Queen Sheba On Poets Getting The Grammy

In this episode, host De'Shonda Lucas interviews spoken word artist Queen Sheba. They discuss Queen Sheba's background and interests, her involvement with the Recording Academy, and the importance of creating opportunities for spoken word artists. They also plan a poetry event on the water and talk about the highs and lows of being a spoken word artist. Queen Sheba shares her approach to interacting with the audience during performances. In this part of the conversation, Queen Sheba discusses engaging the audience during performances, becoming a Grammy member, the benefits of being a Recording Academy member, submitting an album to the Grammys, promoting your album, and living unapologetically as a woman. In this conversation, Queen Sheba discusses the power of saying no and not needing permission or explanation. She emphasizes that no is a complete sentence and encourages individuals to choose what is best for their lives. Queen Sheba also expresses her support for the LGBT community and highlights the importance of not villainizing any community. She shares her journey of embracing her authentic self and the positive changes it has brought to her life. Additionally, she discusses her work in creating love poems for lesbians and collaborating with producers. Queen Sheba emphasizes the need to uplift the black community and encourages individuals to believe in their worth and voice. She concludes the conversation by expressing gratitude and well wishes.

Takeaways

Spoken word artists can create albums and submit them to the Recording Academy for consideration in the Spoken Word category.

Creating opportunities for spoken word artists, such as poetry events and collaborations with musicians, can help elevate the genre and provide more exposure.

Planning unique and engaging poetry events, such as a poetry night on the water, can attract a diverse audience and create memorable experiences.

Being a spoken word artist comes with highs, such as performing in intimate and supportive venues, and lows, such as the challenges of constant travel and balancing personal relationships.

Interacting with the audience during performances can add an element of spontaneity and connection, making the experience more engaging for both the artist and the audience. Engage the audience during performances to create a connection.

To become a Grammy member, join the Recording Academy and meet the membership requirements.

Being a Recording Academy member comes with benefits such as healthcare partnerships, dental care, networking events, and access to workshops and panel discussions.

You can submit your album to the Grammys even if you're not a Recording Academy member.

Promote your album to the Recording Academy members and focus on the quality of your work.

As a woman, live unapologetically and don't settle for a partner who doesn't meet your standards. Saying no is powerful and does not require permission or explanation.

Support and celebrate the LGBT community without villainizing any community.

Embrace authenticity and be open to positive changes in life.

Uplift the black community and believe in your worth and voice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Getting to Know Queen Sheba

05:48 Spoken Word as Music and the Recording Academy

12:20 Creating Opportunities for Spoken Word Artists

18:13 Planning a Poetry Event on the Water

22:17 Spoken Word Highs and Lows

30:34 Interacting with the Audience during Performances

32:50 Engaging the Audience

36:37 Becoming a Grammy Member

46:37 Benefits of Being a Recording Academy Member

52:37 Submitting an Album to the Grammys

59:37 Promoting Your Album

01:04:37 Message for Women

01:06:37 Living Unapologetically

01:07:01 Embracing the Power of Saying No

01:07:47 Supporting the LGBT Community

01:09:36 Being Authentic and Embracing Change

01:10:46 Embracing Quirkiness and Individuality

01:11:16 Creating Love Poems for Lesbians

01:12:49 Collaborating with Producers

01:13:42 Uplifting the Black Community

01:15:40 Celebrating Brown Skin

01:19:47 Trusting in God's Plan

01:20:51 Empowering the Black Community

01:21:34 Expressing Gratitude and Well Wishes

01:22:19 Poetry on the Waters Collaboration

01:24:07 Final Thoughts and Closing