Russell Simmons: Brave New Voices is a television series from HBO that aired in 2009. The show, hosted by Queen Latifah, focuses on young poets who compete in a national poetry slam competition. Throughout the show, viewers get an intimate look at the lives and work of these young poets, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Some are immigrants, others come from low-income families, and all have different perspectives and stories to share.
The series is broken down into several episodes, each of which follows a different team of poets as they prepare for and compete in the Brave New Voices slam competition. Along the way, we get to see the poets develop and refine their craft, ultimately culminating in a thrilling competition that showcases their talents.
One of the standout aspects of Russell Simmons: Brave New Voices is the diversity of the poets and their work. Viewers are introduced to poets from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ poets, poets of color, and poets who have experienced homelessness or other forms of hardship. The show doesn't shy away from difficult topics like racism, police brutality, and social injustice, and many of the poems address these issues head-on with powerful and thought-provoking verse.
In addition to the poetry itself, the show also gives viewers an inside look at the creative process behind the poems. We see the poets working together in group workshops, brainstorming ideas, and giving each other feedback on their work. This behind-the-scenes look at the creative process adds an extra layer of depth to the series, and makes it feel particularly impactful.
Overall, Russell Simmons: Brave New Voices is a truly special show that celebrates the power of poetry and the resilience of young people. It's inspiring to see these poets pour their hearts and souls into their work, and to watch them grow and evolve throughout the course of the series. If you're a fan of spoken word or poetry in general, this is definitely a show worth checking out.
Russell Simmons: Brave New Voices is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between April 5, 2009 and on HBO