JROSE
The Poet’s List is celebrating National Poetry Month by spotlighting exciting poetry releases and events. To kick off the month, we spoke with captivating poet and Queens, NY native, JRose.
Whether on the page or on the stage, JRose’s scintillating lyricism is dazzling: we recommend, “Addicted” and “10 Things I Haiku About You” as a prime example of her creativity. As she releases her anticipated same-titled book and album, Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts, she sat down with us to discuss her poetry journey, thus far.
The Poet’s List is proud to present our conversation with, JRose:
On poetry:
Prior to landing on poetry, what memories do you have of your relationship with literature and writing as a youth?
One of my earliest memories of writing was when I won an essay & art contest for MLK Day in 4th grade. I was shocked when I was announced as one of the winners because I barely remembered what I wrote and didn’t realize there was a contest going on. At the time, I didn’t recognize it as an accomplishment or as a natural skill for writing. I just enjoyed that the principal treated the essay and art winners to a special lunch.
When did you begin to claim the title of poet and how did you first connect with the poetry community?
Even though I started writing poetry at the age of 16, I didn’t claim to be a poet until my early 30’s. At the time I found a poetry community on social media. We would tag each other in writing challenges—aka, prompts—and post our written responses. A few years later, I finally stirred up enough courage to take my poetry from the page to the stage. And that is when the word “Poet” transformed from a title to a purpose.
There are so many layers to creating poetry, and several avenues for disseminating. Which aspect of the process excites you the most?
Wordplay and lyricism HANDS DOWN is my favorite part of my creative process. Hip Hop has played a major role in my writing. I’ve always been obsessed with lyricism. Whenever I write a “poetic bar,” I always get super hyped like, “They gon’ LOVE THIS!” I honestly surprise myself sometimes.
Performing those lines on stage would be the next most exciting thing. I love when the audience catches my metaphors, analogies and references. I have a lot of “Easter eggs” in my poetry. [You’ve] really got to listen for double entendres and symbolism. So when people get it, it’s so exciting.
You have been a powerful presence within the poetry world! Your credits include slam championships, collaborations with major brands, host, teaching artist and curator. In poetry, what has been your most cherished accolade or accomplishment to date?
As far as accolades, it would have to be the opportunity I had to to perform at Lincoln Center for a special Afro Punk event. I had been there 3 months prior and imagined myself performing there. I told myself, “I want to perform here one day”.
Three months later, I was tagged in a post asking poets to submit for an opportunity to perform at the event. I submitted not expecting anything to come from it and I was one of two poets selected. I feel like I manifested that opportunity when I imagined myself there and said I wanted it.
As far as accomplishments, it would have to be the completion and release of my debut spoken word album, Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts. I have a newfound respect for artists that record regularly. It is not easy to put together a project like that.
On Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts:
Congratulations on your dual-release—the album and forthcoming poetry book: Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts. You have done a phenomenal job building anticipation! May you tell us a bit about how these projects came to be?
The book will be released this spring. It’s literally me purging all the poetry I’ve written in the last 15 years. I’m putting it ALL out there. It will include a mixture of new poems and poems that were written long before I got on the stage.
Once I started performing 9 years ago, everything I wrote was written with the intention of being a performance piece. This intention changed my writing style. It made me way more meticulous and thoughtful about words. My “before the stage” poems are more raw and rough around the edges.
The album is a collection of my favorite performance poems. It showcases my versatility as a writer. I have the blessing of being signed to the label, First Generation Rich. The CEO, Skyzoo, told me two years ago that whenever I was ready to get in the booth, he would support me in every way he could to make sure it happens.
I am now the first artist signed to the label and the first to release a project. It’s truly an honor to have someone believe in me to that extent. I also had the opportunity to work with super gifted producers, musicians, and an AMAZING engineer! I’m convinced [that] Mark Matter is a wizard! The album took a little under four months to complete from the first recording session to the release. But those poems were created over a span of nine years.
How many tracks are on the album and how many poems are included in the book?
There are 20 tracks on the album; 17 of which are poems. All of them are in the book. The book has about 55 poems in it.
What is your favorite poem from Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts and why?
AAAAHHHH! This is such a hard question to answer! I’ll have to say, “My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams.” I feel like the beat was created for this poem. I love the way it follows with the words I am actually saying rather than my cadence. It doesn’t just flow, it fits perfectly. The poem is also extremely powerful. It pays homage to my ancestors and embraces who I am in their lineage.
When it comes to either publishing your book or producing your album, what is one thing that you learned about the process that you can share with fellow poets?
Don’t rush it—but also understand that, in order to manifest, you have to take action to make it happen. Give yourself realistic timelines so that you can work within your bandwidth without overextending yourself. Focus on putting out a high quality project rather than a half-assed one because it WILL show. BONUS: Tap into your network for support and connections!
On you + advice:
If you could only write about one topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Empowerment. I would choose to speak life into people with my poetry for the rest of my life.
Can you share some tips for those who are currently dealing with writer’s block?
Try journaling for five minutes every day before you go to bed. Write about whatever is on your mind. If that doesn’t work, try doing something creative that does not involve writing. Drawing, painting, cooking, singing, playing an instrument, etc.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received thus far – poetry related or other?
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in your writing. The more vulnerable the poem, the more universal it becomes.
Check out the links, below, to keep up with JRose!
Links:
Site: The Rose Garden Events
Instagram: @my_crumbled_thoughts
Facebook: JRose
YouTube: JRose
Album: Pieces of My Crumbled Thoughts
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the featured artists (ie. poets, authors, writers and experts) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Poet’s List LLC. Any content provided by the artists are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. Legal
