Customer Reviews

Def Poetry - Season 2

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Def Poetry is an entertaining HBO series that is far from a regular poetry reading. These poets all have a unique style of poetry. They hit the stage and run through their monologue like they are seasoned stage performers and some have the presence of actors and comediennes. Always mixing things up, the poets that hit the stage are of all races. In episode one an Asian poet hits the stage and runs through a monologue about the Asian race. White men and women hit the stage as well as African-American poets. This poetic melting pot is a groundbreaking show because the poets have the freedom to express themselves with limited boundaries as it seems no topic is off limits. At any moment you can see a poet talking about race issues, sexuality, infidelity, abortion, abuse, issues of the day, politics, and of course 9-11. Curse words are not bleeped, being that this is a cable series, the poets get wild. The most common topic it seems is race.

Def Poetry is a show for our generation. The show is hosted by rapper/actor Mos Def. Mos spits his own little monologue at the beginning of some episodes and he introduces each poet. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx performs in episode one of Season 2. He has a funny little poem called "Fashizzle My Nizzle," where his monologue is about getting with a woman who three days later gives him something to think about. Every poet has their own style and one poet whose monologue is based around 9/11 hits the stage with a book and reads. His monologue about a terrible event in U.S. history is performed so innocently that it brings a few chuckles from the crowd.

Def Poetry won a Peabody Award. Celebrities that drop by during season two include Jamie Foxx, Danny Hoch, Taylor Mali, Black Ice, Erykah Badu, and Malcolm Jamal Warner.

Erykah Badu is classic in her monologue about fans.

I own all 4 seasons of Def Poetry released to date (03/19/07) and season 2 is the best season I have watched. I do enjoy watching all 4 seasons and have watched them several times, but if you buy any season of Def Poetry, season 2 is one to buy. Five stars all the way!

The DVD is AWESOME. Inspiring, heartfelt, and passionate, the artists, scholars, and poets that grace the stage create for a unique experience. If you are a fan of spoken word, this is a must for your collection. They also improve on this DVD by separating the chapters by both episode and by poets. It makes it so much easier to find exactly what you want. My only qualm is that they edit out some of the performances I was looking forward to seeing. Specifically, the performances of Talib Kweli and Rakim were taken out. Why? I don't know. But the reason I bought the DVD was to disregard my old tapes of the season that I home recorded, but since these performances are not there, I have to go to my VCR to find them. Otherwise, a great pick up.

I've watched this a few times now, and I found it to be very moving. I loved the diversity of the poets as other reviewer made reference to. This is good - the performers are very creative and witty, they hit very close to home on several issues, the DVD has humor, it provokes thought, and is very REAL.

The other reviewer did make a very good point in that a lot of the poems focus on race issues, but some of the poets also focus on ghetto life, relationships, and other issues.

All in all - I would recommend this one to friends as something that is thought provoking while being very down to earth. Your mileage my vary of course - I hope this helps a potential buyer.

I'm all about poetry. Def Poetry is fabulous, hard core, and real. It's street, romance, politics, and life in spoken word. I am happy to have found this on DVD. I'll buy as many as they make.

The Def Poetry series captures the spirit of the spoken word poetry movement which is racing through the country and sparking a new interest in poetry, imparticular with young people. By turns moving, hilarious, and goosebump-inducing, these performances by both the young and the older def poets are well worth owning. There are some old voices from the first Season as well as plenty of new voices - if you love poetry in all its forms, go buy this!

If you love the spoken word or poetry, you'll love these DVD's. They are though provoking, intelligent and showcase talented people who we would have never have heard from if not for this type of show. All three seasons are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

Amazing.
Inspiration for your life.
Do yourself a favor, and buy it.

I caught Episode 2 of this season by chance after I came home one night and became an instant fan. Danny Hoch did a piece on 9/11. Simply outstanding! It was at once somber, funny, sarcastic, introspective, sad, in short the most brilliant performance. Same goes to a performance by "Black Ice" which was Hip-Hop, yet anti-gangsta... awesome!! Beau Sia is also incredible with a hyperbolic performance about the "Asian Invasion". They alone make it a must have for anyone with an appreciation for poetry. I must warn you language can be explicit at times.

Def Poetry is hawt!!! There is no doubt about it! Jamie Foxx, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Erykah Badu both make an appearance this season. Jamie Foxx is hilarious and Erykah makes you think... but let's not forget the regulars. Black Ice definitely does his thing, as always. Basically if you like Def Poetry, you will not be disappointed with Season 2.