Where to begin with, when discussing the talented Saul Williams? He came into my world, over a decade ago, as a Beat Poet/Spoken Word extraordinaire! I have this vague recollection that I saw him performing on PBS??? Whatever exposure it was, it stuck in my head. When I did stumbled upon him again during the era of Napster, the flood gates opened and I had started to down load anything I could of his.
If I had to simplify my discussion of Saul Williams, I would recommend two tracks: 'Ohm' from Lyricist Lounge and 'Om Ni American' from Amethyst RockStar. Both tracks to me were and still are fascinating to me. They always came through to me as poetry, and I was lucky enough back then to see him perform his work before the musical aspect became a force.
Saul Williams 'Ohm'
Fortunately, his work is well beyond two great pieces. Amethyst Rockstar is an incredible work, which makes me think every time I listen to it. Likewise, She is a great collection of work in written form. Many of his early items, between the film Slam, his writings and his music share lyrics and prose between them.
'Coded Language' By Saul Williams on Def Poetry Jam(skips a little)
'Penny For A Thought'
'Amethyst Rock Star' as featured in the movie - Slam
After the success of Amethyst Rockstar Saul was able to continue to branch out. He was featured on the Blackalicious 2002 track 'Release Pts. 1, 2, &3' from Blazing Arrow. He made time for an EP Not In Our Name.
'The Pledge of Resistance' from Not In Our Name by Saul Williams
In 2004, Saul put out his 2nd Album, the eponymous - Saul Williams. This work was a large departure from the first. The early influence of his adapted open mic style of rap was gone, replaced with full, new, and original pieces.
Black Stacy from Saul Williams by Saul Williams
'List of Demands (Reparation)' by Saul Williams from Saul Williams
His success gave him great freedom and the ability to collaborate with who he chose. He ended up touring and collaborating with an unexpected partner with Trent Reznor. The relationship started with the Nine Inch Nails 2007 album Year Zero - where he provided backing vocals on two tracks and did some touring with them. This lead to work on Saul Williams' Third Album The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
U2 Cover, 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday' by Saul Williams on The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
Currently he's preparing to release his forthcoming album Volcanic Sunlight.
For more info check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_williams
or http://www.saulwilliams.com/
Enjoy!
If I had to simplify my discussion of Saul Williams, I would recommend two tracks: 'Ohm' from Lyricist Lounge and 'Om Ni American' from Amethyst RockStar. Both tracks to me were and still are fascinating to me. They always came through to me as poetry, and I was lucky enough back then to see him perform his work before the musical aspect became a force.
Saul Williams 'Ohm'
Fortunately, his work is well beyond two great pieces. Amethyst Rockstar is an incredible work, which makes me think every time I listen to it. Likewise, She is a great collection of work in written form. Many of his early items, between the film Slam, his writings and his music share lyrics and prose between them.
'Coded Language' By Saul Williams on Def Poetry Jam(skips a little)
'Penny For A Thought'
'Amethyst Rock Star' as featured in the movie - Slam
After the success of Amethyst Rockstar Saul was able to continue to branch out. He was featured on the Blackalicious 2002 track 'Release Pts. 1, 2, &3' from Blazing Arrow. He made time for an EP Not In Our Name.
'The Pledge of Resistance' from Not In Our Name by Saul Williams
In 2004, Saul put out his 2nd Album, the eponymous - Saul Williams. This work was a large departure from the first. The early influence of his adapted open mic style of rap was gone, replaced with full, new, and original pieces.
Black Stacy from Saul Williams by Saul Williams
'List of Demands (Reparation)' by Saul Williams from Saul Williams
His success gave him great freedom and the ability to collaborate with who he chose. He ended up touring and collaborating with an unexpected partner with Trent Reznor. The relationship started with the Nine Inch Nails 2007 album Year Zero - where he provided backing vocals on two tracks and did some touring with them. This lead to work on Saul Williams' Third Album The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
U2 Cover, 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday' by Saul Williams on The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!
Currently he's preparing to release his forthcoming album Volcanic Sunlight.
For more info check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_williams
or http://www.saulwilliams.com/
Enjoy!
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