Meet Belinda Thompson, one of the most brilliant poet/spoken word artists in the country. While her name may be unfamiliar, her work has garnered favorable appraisal for over two decades from journalists and industry executives alike.
Your work has received rave reviews, when did you first fall in love with poetry?
I was thirteen when I first fell in love with poetry. The year Poetic Justice hit the scenes and my ears were blessed to hear Phenomenal Woman. I’d been writing since the age of seven by then and somewhere between I realized I was a poet. Apparently I wasn’t just a girl hiding thoughts and feelings between the lines of pages as I once believed.
Name some of the poets who have inspired or influenced you.
Maya Angelou and Tupac Shakur are the poets who I would say are my biggest inspirations when it comes to writing. I’ve always loved Tupac’s music, but before I discovered Maya Angelou wrote Phenomenal Woman, I did not know he also was a poet. The impact of realizing the two was amazing.
How do you keep your writing style uniquely your own?
My poetry style stays uniquely my own simply because it is my own (laughing). It is what it is, authentically me. My experiences expressed in a way only I can.
As far as spoken word, your delivery seems natural and effortless. Is it something you rehearse?
When it comes to spoken word! Oh my my my my. It’s like breathing air. I am so alive in those moments. Yes, it’s very natural. I can’t really say I rehearse my spoken word pieces. When I was first introduced to spoken word, it was simply about remembering what I wrote and then tapping into those emotions to create a “now” moment, which wasn’t as hard as I thought it may be. In fact, spoken word is so natural to me, I find it challenging to write these days. Strange to say the least, I used to write more easily. I’d like to think the thoughts and emotions are so strong now I just can’t wait to write it down. I have to just get it out now. The down side to this is I lose a lot pieces, not being able to recall all I’ve recited in those moments. So, I know the writing part is very important and I’m determined to see it through. I love my poetic hand and its artistry. I am poetry in motion, a gift undeniable.
We have included some of your poems in our digital issue, how does it feel to featured on a global platform? As a poet and spoken word artist, I feel what I’m becoming and still at heart. I know it’s crazy to say I can’t quite put into words how I feel about having some of my work featured in urban magazine. I mean. I absolutely blessed to have the opportunity. Much like this interview. It’s truly the beginning of dreams coming true right in front of me eyes. Inspired even more. Honored like you wouldn’t believe. It’s urban magazine. The the world’s hottest digital magazine and some of my work in it twice.
Describe your perfect setting or time to write.
The best time for me to write is in my solitude. Those moments when I’m completely left with my thoughts, my emotions, and perceptions of the things going on around me and within me, overwhelmingly so. When there’s no one else to talk to but self.
Do you plan on publishing a book of featured your works in the near future?
Yes, I do have every plan on publishing a book of my work in the near future. As far back as I can remember it’s always been my desire.
Where can people find your work online?
You can find my work in a couple issues of Urban magazine. At the present moment, other than that, unless you’re a friend of mine on Facebook and in those rare out-the-blue moments I post something. I started a poet’s page a few years ago on Facebook but I haven’t published any of my works yet. I’m still trying to figure out what is the best platform for me.
I would like to thank Urban magazine for the opportunities you have given to me. And, I thank any and everyone who supports my work. It’s bigger than me and that’s real. One love.
