CLASSICS SESSION

Last Thursday, Afro Classics, MC Prototype, and Curtiss King blessed the Session A crowd at Cal Poly with solid performances. It was great having Scarub and Very come out to do the show at my school. But I have to say the highlight of the night was DJ Nickyboi coming out from behind his tables to get on the mic with Proto during "G.I.G." All in all, the show was bananas!

SUPPRESSION OF SPRAY PAINT

It was just announced that they are banning the use of spray paint in the art department at my school, Cal Poly Pomona. Administration says it's to protect the health of CPP's students, faculty, and the "fragile environment" surrounding our school, but still mention the graffiti on the streets around our school. I'm not convinced. Read the full article here.

BE INSPIRED

Next Tuesday, February 9, Cal Poly Pomona will be hosting their first-ever Poetry Slam. It's going to take place in the arcade and it starts at 7pm. Admission is free. A group of my fellow students and I will be slamming for a spot on CPP's Slam Team. The 4 poets who advance will be representing CPP at this year's Regional Conference on February 20. The winners from the Regional Slam will then move on to compete in the ACUI (Association of College Union International) National Slam. If you're a student at Cal Poly, come show your support and be inspired next Tuesday, and if you're not a student, you're still welcome to come and enjoy an evening of poetry with us.

So I gotta finish writing my pieces for next Tuesday. It's been over a year since I've performed any of my poems and this will be my first time slamming, so I'm pretty excited...and nervous. Drawing inspiration everywhere, food, paper airplanes, Oprah, and this guy. Anis Mojgani has to be one of the greatest poets I have ever seen. If this doesn't help get your pen moving, I don't know what will. See you next Tuesday.

PROTO FOR PAID DUES

When it comes to Hip-Hop, spoken-word artist, emcee, and friend, MC Prototype brings more to the table than your typical underground emcee. Hailing from California's Inland Empire, Proto is a founding member of the Urban Poets Crew and also hosts Urbane Culture, a music and spoken-word open mic at his venue, The Bakery in Downtown Pomona. He has recently announced a Free Speech Tour to promote his campaign, PROTO FOR PAID DUES, where he will be proving that he is the most worthy candidate to perform at this year's Paid Dues Festival. Sign the petition, watch the video, and support your local scene.