For Award Winning Spoken Word Artist, musician, producer and songwriter, Abyss; his career has been a lifechanging journey not just for himself but for a multitude of artists. Indeed, his work has culminated to place him at the forefront of a movement that is comprised of poets, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, and activists among many talented others. The Emmy, Peabody Award and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award winner came into prominence after he enjoyed a popular three season tenure with HBO ´s Def Poetry. As a groundbreaker, he was the first poet to appear on 106th and Park (2004) and the only poet to appear on a CD with PRINCE.
Abyss is proud to consider himself a teaching artist which alongside his motivational speaking and hosting offers him the chance to deliver his potent messages to the people up close and personal. In that, he also fulfills building upon his musical audiences with an impressive catalog of rhythmically vocalized and acoustically accompanied rhymes and songs. His lyrical prowess is one of his standing O hallmarks as he keeps the crowds riveted. A true entertainer, his stage dexterity and movements bespeak the classic legends of our time and harken to the age of genuine showmanship. Touted as the millennial Cab Callaway, his engaging personality electrifies the stellar shows he presents.
His works involved stage, film and TV as well as Award-Winning Documentaries such as “Divided Time” which showcased his poetry as well as the PBS “Talking Black In America” which featured Poets, Linguists, English Professors and Historians speaking about the origins of our language.
A proud US veteran, his community philanthropic works involve serving 7 years on the Atlanta Community Food Bank as Board Member under the guidance of Bill Bolling. As well, he performed for the Amending America Program at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum commemorating the 225th Year celebration of the Bill Of Rights; which highlighted the Freedom Of Speech portion with my performance.
As a producer his live performances out of the spoken word scene allowed his own production of a Black History Program “Amplified Melanin’ at the Jimmy Carter Library the last two years.
As a Hip Hop musician his works have been called Acid Gospel which embodies the burning truth, acid meaning burning and gospel meaning truth. His lyrics are amplified melanin, which the songwriter and poet states comes from seeing his tumultuous experiences and losses from a more spiritual point of view based. By sitting at the helm of a spoken word movement for the past few decades, his attention to detail has enhanced his ability to mentor and consult the up-and-coming generation.
His events, festivals, are renowned for their crowd rousing performances and as a promoter some of his parties have boasted helicopters and showstopping presentations.
Abyss Is a highly decorated spoken word artist who has used his talent to inspire, educate, and entertain. It highlights his dedication to his craft, his reach within the artistic community, and his ever-evolving creative spirit.
Abyss is a spoken word artist whose career is a testament to his dedication and talent. His achievements are a powerful foundation upon which his artistic journey is built.
Award-Winning Artist:
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award – A pinnacle of recognition for his lifetime contributions to the arts.
- Peabody Award – A prestigious honor for excellence in broadcast media, highlighting his captivating performances.
- Emmy Award Winning Documentary “Talking Black In America” Best Cultural Documentary Cast
Presidential Performances:
- Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter – Performing for these esteemed leaders speaks volumes about his cultural impact.
National Recognition:
- Collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda – Sharing the stage with a Broadway powerhouse further solidifies his artistic prowess.
- Kuumba Award Winner (Arts Xchange) – This award recognizes his excellence within the spoken word community.
- Who’s Who Black Atlanta (2020) – Inclusion in this prestigious publication showcases his influence within Atlanta’s Black artistic scene.