Shit man I'm too ignant for this. I'll be back in 2 years. Update 2021: yes brothers I came back, a little less ignant than before, still a lot to learn. I'll be back in... 5 years!
Robin King no. Everybody that has heard him knows he's good, so he's not underrated. Big Sean is overrated. Saul Williams is overlooked, because he performs so many different arts
Saul is what we all should strive for, a Poet, Screen Writer, Actor, Director, just an all around artist..words arent enough to describe what kind of person he really is... A King among Men
To me. this means that we should try to reach our full potential and we shouldn't dumb ourselves down, especially when doing something creative. It's amazing how this poem is so relevant to today's times.
Loved Def Poets but he was my favorite poet on the show. I watched Slam again recently as a reminder of just how deep Saul Williams is. The power of words is incredible when used correctly.
In the presence of brilliance, I will always bow. Needed to come back to this video. His words are still so captivating and inspiring. He kept it real.
I wish everyone in this world was like this man. He is sheer brilliance. Saul gives me hope that one day people will take a stand and save our generation from a horrible future. Saul is a gift to spoken word!
i've been trying to explain to people why this guy is so significant, he's not just rapping as fast as possible saying how cool he is or saying clever things. He's genuinely speaking his philosophy. what a legend
This poem is remarkable when put this way. Most of what he says is too deep for your average joe, it starts with interest and can turn to obsession, his writing is mezmorizing, and this video changed my life the first time I saw it, again, truly remarkable. Thank you Saul!
King is English... No Henry or Elizabeth.. He named some Pharaohs.Both had servants and slaves... He made a point to include influential people from around the world and you hear black Egypt lol. Sudanese are cool and all but.. As an American its obvious with the right resources it doesn't matter if you were a king or a cannibal..a bunch of slave descendents from all over Africa created one of the most influential cultures in the world..that's history who needs more.
I met Saul in 2003. I don't know how my teacher got a hold of him but he came in and read from his book. Gave us free copies and he signed mine. Very humble and peaceful man. When I met him I didn't realize who I was really talking to until I started watching Def Jam. I was only 13 what would I have known about deep poetry like his?
this is by far one of my favorite poems i have ever heard. i mean yeah, it;s unconventional but after you hear it a few times you really have it all sink in and it's pure genius.
I saw him a few years ago in a small room setting with a string Quartet. Best performance I’ve seen of the hundreds of shows and concerts. Everyone must keep this man safe at all costs and spread his work like gasoline.
Saul Williams is a poetic genius. He channels the best of Ted Joans and mixes it with his own style. Incredibly underated and it is sad that people do not know him by name in the mainstream outside of poetic circles. The best part of this video is the fact that the crowd stands awestruck and silent. Powerful.
One of my all time favorites, I shook you hand in Chicago bought your book, and left. you shoot my heart since you told the crowd to not lend ourselves to the evils we in fact condone. I saw you tape a portion of dreamstates in a bar in chicago. You brought on stage many up incoming poets. What you are for poetry is priceless. You are the poet of my generation, hands down! Thank you mr. williams!
The first time I heard this poem, I could only get the gist of it. It's been over a year since then, and it makes complete sense to me. Saul Williams is brilliant.
i saw this man live and didn't blink for like 37 minutes. he truly is amazing. and he was nice enough to sign books for me. 5 stars. 2 thumbs up. and 1 love.
To acclaim an attempt here, it seems he first introduced his accolade of recognition to the science of history-- also how mutual as well as contrary habits of thoughts collide between culturally distinctive peoples. In continuance, he generally despises what is base, trivial and arbitrary based on its state of weakness. (He does this without necessarily imparting his personal views on what he considers base, trivial and arbitrary). -- The names he passes down in enumeration are from not so far off centuries, but he proclaims their relevance to the development of humanity despite their political position. (This also could be attached to his prepositional beginning of the performance). In fair conclusion, it seems he synchronizes all he's mentioned into a guideline for society to generally wake up, or become inflicted with a new stimulus to drive mankind into a greater prosperity. -- His views didn't really speak through here at all, so no criticism can really be placed upon his evincing.
I actually think this is perfect. Ive been listening to this poem for about 10 years since i was 12 years old, and this sounds perfectly in line with everything. He removes himself from the point because the he doesnt matter, but this instance was inspired by Tupac and Biggies death which is why HE wrote it. Its his way of solving the problem in his head by giving it to the people and removing himself from the art all together
This speech is a beauty in rhyme and syntax and has some of the most enlightening, thoughtful and well delivered lyrics ever. "We enlist every instrument: Acoustic, electronic. Every so-called race, gender, and sexual preference. Every per-son as beings of sound to acknowledge their responsability to uplift the consciousness of the ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD!!!" GENIUS.
Saul Williams CD was Given to me after a Show I did - & Someone that night was Paying Attention ti what was Going on in my Mind -As a reason Not to Give up my Art.. I went home & Not planned but bcuz I Could not Sleep I Put it in.. & I Was able to believe in my Self Again... I realized -I was NOT ALONE WITH MY OWN THOUGHTS... XX ick
I am absolutely in love with Saul, he is amazing! If any of you reading this message like poetry, maybe you'll like mine? I've been writing for a while now and Saul has had a huge impact on my writing. I love you all.
Suli Breaks R.I.P. video shoots straight to the jugular vein of one's consciousness. R.I.P. is a Call to Arms for those to drop their arms and embrace peace." -Bruce George, Co-Founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO RUclips: SULI BREAKS: R.I.P (OFFICIAL SPOKEN WORD VIDEO)
his stuff is so deep, brilliant and complex, you will still digest it for years.Then come back to it and see it in new lights and focus on other parts of it. I got the pleasure of seeing him live. It was pretty epic. He is a true poet/prophet
I love it when I hear something that I need to hear multiple times to grasp the full message. If you need him to dumb it down for you then admit it, don't try to make him seem unintelligent because you can't mentally handle his artistry. Just because his poetry is hard to understand does not mean it is foolish. That is one of the most artistically intellectual things you will ever hear in four minutes... end of discussion.
People actually take the time to type how much they don't comprehend, instead of listening, taking a step back to let it sink in, and then listening to it again. Language isn't always simple and shouldn't be. It's a direct correlation to listening to your favorite music artist OVER AND OVER again...learning and engagement comes with repetition, THEN the meaning sprouts in varying degrees. To completely dismiss what you consider "too complicated" only shows your weakness, not his.
I get goosebumps every time he starts rattling off those names
Same . Every time. I’ve seen him do it live. I actually got to perform something after him as a set change at a festival. UNREAL. SAME MIC AS THE GOD.
Same Here
Those little glitches in the sound isn't the audio encoder. It's the code of the Matrix being broken.
Word
WORD
HEARD
Real Talk!!!!
Truth
Shit man I'm too ignant for this. I'll be back in 2 years.
Update 2021: yes brothers I came back, a little less ignant than before, still a lot to learn. I'll be back in... 5 years!
lolol
Leon lololololol
Leon whatever you say dude
Believe me, Leon. I am still "ignorant" at this after the first time I heard it , almost one year
U back yet?
Saul Williams is so so so underrated
definitely not underrated. overlooked maybe.
Dominique Williams that what underrated mean dumb ass
Robin King no. Everybody that has heard him knows he's good, so he's not underrated. Big Sean is overrated. Saul Williams is overlooked, because he performs so many different arts
+IQ Denim spot on
He is the highest selling poet of all time. I don’t think he is underrated by anyone who knows his work.
Saul is what we all should strive for, a Poet, Screen Writer, Actor, Director, just an all around artist..words arent enough to describe what kind of person he really is... A King among Men
your current frequencies of understanding outweigh that which has been given for you to understand
"our music is our alchemy"
I like that line...He's pretty powerful!
He is incredibly powerful. And so humble and apparently effortless that's the true genius
To me. this means that we should try to reach our full potential and we shouldn't dumb ourselves down, especially when doing something creative. It's amazing how this poem is so relevant to today's times.
WriterPoetHumanBeing thats just the surface go further
@@m.ockthem9177 No. You make a start. Im waiting..
👌🏾!
Loved Def Poets but he was my favorite poet on the show. I watched Slam again recently as a reminder of just how deep Saul Williams is. The power of words is incredible when used correctly.
in my dreams i wish modern day hip hop and rap songs had at least 1/10th of this wisdom
they do its called underground has been around since hip hop started.... dig deeper than what is given to you
OTF_Trillz thank you.
I agree it makes you weep. None of these rappers could appear on this forum today simply because they have nothing to say.
OTF_Trillz I think he wishes that this was more common place in the hip hop/rap community.
Peep Kendrick Lamar - The Blacker the Berry then
In the presence of brilliance, I will always bow. Needed to come back to this video. His words are still so captivating and inspiring. He kept it real.
I wish everyone in this world was like this man. He is sheer brilliance. Saul gives me hope that one day people will take a stand and save our generation from a horrible future. Saul is a gift to spoken word!
i've been trying to explain to people why this guy is so significant, he's not just rapping as fast as possible saying how cool he is or saying clever things. He's genuinely speaking his philosophy. what a legend
Well put
Im still tellin em 14 years later…
He is faster than the audio encoder...
nobel 11 Yeah... Would love a version of this with a clean audio.
Me, too
I got to hear Saul freestyle last night at a NYE party and he was just as intense there as he is here.
Gato Mercado lucky bastard
"Now is the time to self-actualize."
He has something to say.
This poem is remarkable when put this way. Most of what he says is too deep for your average joe, it starts with interest and can turn to obsession, his writing is mezmorizing, and this video changed my life the first time I saw it, again, truly remarkable.
Thank you Saul!
That is perhaps the coolest thing I've ever heard.
Coming from a fellow fan of Daniel Dumile , amen
One of the greatest poetic flows I have ever heard. He dam near named every person on this earth that has made a differecne!
That's gangsta!
I come back here often, still learning and trying to understand this amazing poem.
seeing saul perform live moved me beyond words. he is just one of those people whom you could never forget, even if you wanted to.
the true essence of poetry
He's naming the Kings and Queens
Shirma Cain no he's not...I know those names, and a lot are NOT Kings and Queens
Shirma Cain He's naming ascended Gods.
Yes! he did. Nefertari one of the greatest Egyptians Queens..Love it so much knowledge spoken.
King is English... No Henry or Elizabeth.. He named some Pharaohs.Both had servants and slaves... He made a point to include influential people from around the world and you hear black Egypt lol. Sudanese are cool and all but.. As an American its obvious with the right resources it doesn't matter if you were a king or a cannibal..a bunch of slave descendents from all over Africa created one of the most influential cultures in the world..that's history who needs more.
I met Saul in 2003. I don't know how my teacher got a hold of him but he came in and read from his book. Gave us free copies and he signed mine. Very humble and peaceful man. When I met him I didn't realize who I was really talking to until I started watching Def Jam. I was only 13 what would I have known about deep poetry like his?
we are not afraid of the darkness, we trust that the moon shall guide all the way...
clemence muti when it's rains of blood how then she'll ye see in the night?
TV like this will always be missed. A brilliant man, a True king.
this is by far one of my favorite poems i have ever heard.
i mean yeah, it;s unconventional but after you hear it a few times you really have it all sink in and it's pure genius.
I could watch this for the rest of my life I’ll always comeback for this video
This guy is beyond his time. Mad respect.
I saw him a few years ago in a small room setting with a string Quartet. Best performance I’ve seen of the hundreds of shows and concerts. Everyone must keep this man safe at all costs and spread his work like gasoline.
Damn. I have no idea what he just said but I liked it!!!!
poetry.rapgenius.com/Saul-williams-coded-language-annotated
imiguelm cool
Isn't this everybody's reaction to Saul Williams?
Saul Williams is a poetic genius. He channels the best of Ted Joans and mixes it with his own style. Incredibly underated and it is sad that people do not know him by name in the mainstream outside of poetic circles. The best part of this video is the fact that the crowd stands awestruck and silent. Powerful.
This video does not age. First saw it in '07.. still raised the hairs on my neck.
One of my all time favorites, I shook you hand in Chicago bought your book, and left. you shoot my heart since you told the crowd to not lend ourselves to the evils we in fact condone. I saw you tape a portion of dreamstates in a bar in chicago. You brought on stage many up incoming poets. What you are for poetry is priceless. You are the poet of my generation, hands down! Thank you mr. williams!
He used this in one of his live shows, right in the middle of a song. It was awesome.
Chills. Every time; chills.
20 years ago this guy had it. We only now just getting it.
Yemaja, Osun, Obatala, Shango, Ogun, Felt Kuti #Yoruba #Nigeria #WestAfrica #Brasil #Cuba #Haiti #Santeria #Africa #Lucumi #BabaLegba
Saul Williams... is just... amazing. He leaves me speechless. Every time.
when he drops the scroll i get chills every time.
The first time I heard this poem, I could only get the gist of it. It's been over a year since then, and it makes complete sense to me. Saul Williams is brilliant.
At the end, my 3 year old said "Yay!"
lol awesome
lol awesome
Tesla Lives 1111 he remembers lol
This mans words have filled my soul for years
Perhaps my favorite poem.
i saw this man live and didn't blink for like 37 minutes. he truly is amazing. and he was nice enough to sign books for me. 5 stars. 2 thumbs up. and 1 love.
To acclaim an attempt here, it seems he first introduced his accolade of recognition to the science of history-- also how mutual as well as contrary habits of thoughts collide between culturally distinctive peoples. In continuance, he generally despises what is base, trivial and arbitrary based on its state of weakness. (He does this without necessarily imparting his personal views on what he considers base, trivial and arbitrary). -- The names he passes down in enumeration are from not so far off centuries, but he proclaims their relevance to the development of humanity despite their political position. (This also could be attached to his prepositional beginning of the performance). In fair conclusion, it seems he synchronizes all he's mentioned into a guideline for society to generally wake up, or become inflicted with a new stimulus to drive mankind into a greater prosperity. -- His views didn't really speak through here at all, so no criticism can really be placed upon his evincing.
You sir, are extremely eloquent and verbose.
I actually think this is perfect. Ive been listening to this poem for about 10 years since i was 12 years old, and this sounds perfectly in line with everything. He removes himself from the point because the he doesnt matter, but this instance was inspired by Tupac and Biggies death which is why HE wrote it. Its his way of solving the problem in his head by giving it to the people and removing himself from the art all together
2023 king!! This is Timeless!! So fire!! He was ahead of his time🔥
A true messenger💯💕
This man is brilliant!!!! I love love love this!
I saw a version of this live by Saul. I'll never forget it.
This is simply amazing.
Thanks for my daily dose of goose bumps.
"Whereas, breakbeats have been the missing link connecting the diasporic community to its drum woven past"
Gave me chills
WOW FINALLY A MAN THAT CAN SPEAK WITH TRUE REASON HIS ESSENCE IS CLEAR AND MAKES A GREAT STATEMENT FOR ALL TO HEAR.
Damn the delivery of the message is beautiful!
This speech is a beauty in rhyme and syntax and has some of the most enlightening, thoughtful and well delivered lyrics ever.
"We enlist every instrument: Acoustic, electronic. Every so-called race, gender, and sexual preference. Every per-son as beings of sound to acknowledge their responsability to uplift the consciousness of the ENTIRE FUCKING WORLD!!!" GENIUS.
Saul Williams CD was Given to me after a Show I did - & Someone that night was Paying Attention ti what was Going on in my Mind -As a reason Not to Give up my Art.. I went home & Not planned but bcuz I Could not Sleep I Put it in.. & I Was able to believe in my Self Again... I realized -I was NOT ALONE WITH MY OWN THOUGHTS... XX ick
The rhythm and tone of his words alone are beautiful. I didn't have to lock in every single word to get the message. Thanks for posting this.
"Those who burn, those still aflamed, and the countless unnamed..."
AHMEN
After 20 years I’m still recommending him
timeless
I am absolutely in love with Saul, he is amazing! If any of you reading this message like poetry, maybe you'll like mine? I've been writing for a while now and Saul has had a huge impact on my writing. I love you all.
YO!!!! THIS DUDE IS THE FUCKING HEAT!!!!!
Wow! I’m so happy they recorded this. It’s 2021 & this video is still so real. Love
Suli Breaks R.I.P. video shoots straight to the jugular vein of one's consciousness. R.I.P. is a Call to Arms for those to drop their arms and embrace peace." -Bruce George, Co-Founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO
RUclips: SULI BREAKS: R.I.P (OFFICIAL SPOKEN WORD VIDEO)
his stuff is so deep, brilliant and complex, you will still digest it for years.Then come back to it and see it in new lights and focus on other parts of it. I got the pleasure of seeing him live. It was pretty epic. He is a true poet/prophet
One of the many reasons I've been mispronouncing "diaspora" all my life
Quarantine with Saul Williams ANYONE?? 🎧
3:06 am i the only one who thought of fullmetal alchemist? ((my weeb senses were tingling sorry))
I'm in tears
iruzaki shurio The myth of a philosopher stone is a commonly spread myth, was not invented by FMA.
Yep, alchemy is a thing. Good point, they can read the source of the fun fiction.
This never gets old, it never gets boring. It always hits me RIGHT in the stomach!
But seriously CAN WE GET A FIXED AUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!??????? PLEASE!
Amazing!!!! I see the light all around this video.....
PRESENT is the "pre" sent...
2022 and still powerful ♥️
So this video can't keep up with Saul...wow
That poem is probably the best poem I ever heard in my freaking life. AMAZING. He knows what he is talking about.
Damn!
This poem is so influential. The scroll is so unique, I love the style and his delivery is practically flawless. IM A VERY JEALOUS MAN
Deandre Jordan is good at poetry
🫰🫰 🫰🫰 followed by 👏👏👏👏 followed by Standing Ovations! SALUTE TO GREATNESS!!! 👑
2023 still listening to this Phenomenal MAN!
I like turtles
i have watched this so many times and still i am in love with this performance this message this delivery...
Somebody explain for this poor asian passing by
Reject mediocrity, and look up/learn from all those people he listed.
Agree. Used to wait up for this show.
he just blew my mind..
I’ve seen him live. This is even more magical in person
this dude is on another level
I love Saul Williams, my first start to the world of slam poetry .. he is awesome
Beautiful poetry. Good to recognize our beautiful Black kings and queens. Peaceful Holidays to el mundo--the world.
I love it when I hear something that I need to hear multiple times to grasp the full message. If you need him to dumb it down for you then admit it, don't try to make him seem unintelligent because you can't mentally handle his artistry. Just because his poetry is hard to understand does not mean it is foolish. That is one of the most artistically intellectual things you will ever hear in four minutes... end of discussion.
This is so beautifully passionate.
This man has my eternal and undying respect.
I've been blind for a long time. Here after King Nipsey passing. Anyone else? This was amazing.
I ain't had my jaw drop since I seen blackthoughts freestyle on funk flex. Absolutely stunning display of creative reflection.
One of the many artists I honestly feel I am not worthy to listen to...Brilliant.
this is by far the best piece of poetry i have heard hands down
Listen to "Amethyst Rock" Slam from the same author
Ever since I seen the movie slam been a follower of Saul ever since mans incredible
this is incredible, I'm in awe whenever I hear saul williams, he is just so incredible skilled and unique.
People actually take the time to type how much they don't comprehend, instead of listening, taking a step back to let it sink in, and then listening to it again. Language isn't always simple and shouldn't be. It's a direct correlation to listening to your favorite music artist OVER AND OVER again...learning and engagement comes with repetition, THEN the meaning sprouts in varying degrees. To completely dismiss what you consider "too complicated" only shows your weakness, not his.
This makes me so giddy I can't control myself.
This poem makes me want to roar at the top of my lungs. It's powerful because it's true.
Wow... that was BRILLIANT!!!
WOW WOW WOW !!! LOVE IT !!!!
Best modern poet I have ever heard thus far !