The Harriet Tubman Complex
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From the depths of souls

The Light(but Heavy) Report: "Problem?"
By ItsReaLight
 
Now, I'm known for being a little, how do we say, brash on keeping it real, but I have a soft sweet side (really I do). I'm looking for my brother, Problem Child.

I was really looking forward to his take on our bout. I mean we really shouldn't let anyone stop our flow or be sore losers. Always, keep your head up, because we are all winners.

With that, I want to give my take on the bout.

Well, it all began with the Problem Report(ironic). I noticed that in Problem Child's report he thought that Dom Chula should have won and that she had me nervous. Now, I'm not here to judge peoples skills as poets, but Dom Chula have been spitting the same poems for the entire year that I knew her. So I had the advantage and I wasn't nervous. But the icing on the cake for me is when he posted that he bet against me in the Mic Fight against Amanda Diva. Whatever I feel towards Miss Diva I'll keep to myself, but the numbers don't lie. I can say that the judges thought I spanked her.

So that explains my challenge, but let's fast forward to the bout.

It starts with PC ice grilling me(BMB first) while I smiled at him(with that and his warm up routine...I though he was in 2 deep). But ladies and gentlemen, he actually made me mad when he denied the coin toss and said "let her have the bout how she want it!" As if he was gonna serve me a can of whoopass, so it didn't matter. I went first and put him in the same hot seat that Diva and Chula once sat in. And, as figured, he didn't represent. I got tired and slacked off in round 4, but rounded it up in round 5. For all that smack talk on the board...he literally bored me(not to mention, he drove me crazy when he was timing himself with his wrist watch...DURING THE BOUT!).

I'll say this, because I care. PC, I think you were in too deep. Slamming isn't everything. Don't let it stop you from doing you. Just know your levels and be Real
to you.
















BANGOUT 'BOUT

by ItsReaLight

 

Bing! Bam! Boom! The left hooks and upercuts were thrown. It was ItsReaLight and Mad verses the world (verses? pun intended). This Middle Weight 'bout left heads heavy. I'm glad I wasn't a judge, because it was insane(no time limit! that was music to my ears).

 

I won the coin toss and let Mad start us off (you know...I had to feel him out). That's when I realized that Mad was no joke. He was definately a force to be reckoned with. We were both labeled Microphone Fiends, because we couldn't wait to get back on the mic and give...give.

 

It was hard to tell who this match was in favor for, but I had a pretty good idea when Mad caught the Holy Ghost and fell out! Hey, if you know me or my play, you'd know that I only fall when my narcalepsy kicks in. During this 'bout I was wide awake.

 

After keeping us in suspense (about 20 minutes). They finally announced Mad the winner. You better work! I had a great time. I won a friend, met Kathleen cleaver(yes, the Kathleen Cleaver), and a gig to help out with the International Black Panther Film Festival! For those of you who don't know Mad, get to know him, especially if you plan on battling him. Take it from me...he is no joke(and I'm not only saying that because he beat me...ItsReal). 07/24/2003

*My girl True stopped by...thankx 4 the luv sis*

 

International Black Panther Film Festival: Complex Appearances

 

 

Verbal Swordplay: Mic Fight

By Itsrealight

 

Fire! Fire! Don't call the fire department, let Stryver's burn! This night is definatley a memorable one. Besides the fight, Carlos Mena stopped by while on tour. He showed off by cutting open the American National Anthem, with this sultry sister singing and humming this haunting song.

 

Libertad...well, Libertad was the shit. First, giving us a collage of knowledge reigning from California. Then got together and gave us a Super Phat Cypha, filled with beatbox, scat, and freestyle (even Kasim Allah got down on the freestyle!). Did you hear when I said fire?

 

The open mic list was something of a feature event in itself. Mohogany Browne, Pheonix, Furious Lord, Bro. Earl, D-Cross, Kool Breeze...to name a few.

 

Now, the results of the mic fight. I mean, what can I say...we were sick with it!

Anacaona says don't call me a lady

Markxman with the ill rhyme scheme

Keith Boogie talk about not being revolutionary

Calling the niggas out was done by yours truly

Leaving the judges fumbling score cards

With all the poetics all they could call...was draw.

07/22/2003

Carlos Mena website http://www.casamena.com

Libertad website http://www.libertadjournal.org

 

 

Harriet Tubman live in NYC...Oh, I thought you knew??

 

Well people here's my take on the show I've been waiting to see

 

- The Harriet Tubman Complex UNDERGROUND starring none other than ItsReaLight.  I arrive at Harriet's Alter Ego (Yeah I know!  Harriet Tubman @ Harriet's Alter Ego... gotta be crazy). N-E-Way, I got there early from performing at the Harlem Book Fair.  I found my seat in the window and waited.  (Side-bar - the owners are very cool and the clothing is hot and very neo @Harriets Alter Ego.  It gets an A+)

 

- About an hour later, the show begins.  ItsReaLight appears from behind the curtain decked out in her denim and paisley cut-skirt and t-shirt.  She opens as Harriet Tubman urging followers to keep up.  It's so believable!  From that moment the audience is caught in the complex.  ItsReaLight brings in characters flawlessly because in a blink of an eye Ms. Tubman is standing before us.  While in the present, Harriet examines the state of black people through the lives of three complex women; Reva, ItsReaLight (yes even herself), and Leonora.  In this One-Woman spectacle we (audience included) deal with subjects such as racism, self-hatred, revolution, slavery, and freedom sculpted from Harriets I mean ItsReaLights amazing poetry. 

 

- I tell you, I love it when an artist can make a poem come to life, so al I got to say is Bloody River.  If you dont know what that means, that means you havent seen the show.  Shame!  I had to admit when I read Underground on the flyer I was a little skeptical.  I thought I was gonna be cheated from the total experience.  But I was in for a huge surprise.  If you have never experienced The Harriets Tubman Complex WHY?

 

- Harriet Tubman Complex catch it next time  because Harriet doesnt come to NYC often!!--07/19/2003

baron. " I'm on a vertical, full frontal commercial, moving brackets of fabric, it's just that classic "
 
baron's website: http://baronny.tripod.com
 

*NEWS FLASH* Found the Bandit, they call her mamita

By ItsReaLight

She stole my tears directly from my eyes. Vanessa Hidary, The Hebrew Mamita(the ONLY Hebrew Mamita), is the Culture Bandit. Stealing the souls of the audience and taking them on a poetic journey through her life. When I say poetic journey I mean the entire script was poetry. She set the Nuyorican stage ablaze with her phenomenal acting skills.

If I were to list all the emotions involved, Siskel and Ebert will sue me for copyright infringement. I laughed myself to tears. Her candid humor was the
icing to the cake of reminiscence worthy music. I almost fell out when her 'Secret Lover' found her 'Juicy' as she did the Wop.

Although, I was born about a decade late, I still felt like I right there with her. Vanessa's poetic verses painted a video reel of her life that almost made me
wish I was there. When she poured out her life the audience soaked it up, finding familiarity in every moment.

She cut the stage wide open, revealing any insecurities that once flowed there. She did all of this with the help of Mariana Hellmund, the director, who is obviously a skilled technician. Her directing presence was definitely felt. The combination was so pure that it was cleansing.

It seems to me that the Hebrew Mamita was bitten by the Harriet Tubman bug. Eradicating rumors and refusing to be labeled into a corner are the traits of a true Moses. Vanessa is a destined messenger and this One Woman Show is her delivery: send, send, send, send, send! As the final tear drops.--05/27/2003

Vanessa's website: http://www.hebrewmamita.com

Another review: http://www.offoffoff.com/theater/2003/culturebandit.php

See Complex Appearances

Somebody...PLUG baron. Back in!

By ItsReaLight

Yestarday at the Nuyorican was PHENOMENAL, MOVING, EXHILARATING; all understatements of this spell binding event. Don't be mistaken, this was no ONE MAN SHOW. All the world's a stage and he took us through his world. Hitting us with a concept like no other; a Poetic Concert. A WHAT? Obviously, you're not ready and neither was the audience.
 
You missed it? Well, it sucks to be you.
 
baron.'s reality has me at loss for words. Many will call me biased, but those that know me know that I'm not down for sugar coating. He took us on a journey of emotions that cleansed the spirit and stirred the soul. Speaking of souls, baron.'s was opened on the wings of a buttafly. ButtaFlySoul's poetry and artistry was plastered all over this concert.
 
First, we knew it was baron. UNPLUGGED and that made it greatly anticipated. Then, we found out that ButtaFlySoul was directing and that made the wait unbearable. BUT DAMN! You want to talk about not being ready? TRACKS by DJ DOUGHBOY(he is no joke), CLAUDE in all her sexiness(having the quietest of men screaming),  the sultry electric guitar sounds of BEN, HARLEM 125(the best) to heat up the crowd, and CO-PRODUCED by BLESS ELLIS(the Vibe in Theory).
 
When I say baron. UNPLUGGED was that fire...I mean you'll never have enough water. He shined with a light so real, it's blinding. Makes me want to change my name to ItsLight.
 
For those of you who missed it, lucky for you their might be another date; might. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Until then, I'm going to go plug baron. back in before somebody gets hurt.--05/18/2003
 
baron's website: http://baronny.tripod.com
 
















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