Def Poetry Jam - Saul Williams (Coded Language)

[@Poeticpecan]

Saul is what we all should strive for, a Poet, Screen Writer, Actor, Director, just an all around artist..words arent enough to describe what kind of person he really is... A King among Men

[@augustgene5732]

I get goosebumps every time he starts rattling off those names

[@truthnow886]

Same . Every time. I’ve seen him do it live. I actually got to perform something after him as a set change at a festival. UNREAL. SAME MIC AS THE GOD.

[@GDSPEED--Jones]

Same Here

[@lucaswilliam719]

Saul Williams is so so so underrated

[@esbluetheprototype]

definitely not underrated. overlooked maybe.

[@robinking3449]

Dominique Williams that what underrated mean dumb ass

[@esbluetheprototype]

Robin King no. Everybody that has heard him knows he's good, so he's not underrated. Big Sean is overrated. Saul Williams is overlooked, because he performs so many different arts

[@gligo7586]

+IQ Denim spot on

[@jean-lucfacade6219]

He is the highest selling poet of all time. I don’t think he is underrated by anyone who knows his work.

[@stephenjackson68]

Loved Def Poets but he was my favorite poet on the show. I watched Slam again recently as a reminder of just how deep Saul Williams is. The power of words is incredible when used correctly.

[@shinjimeow]

"our music is our alchemy" I like that line...He's pretty powerful!

[@MicheleMcAdoo]

He is incredibly powerful. And so humble and apparently effortless that's the true genius

[@WriterPoetHumanBeing]

To me. this means that we should try to reach our full potential and we shouldn't dumb ourselves down, especially when doing something creative. It's amazing how this poem is so relevant to today's times.

[@m.ockthem9177]

WriterPoetHumanBeing thats just the surface go further

[@devtest8078]

@@m.ockthem9177 No. You make a start. Im waiting..

[@ValerioSimoncini]

👌🏾!

[@voodeux_badeux]

In the presence of brilliance, I will always bow. Needed to come back to this video. His words are still so captivating and inspiring. He kept it real.

[@TheDragon803]

Those little glitches in the sound isn't the audio encoder. It's the code of the Matrix being broken.

[@loganwendt778]

Word

[@thelightpodcast6426]

WORD

[@christiangomez2262]

HEARD

[@ondalookouttv4961]

Real Talk!!!!

[@johnnyappleseed3093]

Truth

[@AmnahWorld567]

I wish everyone in this world was like this man. He is sheer brilliance. Saul gives me hope that one day people will take a stand and save our generation from a horrible future. Saul is a gift to spoken word!

[@seymoreblunts5382]

your current frequencies of understanding outweigh that which has been given for you to understand

[@BassinJason702]

This poem is remarkable when put this way. Most of what he says is too deep for your average joe, it starts with interest and can turn to obsession, his writing is mezmorizing, and this video changed my life the first time I saw it, again, truly remarkable. Thank you Saul!

[@tragedybysyntax]

I saw him a few years ago in a small room setting with a string Quartet. Best performance I’ve seen of the hundreds of shows and concerts. Everyone must keep this man safe at all costs and spread his work like gasoline.

[@sparkydeltorro]

i've been trying to explain to people why this guy is so significant, he's not just rapping as fast as possible saying how cool he is or saying clever things. He's genuinely speaking his philosophy. what a legend

[@Karl671]

Well put

[@Liquidmetal702]

Im still tellin em 14 years later…

[@ButchBrown7]

Saul Williams Jr is my dude I knew his Family before he was famous. Shout out Mos Def. The Power of Speech & Poetry is still Powerful 👏👏👏

[@aldeb456]

One of the greatest poetic flows I have ever heard. He dam near named every person on this earth that has made a differecne! That's gangsta!

[@llttrr]

Shit man I'm too ignant for this. I'll be back in 2 years. Update 2021: yes brothers I came back, a little less ignant than before, still a lot to learn. I'll be back in... 5 years!

[@bigdill9377]

lolol

[@adrienne0122aw]

Leon lololololol

[@armthepioneer]

Leon whatever you say dude

[@travelable370]

Believe me, Leon. I am still "ignorant" at this after the first time I heard it , almost one year

[@yazzypoo1074]

U back yet?

[@quoe1]

seeing saul perform live moved me beyond words. he is just one of those people whom you could never forget, even if you wanted to.

[@salatetis]

in my dreams i wish modern day hip hop and rap songs had at least 1/10th of this wisdom

[@ShadowStunna34]

they do its called underground has been around since hip hop started.... dig deeper than what is given to you

[@Rohan-yn2ts]

OTF_Trillz thank you.

[@desertraintwodogs8571]

I agree it makes you weep. None of these rappers could appear on this forum today simply because they have nothing to say.

[@TiihoPlays]

OTF_Trillz I think he wishes that this was more common place in the hip hop/rap community.

[@TooneUntitled]

Peep Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker the Berry then

[@mrchaotiq]

That is perhaps the coolest thing I've ever heard.

[@porkfriedrice1530]

Coming from a fellow fan of Daniel Dumile , amen

[@MargeryKBaker]

After 20 years I’m still recommending him

[@JulieSchwartz092093]

this is by far one of my favorite poems i have ever heard. i mean yeah, it;s unconventional but after you hear it a few times you really have it all sink in and it's pure genius.

[@hxlfricxn]

I could watch this for the rest of my life I’ll always comeback for this video

[@therealkenj98]

I come back here often, still learning and trying to understand this amazing poem.

[@thepoetrykingdom6307]

One of my all time favorites, I shook you hand in Chicago bought your book, and left. you shoot my heart since you told the crowd to not lend ourselves to the evils we in fact condone. I saw you tape a portion of dreamstates in a bar in chicago. You brought on stage many up incoming poets. What you are for poetry is priceless. You are the poet of my generation, hands down! Thank you mr. williams!

[@yoboydream]

the true essence of poetry

[@HowlGinsbergHowl]

Saul Williams is a poetic genius. He channels the best of Ted Joans and mixes it with his own style. Incredibly underated and it is sad that people do not know him by name in the mainstream outside of poetic circles. The best part of this video is the fact that the crowd stands awestruck and silent. Powerful.

[@gatomercado]

I got to hear Saul freestyle last night at a NYE party and he was just as intense there as he is here.

[@m.ockthem9177]

Gato Mercado lucky bastard

[@Community.Fellowship]

Thanks for the upload. Brought back memories of my childhood in Chicago. Saludos desde Leon Guanajuato Mexico.

[@lilialotus8115]

This mans words have filled my soul for years

[@motionshadow]

The rhythm and tone of his words alone are beautiful. I didn't have to lock in every single word to get the message. Thanks for posting this.

[@nobel11]

He is faster than the audio encoder...

[@AGEMusicOfficial]

nobel 11 Yeah... Would love a version of this with a clean audio.

[@nobel11]

Me, too

[@daniely5987]

TV like this will always be missed. A brilliant man, a True king.

[@jaredjaj]

He used this in one of his live shows, right in the middle of a song. It was awesome.

[@sheilareynolds]

i saw this man live and didn't blink for like 37 minutes. he truly is amazing. and he was nice enough to sign books for me. 5 stars. 2 thumbs up. and 1 love.

[@CodyCoexFoo]

This guy is beyond his time. Mad respect.

[@two2birds]

The first time I heard this poem, I could only get the gist of it. It's been over a year since then, and it makes complete sense to me. Saul Williams is brilliant.

[@broncosnare2006]

"Now is the time to self-actualize." He has something to say.

[@blairenewland4139]

Chills. Every time; chills. 20 years ago this guy had it. We only now just getting it.

[@lsjmixedmedia]

This man is brilliant!!!! I love love love this!

[@TheJade4]

Saul Williams... is just... amazing. He leaves me speechless. Every time.

[@rihdura]

This is simply amazing.

[@Nodonuts]

Wow! I’m so happy they recorded this. It’s 2021 & this video is still so real. Love

[@threeinitiates8260]

Perhaps my favorite poem.

[@sctirish1]

Thanks for my daily dose of goose bumps.

[@jw6136]

Damn. I have no idea what he just said but I liked it!!!!

[@imiguelm]

poetry.rapgenius.com/Saul-williams-coded-language-annotated

[@koammudo43]

imiguelm cool

[@18Stripes]

Isn't this everybody's reaction to Saul Williams?

[@boardbodhi]

his stuff is so deep, brilliant and complex, you will still digest it for years.Then come back to it and see it in new lights and focus on other parts of it. I got the pleasure of seeing him live. It was pretty epic. He is a true poet/prophet

[@401Orishas]

Yemaja, Osun, Obatala, Shango, Ogun, Felt Kuti #Yoruba #Nigeria #WestAfrica #Brasil #Cuba #Haiti #Santeria #Africa #Lucumi #BabaLegba

[@ferg414]

Amazing!!!! I see the light all around this video.....

[@c02c02]

when he drops the scroll i get chills every time.

[@Cavirex]

This speech is a beauty in rhyme and syntax and has some of the most enlightening, thoughtful and well delivered lyrics ever. "We enlist every instrument: Acoustic, electronic. Every so-called race, gender, and sexual preference. Every per-son as beings of sound to acknowledge their responsability to uplift the consciousness of the ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD!!!" GENIUS.

[@LouieV6]

Damn the delivery of the message is beautiful!

[@Zooptopus27]

I saw a version of this live by Saul. I'll never forget it.

[@Shirma82]

He's naming the Kings and Queens

[@PancakeDiaries]

Shirma Cain no he's not...I know those names, and a lot are NOT Kings and Queens

[@ionlycompetewiththewomaniw5429]

Shirma Cain He's naming ascended Gods.

[@deidrawilliams8669]

Yes! he did. Nefertari one of the greatest Egyptians Queens..Love it so much knowledge spoken.

[@yourhuckleberry6757]

King is English... No Henry or Elizabeth.. He named some Pharaohs.Both had servants and slaves... He made a point to include influential people from around the world and you hear black Egypt lol. Sudanese are cool and all but.. As an American its obvious with the right resources it doesn't matter if you were a king or a cannibal..a bunch of slave descendents from all over Africa created one of the most influential cultures in the world..that's history who needs more.

[@pulpedpoetry]

This poem is so influential. The scroll is so unique, I love the style and his delivery is practically flawless. IM A VERY JEALOUS MAN

[@KevinC240]

This video does not age. First saw it in '07.. still raised the hairs on my neck.

[@jedimasterviewtifjoe]

That poem is probably the best poem I ever heard in my freaking life. AMAZING. He knows what he is talking about.

[@TeslaLives-pb2gu]

At the end, my 3 year old said "Yay!"

[@AntonDApoet]

lol awesome

[@AntonDApoet]

lol awesome

[@cashdallas9041]

Tesla Lives 1111 he remembers lol

[@Adro407]

WOW FINALLY A MAN THAT CAN SPEAK WITH TRUE REASON HIS ESSENCE IS CLEAR AND MAKES A GREAT STATEMENT FOR ALL TO HEAR.

[@clemencemuti1311]

we are not afraid of the darkness, we trust that the moon shall guide all the way...

[@yahuah3533]

clemence muti when it's rains of blood how then she'll ye see in the night?

[@truthseeker5624]

2023 king!! This is Timeless!! So fire!! He was ahead of his time🔥 A true messenger💯💕

[@MrDarkstar620]

To acclaim an attempt here, it seems he first introduced his accolade of recognition to the science of history-- also how mutual as well as contrary habits of thoughts collide between culturally distinctive peoples. In continuance, he generally despises what is base, trivial and arbitrary based on its state of weakness. (He does this without necessarily imparting his personal views on what he considers base, trivial and arbitrary). -- The names he passes down in enumeration are from not so far off centuries, but he proclaims their relevance to the development of humanity despite their political position. (This also could be attached to his prepositional beginning of the performance). In fair conclusion, it seems he synchronizes all he's mentioned into a guideline for society to generally wake up, or become inflicted with a new stimulus to drive mankind into a greater prosperity. -- His views didn't really speak through here at all, so no criticism can really be placed upon his evincing.

[@ITs667]

You sir, are extremely eloquent and verbose.

[@roa7587]

I actually think this is perfect. Ive been listening to this poem for about 10 years since i was 12 years old, and this sounds perfectly in line with everything. He removes himself from the point because the he doesnt matter, but this instance was inspired by Tupac and Biggies death which is why HE wrote it. Its his way of solving the problem in his head by giving it to the people and removing himself from the art all together

[@Mtanic]

This never gets old, it never gets boring. It always hits me RIGHT in the stomach!

[@uvegottharitetothink]

"Whereas, breakbeats have been the missing link connecting the diasporic community to its drum woven past" Gave me chills

[@doomsakari0]

This is so beautifully passionate. This man has my eternal and undying respect.

[@SlicRic69]

timeless

[@nadajack91]

this is by far the best piece of poetry i have heard hands down

[@coreyvega6145]

Listen to "Amethyst Rock" Slam from the same author

[@minusthebarsblog]

"Those who burn, those still aflamed, and the countless unnamed..."

[@LeeBee1111]

AHMEN

[@LaurenSClark]

Agree. Used to wait up for this show.

[@ickslynga21]

Saul Williams CD was Given to me after a Show I did - & Someone that night was Paying Attention ti what was Going on in my Mind -As a reason Not to Give up my Art.. I went home & Not planned but bcuz I Could not Sleep I Put it in.. & I Was able to believe in my Self Again... I realized -I was NOT ALONE WITH MY OWN THOUGHTS... XX ick

[@HearingEveryRhyme]

this is incredible, I'm in awe whenever I hear saul williams, he is just so incredible skilled and unique.

[@Victor-qu5nz]

The poet is protesting

[@bernardcarter1382]

🫰🫰 🫰🫰 followed by 👏👏👏👏 followed by Standing Ovations! SALUTE TO GREATNESS!!! 👑 2023 still listening to this Phenomenal MAN!

[@CRLKLL]

YO!!!! THIS DUDE IS THE FUCKING HEAT!!!!!

[@jiteshjaggi6504]

Couldn't get better than this!!

[@sulibreaks]

Suli Breaks R.I.P. video shoots straight to the jugular vein of one's consciousness. R.I.P. is a Call to Arms for those to drop their arms and embrace peace." -Bruce George, Co-Founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO KZbin: SULI BREAKS: R.I.P (OFFICIAL SPOKEN WORD VIDEO)

[@kadeemowens9698]

Ever since I seen the movie slam been a follower of Saul ever since mans incredible

[@keo9179]

2024 is here

[@break5mine]

This video changed my life the first time I ever heard this.

[@JapaneseGuru00]

3:06 am i the only one who thought of fullmetal alchemist? ((my weeb senses were tingling sorry))

[@BrotherBernard7]

I'm in tears

[@Paid2Win]

iruzaki shurio The myth of a philosopher stone is a commonly spread myth, was not invented by FMA.

[@arthurdent358]

Yep, alchemy is a thing. Good point, they can read the source of the fun fiction.

[@MrDari78]

Wow... that was BRILLIANT!!!

[@jordanvanderwerf]

But seriously CAN WE GET A FIXED AUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!??????? PLEASE!

[@rurugby]

I love Saul Williams, my first start to the world of slam poetry .. he is awesome

[@user-tk1xr2qq6l]

Damn!

[@asantitracey6612]

I’ve seen him live. This is even more magical in person

[@reef360]

One of the many reasons I've been mispronouncing "diaspora" all my life

[@Empre55]

i have watched this so many times and still i am in love with this performance this message this delivery...

[@jackb8677]

PRESENT is the "pre" sent...

[@poetrynameTooShy]

Wow! Just love this. Knowledge is powerful. Watch this 100 times.

[@samthousand]

So this video can't keep up with Saul...wow

[@doddvision2]

He killed it I am amazed every time I see this

[@ezdvs7]

I like turtles

[@mterrell604]

I needed this. Needed this. Thank you.

[@Jason-wv1hf]

Deandre Jordan is good at poetry

[@leonard1871]

Best modern poet I have ever heard thus far !

[@a10goesbrrrrrrrrrrt52]

Somebody explain for this poor asian passing by

[@AFord1981]

Reject mediocrity, and look up/learn from all those people he listed.

[@truthhurtz27]

this dude is on another level

[@milagrolitadice]

he just blew my mind..

[@Hambaloozi]

feel so honoured to have met this man

[@mdmayhew]

thanks for this paul. You keep doin' your thing.

[@FXLabiran]

I love this one of my favourite pieces off Def Jam