Today we’d like to introduce you to Mello Versiz.
Hi Mello, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Queens, NYC, hip hop surrounded me from before I can even remember.
During COVID I discovered writing. Specifically writing rap lyrics that addressed the current political climate. Conscious rap to be specific. Some of the OGs in this genre are KRS-One, Tupac, Common, Talib Kweli and Mos Def and more recently Kendrick Lamar.
While I did spend some time in studios, it took a ton of time. Spoken Word poetry was kinda the best of both worlds. I could perform and communicate the ideas that plagued me and not have to spend a ton of time in the booth or at my DAW.
Bend didn’t really have a space for the type of Spoken Word I was used to. I created Raging Writers Spoken Word with Irene Cooper. We’ve been providing a space for artists, writers and performers for over 3 years now.
Since starting this open mic, I have also had the opportunity to participate in a number of other events, such as hosting for the Asian Pacific Islander Collective and Shararah Films.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Its interesting when you run something that is community based to balance diplomacy with your own personal vision. As we’ve grown over the years, I welcome feedback and input from our community members and at the same time have learned that everyone has an idea as how to do it best. At the end of it all, the onus is on you, the organizer, to take everyone’s ideas into account and make the best decision that you can. It’s impossible to be for everyone, no matter how hard one might try.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Spoken Word artist, Slam poet, performer, MC and host.
If this means anything to you, I’m the most Libra-y Libra you’ve ever met and keeping the peace is my middle name, yet on the mic, I’m known for punching people with my words. It’s a place where I’ve given myself permission to not be overly concerned with how everyone is feeling and rather allow my most inner most truths to be spoken.
My proudest moment was making it to the final round during a Poetry Slam in NYC at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Some say this is the birth place of Spoken Word poetry and the competition is fierce, to say the least.
I had a very unique upbringing. The arts were not revered at all. My parents never emphasized it. It wasn’t until my 40s that I discovered that I had something to say. Not having expressed myself artistically for so many years, allowed what I was holding for decades, to explode from my pen. I’m here to say, it’s never too late to start anything. If anyone tells you “you’re past your prime” they don’t know what they are talking about. Your mid-40s are a weird time where many are questioning who they are and where they want to go, it’s half time in the game of life. Some people will choose to pick up a fancy new car, but I chose to keep my Honda Civic and pick up the pen. It was very humbling to begin later life, most people I perform with being a decade or two younger than me. I’m turning 50 next year and I feel like I’m just getting started.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost my partner Kati. She’s a NYer through and through and has a deep appreciation for hip hop. She has always believed in me and has been my silent editor for years. She has a way of seeing the story I’m trying to tell and helps me shape it. She doesn’t like the spotlight but she’s beyond worthy of recognition.
Secondly, I want to thank my brother Tushar (another NYer) who shared a rap poem that I edited which started my journey into writing.
Next I want to thank Irene Cooper (yet another NYer). I took some poetry classes with her at COCC and she helped my confidence grow and eventually take up the role of hosting an open mic!
Next I’d like to thank Erica at Spork. We have her to thank for this amazing space each month and couldn’t do it without her.
Last but not least, of course the entire community of poets, artists, performers, writers and listeners that attend each month. None of this would be possible with them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ragingwriters.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragingwriters
