QUEEN SHEBA
Last year, The Poet’s List had the great honor of interviewing spoken word artist, Queen Sheba, in time for her very first GRAMMY nomination. Now, she makes history as a back-to-back nominee thanks to her newest album, Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say vol., 10.
The offering is an electrifying body of work which is sewn together seamlessly. And, from the moment we pressed play, we were all in. The soul-stirring vocals and southern camaraderie on “Killer Mic” served as the perfect opening for an album which very much appeals to not just poetry-lovers, but music-lovers as well. A truth made even more apparent by The Recording Academy’s recognition, and subsequent nomination.
The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on February 2nd, 2025. The nominated artists for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album are: Queen Sheba, Omari Hardwick, Malik Yusef, Tank and The Bangas and Mad Skillz.
The Poet’s List is honored to present our second interview with the ever-impressive, two-time GRAMMY nominee: Queen Sheba.
On Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say:
We want to first, say: this album is PHENOMENAL! The production value, the vocals, the poetry + storytelling, the features and the layout of the tracks are all impeccable. Many of these seem made-for-radio or even film. Very impressed – and obsessed – with this album!
Thank you so much for that incredible feedback—it truly means the world to me! Civil Writes was a labor of love, sweat, and sleepless nights, and knowing it resonates like this is everything I hoped for.
From the production to the storytelling, I wanted every detail to feel intentional, like an invitation for the listener to step into the emotions and experiences I’ve lived. The features and layout were curated to create a journey, not just an album, so hearing that it feels made-for-radio and even film? That’s a dream come true.
Thank you for listening so deeply and for sharing your thoughts so generously. Let’s dive into those questions—I’m ready.
May you elaborate on the process of creating this album? When did you start conceptualizing the record?
Absolutely! The process of creating Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say was as layered as the stories it tells. Conceptually, I started shaping the album as soon as I came back from L.A. from the Grammys earlier this year. I was inspired by what I learned and completely bitten by the writing bug. And, I know myself. When God is speaking directly to me, I have to strike while the inspiration is fresh. I wanted to capture all the raw emotions I was feeling in that moment.
The writing came first, often in spurts of inspiration during quiet moments, late-night reflections, or after intense conversations. Each poem on the album was designed to stand alone but also fit into a broader narrative, like chapters in a book. I wanted it to feel cohesive, yet dynamic.
Coordinating features was an exciting part of the process. I meditated on who I wanted on the album—not just based on their name or recognition, but their talent and whether I felt they could truly fit my vision. Known or unknown, it was about their contribution to the story. Phillippia Williams, for instance, is an undeniable powerhouse singer that I don’t think enough people know. I saw this as an opportunity to reintroduce her to the world and showcase her brilliance. Collaborating with artists like Malcolm-Jamal Warner, poetry by Wolfe 5th Woman in the World, and others wasn’t just about adding star power; it was about enhancing the storytelling. These features brought perspectives, tones, and textures that elevated the work to places I couldn’t take it on my own.
Recording was its own journey—equal parts exhilarating and meticulous. Some tracks came together in a single session, while others required revisiting and refining until they felt just right. The production value was critical to me; I wanted the soundscape to be as impactful as the words. My producers, including Grammy-nominated talents like Triumph Reigns and D. Botz, were instrumental in bringing that vision to life.
Formatting the album—deciding the track order—was like putting together a puzzle. I wanted the listener to feel like they were being taken on a journey through my experiences, with moments of intensity balanced by reflection and even humor.
Ultimately, Civil Writes became my way of reclaiming my voice after a difficult period in my life. It’s not just an album—it’s my anti-suicide note, my victory lap, and my love letter to anyone fighting to transcend their circumstances.
We love how dynamic this record is. For instance, “Blackberry Molasses (live-ish)” meshes the studio production with live performances. Can you speak a bit about how this track came to be?
“Blackberry Molasses (live-ish)” came about completely by mistake—ha ha—but, as they say, there are no mistakes, right?
I had sent the producer the old version of the track as a reference alongside the new recording, and instead of choosing one, he decided to mesh them together. When I heard the result, it just clicked—voilà! What was initially unintentional turned into this layered, textured piece that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
It ended up capturing the essence of what I wanted the entire album to convey: honoring where we’ve been while embracing where we’re going. It’s one of those happy accidents that turned into magic, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it came out.
Had you already worked with the featured poets and vocalists prior to this album? What was your relationship prior to?
Yes, no, and kinda. (laughs)
Each collaboration on Civil Writes has its own unique story. Brendalyn, for instance, was a contract singer hired by Houston producer D Botz for Blackberry Molasses. Funny enough, I met D Botz at the Nashville Grammy Block Party last May, but I’ve never actually met Brendalyn in person! Then, there’s 13, who was featured on the original live version of Blackberry Molasses, bringing his magic full circle to this track.
Some artists, like Malcolm, Linia (who produced For Future Reference), and Bity, are returning from last year’s projects. Honey Simone is someone I know from the Atlanta scene—I heard her original song “Gamble” and immediately knew I wanted to remix her hook for one of my poems.
Carolyn Malachi and I? Longtime friends, but this was our first time working together. I always knew she was an incredible singer, but her production skills blew me away! She brought on Kevin Pow, a Baltimore producer, for WAR, which I recorded at Howard during a casual visit to see Carolyn.
Kim was another surprise. I asked her to collaborate on Church & Abortions, and not only did she agree, but she ended up producing the entire track!
Honestly, it all came together as it was meant to—organically and beautifully. I had no desire to control the process; I just wanted to be led. It’s a testament to trusting the vision and allowing creativity to flow where it’s supposed to. This album is proof of what happens when the right people come together at the right time.
When you consider your last album – what aspects of your production process did you retain for this album and what differed?
The feedback I received about my last album was humbling but incredibly useful. While it was celebrated as a strong poetry album (it even earned me a Grammy nomination!), the critiques were clear: I cursed a lot—LOL, what can I say? I tend to curse like a sailor. The tracks were also too long for radio play, which made promoting it more challenging, and the album itself was lengthy. As much as I loved it, the consensus was that it would “remain in the poetry world.”
So, the challenge for this album became: How do I improve production without losing myself or conforming? Initially, I struggled. Then, on a college circuit trip this past spring, I listened to Michael by Killer Mike, and everything clicked. Every gear in my head started turning, and lightbulbs were exploding. The takeaway? Tell the story, don’t change the story. Have amazing production to make the truth digestible. I didn’t need to change who I was; I just needed to come in through a different door.
This summer, I followed the blueprint of a singer/hip-hop album. I dropped three singles and a music video ahead of the full release to build buzz and keep the momentum going. The album itself dropped on my birthday in August, and seeing the continued reviews, DJs spinning the tracks, and people using the sounds for their IG reels and TikToks was beyond rewarding.
Now, we’re keeping the momentum alive with a second music video! This process taught me that refinement isn’t about compromise; it’s about amplifying your truth in a way that reaches more ears and hearts.
If you had to select one track to serve as the representative for this album, which would it be?
If I had to select one track to represent this album, it would absolutely be Killer MIC (Track 10). This is the story/album-length version, and it’s the heartbeat of Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say.
Killer MIC captures everything I wanted this album to convey—it’s raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in storytelling. It weaves together themes of identity, resilience, and the power of voice in a way that feels both personal and universal. This track isn’t just about me—it’s about the South, the struggles, the triumphs, and the unapologetic truth that we have something to say.
The length of the piece allows the story to breathe, giving the listener time to sit with the emotions and messages. It’s not rushed; it’s intentional. If you only heard this one track, you’d get the essence of the entire album—my journey, my truth, and my hope for change.
Click here to stream album via Spotify.
On GRAMMYs + Life:
Congratulations on your second nomination! We know that this is history-making in more ways than one. We have so many questions about your life since the last ceremony. First: Can you tell us about attending the 66th GRAMMYs earlier this year? How was the experience and what are you looking forward to this time around?
Grammy Bootcamp is the perfect way to describe it! I went through every emotion you can think of, and sometimes all in the same day. The 66th GRAMMYs earlier this year [was] a surreal experience—a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, awe, and learning.
Walking into that room full of the most talented people on the planet was overwhelming in the best way. It wasn’t just the stars you see on TV—it was the behind-the-scenes legends, the producers, the engineers, and the songwriters who make the music we love come alive. It felt like being a freshman at the school of greatness, trying to take it all in while reminding myself that I deserved to be there, too.
But let me tell you, it wasn’t all glitz and glamour. My PR person was supposed to be hand-holding me the whole week, but she sent proxies instead and didn’t arrive until Friday. Thankfully, I ran into friends like Carolyn at events throughout the week, which helped calm my very real anxiety. My partner ended up coming early to support me, but since many events were Academy Members-only, she couldn’t get into all of them. Still, just knowing she was there meant the world, and she did get to attend quite a few, which was a blessing.
Oh, and my designer? Late making my dress, so it had to be mailed to my hotel. I know—first-world problems—but when you’re about to walk one of the most high-profile red carpets of your life, the stress was real!
One of the highlights of the week was Robert Glasper’s Black Radio reunion. I had so much fun performing on stage in front of 1,000+ people—it was absolutely electric! He invited so many amazing celebrities to perform. I was trying so hard not to fan girl out over D Smoke, Syd from The Internet, Amanda Seales, and so many more. I was living the dream and pinching myself the entire time.
Last season, my goal was to learn as much as I could, and I believe I did—though there’s always room to grow. This season, I’m doing my best to apply what I’ve learned. And one of them is finding a cheaper hotel! (Laughs)
I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t want to win this year, because I do! But I also know that I have plans, and God has plans, and we’ll see which one takes the lead. Either way, I’m walking into this season with gratitude, intention, and a heart full of excitement for what’s to come.
How has your life or career been impacted since your initial nomination?
Since my initial nomination, the impact on my life and career has been profound.
First and foremost, I’m watching the world take Spoken Word-Poetry a bit more seriously, and I absolutely love that. It feels like we’re finally carving out a space that commands respect and recognition, not just as an art form but as a powerful cultural voice.
I’m also seeing emerging and established poets begin to approach becoming a recording artist with more intention. It’s no longer just a side hustle or an additional stream of income—it’s about championing our genre the way singers and Hip-Hop artists have for decades. We’ve always had the talent, but now we’re building the infrastructure and taking those critical next steps.
The booking requests have definitely shifted. There’s more visibility from corporate and private sectors that hadn’t taken notice before. For example, I recently did a writing workshop for a top-tier ad agency in L.A. These are people who write ads for a living, and they wanted me, a Spoken Word-Poet, to teach them about words and description. And here’s the kicker—they even offered to pitch me to Levi’s! That’s the exact kind of crossover I’ve always envisioned for poets.
But it doesn’t stop there. I want to see Spoken Word-Poets at the forefront of expert panels, White House performances, Super Bowl halftime shows, arena concerts, and collaborative tours. Imagine a poet opening for Kendrick Lamar—that’s the kind of stage I’m manifesting, not just for myself but for all of us.
Since getting involved with the Recording Academy three years ago, I feel like my career has been completely revitalized. There’s been this incredible resurgence in my writing, my travel, and my performing—it’s like I’ve rediscovered why I fell in love with Spoken Word-Poetry in the first place. I’ve been writing more than ever, reconnecting with my craft in ways that feel fresh and exciting.
I even restarted my newsletter. Some might think newsletters are outdated, but for me, it’s been a beautiful way to connect with my audience. My world is made up of readers—people who genuinely want to get to know the artist behind the curtain. Sharing my stories, my journey, and my insights has been deeply fulfilling, and it’s reminded me of the power of building community through words.
At the same time, I’ve been learning so much from the younger generation—watching how they move, how they innovate, and how they leverage technology and social media to amplify their voices. I’m taking notes, implementing what I learn, and using my national platform to expose amazing artists to the world of the Recording Academy.
Being part of two committees—the Education Committee for the Atlanta RA Chapter and the National Poetry Membership Committee—has been nothing short of incredible. These roles allow me to advocate for poets, bring visibility to our genre, and share everything I’ve learned along the way. My mission now is to pass the torch, to make sure the next generation has the tools and resources to thrive.
This journey has been about so much more than me—it’s about opening doors, breaking barriers, and ensuring that Spoken Word-Poetry gets the spotlight it’s always deserved. And I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this movement.
This isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about lifting the genre as a whole. The possibilities are endless, and the momentum is undeniable.
Where were you when you learned about this year’s nomination?
I was actually driving home to Atlanta when I found out about this year’s nomination. Just like last year, I didn’t hear it initially! They did things a little differently this year with the announcements. Instead of one continuous telecast, they had multiple segments happening at the same time on the website. Since I was on the road, I clicked on the first segment I saw, thinking it was the whole thing—but nope.
When the segment I was listening to ended, I still didn’t know. That’s when J Rose, my good friend and an amazing poet from NYC, texted me URGENT to break through my forever-on-DND phone status—ha ha. She’s the one who told me! It was almost identical to last year, when Shihan called me to share the news first. After J Rose’s message, I pulled up the correct video segment and finally watched it for myself. It was such a surreal and hilarious moment—learning about one of the biggest honors of my career while driving on I-78! Finding out you’re nominated before finding out you’re nominated is crazy! (laughs)
How would you describe your fellow cohort of nominated poets?
I would describe this year’s cohort of nominated poets as powerhouses. Each of them brings such a unique and necessary voice to the genre, and I’m genuinely honored to share this moment with them.
Omari Hardwick’s cOncrete & wHiskey Act II Part 1 is raw, reflective, and beautifully layered. He has this way of blending vulnerability with strength that draws you in and holds you there.
Malik Yusef’s Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Sonic Sinema: Episode 1 is nothing short of genius. Malik is always pushing boundaries and redefining what Spoken Word can sound and feel like. He’s an innovator through and through.
Tank and the Bangas with The Heart, The Mind, The Soul are just magic. They infuse poetry with this infectious energy and musicality that make their work impossible to ignore.
Mad Skillz’s The Seven Number Ones is another reminder of how storytelling through poetry connects us all. He’s not just a lyricist—he’s a cultural historian who brings us into his world with every line.
This group represents everything that makes Spoken Word-Poetry so dynamic and transformative. We’re not just poets; we’re storytellers, historians, and creators of culture. This category isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
What advice do you have for fellow-nominees?
DON’T READ THE COMMENTS! (laughs)
Seriously, protect your peace. This moment is about celebrating your artistry and the journey that brought you here—not about letting internet trolls or random opinions live rent-free in your head.
My other advice? Soak it all in. Every moment. The good, the awkward, the surreal. The Grammys are a once-in-a-lifetime experience—even if you get nominated multiple times, there is only one – first; each one is special and unique. Build connections, introduce yourself to people you admire, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
And most importantly, remember why you’re here: your work matters. Your words matter. You’ve already won just by creating something that resonated so deeply it landed you in this space. So breathe, enjoy the ride, and let it fuel your next masterpiece.
What advice do you have for spoken word artists who are seeking to be recognized by the Recording Academy?
1. Treat Your Work Like an Album, Not a Hobby
If you want the Recording Academy to take you seriously, you have to take yourself seriously first. That means producing your work at a professional level—high-quality recordings, thoughtful production, and intentional storytelling. Spoken Word albums need to sound just as polished as music albums.
2. Understand the Rules and Play the Game
Learn how the Recording Academy works. Know the deadlines, submission processes, and eligibility requirements inside and out. If you’re not a member, become one. Membership not only allows you to vote but also connects you with a network of artists who can mentor and collaborate with you.
3. Collaborate and Expand Your Reach
Work with other artists—producers, musicians, vocalists—to elevate your projects. Collaborations can bring new dimensions to your work and expose you to new audiences. Spoken Word is incredibly versatile—let it shine in ways that surprise people.
4. Be Consistent and Visible
One project won’t get you there alone. Build a body of work, stay active in the community, and make sure people know who you are. Perform, network, promote, and create. Social media is your friend—use it to share your work and engage with your audience.
5. Champion the Genre
The more visibility we bring to Spoken Word as a genre, the stronger our presence will be. Advocate for yourself and for the art form. Nominate others, highlight Spoken Word in conversations, and get involved in the Recording Academy’s committees and events.
6. Remember: It’s About the Work, Not Just the Trophy
Recognition is amazing, but don’t lose sight of why you started. Create because you have something to say, because your words matter, and because they can move people. The Recording Academy can amplify your voice, but the work has to come from you.
Polish your soft skills, too. Keep creating, keep performing, and keep pushing. This genre is powerful, and the world is starting to pay attention. Your time will come—just make sure you’re ready when it does.
Is there anything poetry, or non-poetry related, that happened this year that you want to share with our readers?
This year has been an incredible whirlwind, both poetry-related and beyond, and I’m so excited to share a few highlights with you!
First, I want to personally invite you to listen to, share, and review my Grammy-nominated album Civil Writes: The South Got Something to Say. If you have more than 1,500 followers and can collaborate your album review with @thequeensheba and @recordingacademy, I’ll send you a tour t-shirt as a thank you! (If you’re a Recording Academy voting member, I can’t send you a t-shirt—it’s against the rules! But I’d love your consideration in the Spoken Word-Poetry category.) Civil Writes is available on all streaming platforms.
[Click here to stream album via Spotify.]
My brand, Poetry vs. Hip-Hop, has grown exponentially since my initial Grammy nomination. The demand has skyrocketed, and it’s been incredible to tour with City Winery venues across the country. Touring has not only allowed me to connect with new audiences but also helped to amplify the voices of other amazing artists in the Spoken Word and music communities.
Let’s keep this momentum going, not just for me but for the entire Spoken Word community. I’m learning, growing, and doing my best to pass along everything I know to lift this genre even higher.
Queen Sheba’s Upcoming Show Dates
📍 Sat 1/4 – Philly City Winery in the Loft – Poetry After Dark Showcase & Open Mic!
Featured Poets include Lady Sarkazym, Black Ice, Lena L, Evita Colon, Jay Smoov, RyAnn, and Kira J. 🎟️ GET TICKET
📍 Sun 1/5 – NYC City Winery Poetry vs. Hip-Hop: Poetry After Dark Edition
Featuring powerhouse performers like J Rose, Shanelle Gabriel, Divinity Roxx, and Brad Walrond, plus live music by Classique. 🎟️ GET TICKET
📍 Sun 1/19 – City Winery Pittsburgh – Poetry vs. Hip-Hop MLK Weekend Edition 6P & 9:30P
Two shows featuring Poetry by Maya Write & Live Music by Cam Chambers, and Klara Kent! 🎟️ GET TICKET
📍 Sun 1/26 – RDU Poetry After Dark Open Mic x Queen Sheba’s Grammy Send-Off Party!
Don’t miss this incredible night at The Portal in Raleigh, NC. 🎟️ GET TICKET
📍 Fri 2/14 – Boston City Winery – Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Valentine’s Day Edition
Celebrate love and art with some of the best in the game. 🎟️ GET TICKET
📍 Sat 2/15 & Sun 2/16 – ATL City Winery – Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Valentine’s Day Weekend
Three shows featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, April Sampe, and more!
SAT 2/15 6:30P 🎟️ GET TICKET
SAT 2/15 10:00 PM 🎟️ GET TICKET
SUN 2/16 7:30P 🎟️ GET TICKET
Please tune into the 67th annual Grammy Awards which will air live on February 2, 2025 on CBS. The winner for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album will be announced during the pre-telecast.
Links:
Album: Stream via Spotify
Instagram: @thequeensheba and @poetryvshiphop
TikTok: @thequeensheba8 and @poetryvshiphop
Site: thequeensheba.live
Site: www.poetryvshiphop.live
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
