinyelu is a revolutionary piece that all of us can relate in some point our lives and also refers to the experiences that are occurring in today's history with Hip Hop. Older Than Hip Hop is very well crafted and profound.

The poems listed above were just some of my favorite poems. After reading, Step Up to the Mic: A Poetic Explosion, I am in total awe for words and am thankful for the opportunity to be included in the anthology. Congratulations to all of the poets/contributing authors for a job well done!