Black Unlimited Blog

Spoken Word Spotlight – Marquis Mix – 13 of Nazareth

Today’s interview is with a magnificent spoken word artist, 13 of Nazareth.

Where are you from and how was your childhood?
I am from Norfolk, VA and my childhood was a constant lesson in the art of stability in motion. In short, my family moved around a lot so I became accustom to not being stationary in fact I grew to expect it.

When and how did you first become interested in spoken word?
I cultivated an interest in spoken word before I knew exactly what spoken word was. At age 20, I started writing rhymes and poems which I did for almost 3 years before going to my first open mic. At which point, spoken word began to become an integral part of my life.

Who are your favorite spoken word artists?
I don’t have any favorite spoken word artist. There are many artist that I enjoy, but it is more due to my relationship with them off stage than what they do on it. Great writing and performances are just icing on the cake of great people.

When did you first start doing spoken word?
This isn’t something I do its a facet of who I am, but my first time on stage was Feb 5 1999.

What has been you journey (in spoken word) to where you are right now?
Unique to say the least as I am far from typical; meaning that my motivation for being involved in this art is not the art itself although I love it. I am motivated by a desire to mirror God on earth.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your pieces? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Spirit is the core theme of my material and no it won’t change, but the way in which I present it changes constantly.

How has your work evolved since you first began performing/writing?
Of course, if we are not evolving we are stagnant or dying but even “death” is part of evolution.

What is your ultimate direction for spoken word?
My ultimate goal is to embody divinity and show others it is possible for them to do the same. Spoken word is a tool I use in efforts to accomplish this and I know this seems to contradict a previous answer, but a facet is a tool used by a diamond, for example, to capture light and throw it back.

What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a spoken word career?
Be sure it is what you both love and want to do with your life because there are currently only opportunities with those involved directly in the art are creating. So if you are not into creating opportunities as well as art then this might not be the field for you.

Where have you performed? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Throughout the US in Canada and the UK. My upcoming shows are updated regularly on reverbnation.com/13ofnazareth.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your work? Do you have a website or a demo CD?
CDs available on greatpublishing.com and you can subscribe to my blog 13ofnazareth.wordpress.com. I am currently working on a personal site and will keep you posted.

Also check me on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter; just search Marquis Mix.

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
God, my wife, my family, my friends, my contemporaries, my fans and my enemies if I have any.

Do you have any shout outs?
God, my wife, my family, my friends, my contemporaries, my fans and my enemies if I have any.