Compared to most poets, artists and rappers that we are exposed to on our TV screens and radios, Emcee E is quite unique. Born as Ian Nana Yaw Adu Budu Keteku, Emcee E feels even his birth name is poetic and contributes to his seemingly innate talent.His poetry and music is refreshing in the sense that it speaks to a universal audience as opposed to a strictly an urban one. From his socially and politically charged words that at times can be tongue in cheek to his eclectic, yet still "hip-hop" sound, Emcee E refuses to be typical.He defines his poetry/music as ‘critical oratory’, feeling compelled to speak on the issues he feels are not thought about regularly. He loves to use his words to inspire messages of peace, action and critical thought. In the tradition of great poets such as Socrates, Wole Soyinka and Lauren Hill, Emcee E feels that using his voice to speak for the voiceless is an honourable quest that he will never stop.
In 2004 Emcee E released his debut album, Iantrospective, which caught many off guard. His positive bound lyrics combined with philosophical undertones created a stir in the Edmonton hip-hop arena. Songs such as "My Story" which illustrates the need to begin the global peace process and "Fashion Passion" which shows the danger of our obsession with material wealth set the tone for the whole album.But there is more to Emcee E than just thought provoking poetry and edgy lyricism. Keeping hip-hop's tradition of lyrically battling, Emcee E has scarred many egos in the Canadian hip-hop and slam poetry scene. His quick wit and ability to win over crowds with his distinct charm has allowed him to place in high profile battles.
Emcee E, who has opened for the likes of Brass Munk, critically acclaimed poet Saul Williams, and Smithomon & Dragomon among countless others. In addition, he had the opportunity to perform his poetry for the Governor General of Canada, on two occasions.
He has been featured of CBC television, CBC radio, RCI and a number of campus radio stations across the nation.But his use of words to tell stories does not end there. As a freelance journalist he has written for the Ottawa Citizen, Calgary Herald, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Canadian Press and others.Emcee E is currently in collaboration with film company Resolutionary Pictures to create a documentary about the evolution of hip-hop around the world.Poetry is not merely saying words or performing a piece rather it is a way of life and for Emcee E this is more than true. Walking the talk, Emcee E is the founder and president of the Hip Hop Initiative which seeks to destroy preconceived notions about hip-hop culture. The group's workshops and related performances have covered topics such as sexism in the genre, history of the genre, and racism against the genre. Emcee E was also a semi-finalist for the past three years on Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister completion where his first audition tape was in the form of a poem.In the words of Emcee E himself, "It's the political, spiritual thoughtful individual, style so unorthodox, so original!"
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