Steve Colman, Nikki Giovanni, Suheir Hammad, Vanessa Hidary, Black Ice, Lemon, Georgia Me

Episode 1

Flowmentalz, Kayo, Jewel Kilcher, Taylor Mali, Sonia Sanchez, Dawn Saylor, Shiham, Yellow Rage

Episode 2

Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Coval, J. Ivy, The Last Poets, Willie Perdomo, Beau Sia

Episode 3

Amiri Baraka, Dave Chappelle, Jessica Care Moore, Liza Jessie Peterson, Poetri

Episode 4

Jason Carney, Jamie Foxx, Marty McConnell, Thea Monyee, Beau Sia, Sekou Sundiata, Twin Poets

Erykah Badu, Dante Basco, Maggie Estep, Danny Hoch, Black Ice, Patrica Smith

Reggie Cabico, Talib Kweli, Lemon, Haki R. Madhubuti, Taylor Mali, Rat Sack

Oscar Brown Jr., Caridad 'La Bruja' De La Luz, Anthony Morales, Amalia Ortiz, Ishle Park, Rakim, Shihan

Craig muMs grant, Felipe Luciano, Amanda Seales, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Malik Yusef

Episode 5

Steve Connell, Georgia Me, Jessica Care Moore, Keith Murray, Louis Reyes Rivera, Sekou Torbet

Episode 6

Staceyann Chin, Reginald Gibson, Goldie, Joy Harjo, Wood Harris, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Dennis Kim, Big Rube

Episode 7

This week's episode featured non-stop verbal stylings of Black Ice, Suheir, Bassey Ikpi, Helena D. Lewis, Rives (who sign-languaged his piece!), Daniel Beatty, Rupert Estanisiao and Poem-cees who offered poems equipped with beat-box effects. Songstress Jill Scott and actor/poet Mutabaruka added their poetic fuel to the space for an extraordinary performance.

Hip Hop and Spoken Word Artist Common performed. Also featured were Mayda De Valle & Lemon, Flaco Navaja, Ursula Rucker, Michael Ellison, Ras Baraka, Dayna, Ishle Park and Gemineye.

Poetri kicked off this episode with his funny and honest take on Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Other performers ripping the stage were, Emanuel Xavier, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Richard Montoya, Vanessa Hidary, Danny Hoch, Bassey Ikpi, Lemon and Steve Colman.

Black Ice and Staceyann Chinn, Rock Baby, Alix Olson, Mike 360, Shappy, Jonzi D., Amalia Ortiz and Jimmy Santiago Baca kept the stage and audience warmed up. Hip-Hop legend Salt also gave an electrifying performance.

On the mike this time were, Roger Bonair-Agard, Fenchi, Geoff Trenchard, Chinaka Hodge, Dufflyn and Kevin Coval. Also appearing were Beau Sia (from Def Poetry on Broadway), actor/poet muMs (HBO's "Oz"), and Quincy Troupe (writer/educator).

Poets doing their thing this included Kanye West, Shihan, Jason Carney, Gina Loring, Jamie Kennedy, Bao Phi, and Roscoe P. Coldchain. Maya Del Valle returned while musicians Lou Reed and Buju Banton graced the stage for the first time.

The final episode of Season 3 closed with perfomances by Maggie Estep, Malak Salaam, Joel Chmara, Flowmentalz and Deb Young. Georgia Me graced the screen while Saul Williams and R&B legend Smokey Robinson also performed.

Returning def poet Rives warmed the lovers in the crowd with his ode to post-passion bliss. Nafessa Monroe, Mark Gonzales and Zena Edwards all brought their fiery lyrics, while Black Ice (his second appearance on the series) also performed. Legendary writer and musician Oscar Brown, Jr. performed "Children of Children" and rap artist MC Lyte rounded out the show with "I Was Born".

"Multi-tasking" takes on a whole new meaning when Rachel and George McKibbons perfom this dynamite poem. Def Poetry returnees Gemineye, Flowmentalz and Suheir provided extra energy. Litereary icon Nikky Finney gets onto the "Girlfriends Train" while Hip-Hop artist Kanye West shares his "18 years" with the audience.

Educator and political activitst Michael Eric Dyson advised the audience on being an An "Intellectual MC". Will Bell, Dawn Saylor, Tish Benson, Kelly Tsai, Morris Stegosauraus and Bassey Ikpi also performed while actor Tracy Morgan entered the stage to describe his experiences of "Feeling F&%#ed Up" Hip-Hop legends KRS-One and Doug E. Fresh pooled their talents for a scorching performace of a new piece.

Beware of "Danger", Amir Sulaiman cautioned. Ishle Park, Taylor Mali, Kevin Coval and Yolanda Wilkinson provided musings on a host of feelings. Julian Curry pondered the "N" word, Poetri relinquished herself to herself and the duo Floetry does just that, flow with words and sounds making sure that "Everybody Heard" with their amazing performance.

Heavy-hitters all around in this episode. Actress Kim Fields asked the important "How Come" question many women ponder. Nobel poet laureate Rita Dove invited us to experience "Black on a Saturday Night". Dana Gillmore, Rafael Casal, Regie Cabico and Broadway "Def Poetry" alumn Lemon, provided searing words to the show. Icon Reg E. Gaines taught the other side as he explained how "I Don't Feel Like Writing" and Talib Kweli explained the pain of "Lonely People".

Def Poetry alum Flaco Navaja wanted a "Revolution". Michael Franti wanted to "Rock The Nation". Besskepp, Laura "Piece" Kelly, Triple Black, Robert Karimi and Liza Jessie Patterson continued the poetic ponderings. Actress legend Ruby Dee urged us to consider the life of "Tupac".

Actor Mike Epps schooled the audience on why "I Love The Hood.". Jus Cus pondered on the relevance of "Homeland Security" while Georgia Me and J. Ivy offers their insights. Marlon Esquerra, Marvin Tate and Martin Esapada each shared personal stories of lives in motion and musician Ani di Franco warned the world of what's "Coming Up".

This we love. Mayda Del Valle, Andy Buck, Faraji Salim and Bob Holman telling separate stories of strength and discovery. Tara Betts turned on the "Switch" while actor/poet muMs spoke "The Truth Parts 1 and 2." Hip-Hop artists and activists Dead Prez gave us two untitled messages.

Episode 8

Nuyorican Poets founder Miguel Algarin stopped by to share what he "Met Walking". Universes melodically explained why its important we "Don't Front". Shihan, Buddy Wakefield, Ayisha Knight, Kendra Urdang and Red Storm provided more poetic magic with their performances. Broadway Def Poetry Alumn Beau Sia told us why "I'm So Deep". Artist/performer Speech sang of "Night Time Demons" and Def Poet Common shared "A Letter To The Law".

Episode 9

The final episode for Season 4 brought Batmuthi, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, Tommy Bottoms and Ayua De Leon performing. Stacyann Chin explained "These Frenzied Days". Philadelphia's own Musiq ruminated on "Pieces of This Life".Yusef Kumunyaka gave us "The Sure Beat" while Def Poetry regulars Georgia Me, Beau Sia and Suheir wrapped the season up.

Episode 10

J. Ivy - "Never Let Me Down"; Dahlak Brathwaite -- "Just Another Routine Check"; Claudia Alick - "Employed Poor"; Black Ice - "Imagine"; Gideon Grody-Renkin - "Touching"; Avery Brooks - "Purlie Victorious"; Lauryn Hill - "Motives and Thoughts"; Rachel McGibbons - "After School Special"; Dave Chappelle - "F*** Ashton Kutcher" and "How I Got the Lead On Jeopardy"

Georgia Me -- "For Your Protection"; Al Letson -- "The Ball the Rim and Him"; John Legend -- "Again"; Caroline Harvey -- "Spoons"; Bounty Killer -- "Look Into My Eyes"; Bassey Ikpi - "I Want to Kiss You"; Will Da~Real One Bell -- "Diary of the Reformed"; Dan Sully and Tim Strattford - "Death From Below"; Alicia Keys -- "P.O.W."

Reg. E. Gains and Savion Glover -- "Pawn Shop"; Tommy Chunn -- "Computer Wordplay"; Scorpio Blues -- "Second Guessing"; Gemineye -- "Penny For Your Thoughts"; Emmanuel Xavier -- "Nueva York"; Mayda Del Valle -- "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"; Rev. Run -- "Peter Piper"; Aulelei Love -- "Same Cell, A poem for Women in Prison"; Mike Booker -- "Hoodology"; Smokey Robinson -- "Gang Bangin'"

The Poem-cees -- "Cheatin'"; Paul Mabon -- "The Toothbrush"; Marty McConnell -- "Instructions for a Body"; Geoff Trenchard -- "Ode to my Bathroom"; Nikki Giovanni -- "Nikki-Rosa"; Roger Bonair Agard -- "Calypso"; Joaquin Zihuatanejo -- "This is a Suit"; Willie Perdoma -- "Nigger-Reecan Blues"; Floetry x2 -- "Fantasize"

Poetri -- "Driving"; Shariff Simmons -- "F*** What You Heard"; Michael Ellison -- "Mezeker Means to Remember"; Phylicia Rashad -- "On Status"; Ratsack -- "Free the Toes"; Abyss -- "She"; Kevin Coval -- "Nothing Fight"; Mollie Angelheart -- "Psychotic Bitch"; Flo Mentalz -- "Talkin' to God"; Thea Monyee and Gaknew -- "A Different World"

Wyclef Jean -- "Immigrant"; Nayeli Adorador-Knudsen -- "Priceless"; Michael Cirelli -- "Love Song for Kelis"; M'Reld -- "Ready for Love"; Red Storm -- "Snake in the Grass"; Kelly Tsai -- "Aftershocks"; Paul Mabon -- "The Toothbrush"; Kevin Derrig -- "Andrew"; Mike McGhee -- "Like"; Narubi Selah -- "Uncle Benz"; Ise Lyfe -- "Popular Dirt"

Kanye West -- "Bitter Sweet"; Thadra Sheridan -- "Bad Boyfriend"; Rafael Casal -- "Barbie and Ken 101"; Terry Creech -- "Lost Bird"; Ursula Rucker -- "What a Woman Must Do"; Beau Sia -- "Hip Hop"; Sonia Sanchez -- "Our Vision Is Our Voice"; Shihan -- "In Response"; Jason Carney -- "Our Soldiers"; Amir Sulamain -- "She Said, I Prefer A Broken Neck ..." ; Lemon and Flaco -- "Boriquas"

Preach -- "Cotton"; Sista Queen -- "Try Being A Lady"; Al B. Back -- "Super Negro"; Amanda Diva -- "40 Emcees"; Big Poppa E, "Poem For Castadera Antoine McGee"; Oscar Brown, Jr., "Once Upon A Time"; Steve Connell and Sekou The Misfit -- "America Calls"; Jerry Quickley -- "3-Part Bitter X-girlfriend #167249-B"; Stacy Ann Chin -- "A City In Tragedy"; Brother J of X-Clan -- "Atlan"; Common -- "Be Known"

Suheir Hammad -- "Mike Check"; Perre Shelton -- "Dandelion"; Rives -- "Op-talk"; Otep -- "Dedicated to my enemy"; Heru Ptah -- "Why"; Sharon Olds -- "Self Portrait, Rear View"; Consequence -- "Friend Zone"; Tamara Blue -- "Thick Chicks"; Lemon -- "Poor People"; Jason Carney -- "Our Soldiers"; Black Thought from The Roots -- "Untitled"

Gina Loring -- "You Move Me"; Rock Baby -- "That Sweet That Funk"; Chinaka Hodge -- "Cousin"; Denizen Kane -- "Patriot Act"; Sekou Sundiata -- "Amman"; Kristiana Colon -- "From The Clay"; Jimmy Tran -- "Mediocre Penis"; Flaco Navaja -- "Dimple"; Eve Ensler -- "My Father's House" ; Black Ice, Poetri and Shihan -- "We Are Men"

DMX — "The Industry"; Big Mike — "Sexy"; Asia — "The Waiting Hour"; Dan Vaughn & Dasha Kelly — "Six Million"; Kelly Tsai — "Grey Matter"; Red Storm — "Black Barbie Doll"; Shanelle Gabriel — "The Reasons I Love You"; Idris Goodwin — "What is They Feedin' Our Kids"; Jill Scott — "Ain't a Ceiling"

Episode 11

Dahlak Braithwaite — "Peculiar Evolution"; Skim — "Your Eyes"; Eamon Mahone & Paul Graham — "Black Irish"; Tahani Salah — "Hate"; George Watsky — "V For Virgin"; Shannon Leigh — "Sudanese Children"; Pat's Justice — "Innocent Criminal"; Lyfe Jennings — "Rough Stuff"; Matisyahu — "Late Night In The Field"; Talib Kweli — "Hell"

Episode 12

Sarah Kay "Hands"; Riva & Sciryl — "My Best Friend (Hip Hop)"; Rafael Casal — "First Week Of A Break-Up"; Meilani Clay — "Lost"; Shihan — "Father's Day"; Shannon Matesky — "My Space"; Carlos Gomez Andres — "What's Genocide"; Carole King — "Touchstone"; Natalie Stewart — "Her Story"; Jamal Joseph — "Ricky Do & The 4th Of July"

Episode 13

Def Poetry, also known as Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam, which was co-founded by Bruce George, Danny Simmons and Deborah Pointer, is an HBO television series produced by hip-hop music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. The series presents performances by established spoken word poets, as well as up-and-coming ones. Well-known actors and musicians will often surprise the audience by showing up to recite their own original poems. The show is hosted by Mos Def. Def Poetry is a spin-off of Def Comedy Jam. As he did on Def Comedy, Simmons appears at the end of every episode to thank the audience.

All Episodes of Def Poetry

Browse all episodes of Def Poetry

Season 1

Episode 1

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/18/2002

Episode 2

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/25/2002

Episode 3

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 2/1/2002

Episode 4

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/8/2002