Big Poppa E
Big Poppa E | |
|---|---|
 Poetry slam artist Big Poppa E | |
| Occupation | Slam Poet, Writer |
| Nationality | USA |
| Literary movement | Slam Poetry |
| Notable works | The Wussy Boy Manifesto |
| Website | |
| http://www.brokenword.org | |
Big Poppa E is a performer of slam poetry. His live performances combine poetry, stand-up comedy, and dramatic monologue in high-energy rants about relationships, pop culture, and hot button issues of the day.
His best known work is the performance poem The Wussy Boy Manifesto, a humorous rant championing sensitive men that elevates such cultural icons as Duckie from Pretty in Pink and Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything to role models. Debuting in 1999, The Wussy Boy Manifesto garnered widespread attention, prompting Ms. Magazine to name Big Poppa E "an icon for effeminate males" [1] and The Los Angeles Times to proclaim him the "leader of a new men's movement." [2]
Big Poppa E has appeared on the HBO showcase Def Poetry three times (seasons two, five, and six).
Big Poppa E often works with the human rights organization Amnesty International, having hosted numerous politically-themed poetry slam events and workshops at regional and national Amnesty International conferences across the U.S.
Apple Computer Controversy
Big Poppa E's viral video Why I Got Fired From Apple Computer received well over a million hits on YouTube, Google Video, and MySpace. The clip detailed the uproar over the poem Oh! Canadian FedEx Lady! after it was performed at an Apple Computer employee talent show, two days after which Big Poppa was fired for undisclosed reasons. [3]
O. Henry Pun-Off Controversy
In addition to the National Poetry Slam community, Big Poppa E has made a name for himself at the annual O. Henry Pun-Off in Austin, Texas. Every year, fans of wordplay gather for competitive rounds of pun slinging that are judged by a panel of experts. Big Poppa E was named "Punniest of Show" in 2006 and "Most Valuable Punster" in 2007, much to the chagrin of some judges who deemed his work "devastating." His performance piece Illegal File Sharing at the 2008 O. Henry Pun-Off caused an uproar that subsequently led to a reevaluation of what constitutes a legitimate pun. (A video clip of that piece can be found on YouTube.)
World Championship Pun Off is a short documentary segment that covers the 2008 O. Henry Pun-Off, including the controversy surrounding Big Poppa E's work.
Publications
- Big Poppa E's Greatest Hits ISBN: 978-0-615-14948-6
- Big Poppa E's Greatest Misses
CD Releases
Career Highlights
- Featured on HBO's Def Poetry showcase three times (2001, 2006, 2007).
- Featured on BET's The Way We Do It comedy / variety show.
- Appeared on CBS's 60 Minutes.
- Member of the 1999 San Francisco Poetry Slam Team, co-champions of the 1999 National Poetry Slam in Chicago.
- Also member of slam teams from Chico, Austin (see Austin Poetry Slam), and San Antonio.
- Headlined at more than 200 showcases in 41 states, including more than 80 major universities.
- Featured performer at the Bumbershoot Festival (Seattle), South By Southwest (Austin, TX), and FronteraFest (Austin, TX).
References
- ^ Smith, Patricia (August / September 2001). "Slammed". Ms. Magazine. p. 94.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); More than one of|author=and|last=specified (help); Unknown parameter|curly=ignored (help) - ^ Hanania, Joseph (27 August 2000). "Poet's Mantra: I Am Wussy Boy, Hear Me Roar!". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, CA. p. E1.
{{cite news}}: More than one of|author=and|last=specified (help); Unknown parameter|curly=ignored (help) - ^ Singer, Michael (24 February 2007). "Ex-Apple Employee's Firing Makes For Great YouTube Video". Information Week's Digital Life Weblog.
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External links
Additional Articles
- Poetry tour is slam-dunk - Providence Journal
- 'Broken Word' is bond - Western Illinois University Courier
- Slam-Dunked: Poets Duke It Out - Washington Post
- Big Poppa E's slam poetry rocks the HUB - The Daily of the University of Washington
- Big Poppa E - Chico News & Review
- Any subject is fair game for poet Big Poppa E - Colorado Springs Gazette
- New poetry CD shows why Ott is Chico's Big Poppa - Chico State University, The Orion
- The Poetry of a New Generation - National Public Radio, Savvy Traveler
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