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One of the nation's greatest young performers and writers performing live at the legendary Yoshi's Jazz Club. Paying homage and adding his twist to the classic and powerful music of Fela Kuti, Nina Simone, Gil Scott Heron, Tupac Shakur, and Billie Holiday.
 
"Essentially, these five artist best represent the core of my artistic inspiration and embody a standard of both content and    skill that I am always aspiring for. I'm excited to be performing back in myhometown at such a great venue to honor these giants."
- Ise Lyfe

Recently appointed Commissioner of Arts and Cultural Affairs in his hometown of Oakland, CA, Ise Lyfe is one of the nation’s premier Spoken Word Artist and Emcee’s. His 2006 debut album, ”spreadtheWord” allowed him to mettle with a national audience, and the release of his second LP, “Prince Cometh” received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Unaffected by the sophomore jinx theory, it’s safe to say the response across the board was nearly 100% positive…

Ise first gained national recognition competing in national poetry slam competitions in his late teens. In 2001 he won the National Poetry Slam Competition, skyrocketing his popularity amongst the ever growing Spoken Word/Hip-Hop Theatre audience.  He has been featured on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on HBO. He has also shared the stage with Gil Scott-Heron, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, E-40, Harry Belafonte, Mos Def, Malcolm Jamaal Werner, KRS-One, Martin Luther, Saul Williams, Ben Harper, Erykah Badu, Zion I, and The Coup to name a few.

However, Ise Lyfe is simply different than anyone else in his genre or league of peers. Period.

Just in his twenties with nearly ten years of national and international stage performing and recording experience, he transcends the common narrative on and off stage. An award winning poet, emcee, performer, and educator, this young man is sure to be the impact we all speak of wanting, but rarely see realized....

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