Raza Spoken Here is the
first in a series of compilation Spoken Word CD's, to be produced
by Calaca Press, of various Chicano poets. Volume 1 features
poets from San Diego, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay
area.
"Raza Spoken Here"
is a fiery, thick compilation, utilizing the best of the Spanish
and English spoken words. When I listened to "Raza Spoken
Here," the only things I could hear inside my head were
random thoughts. These poems stirred up my head and took me beyond
my current perceptions of what it means to be poor, what it means
to be just a stereotype, what it means not to feel at home in
a country you call your own. So here are some thoughts that "Raza"
inspired...seductive repetition..."somos"...graphic,
melodic, angry, powerful...verbal watercolor of sarcasm..."I
do not blend in with my environment. I am my environment."
More anger, outrage at stereotypical depictions, but acceptance
of self with no need or want of apology, absolution, or shame...historical
perspective of racism against Latino immigrants...enlightening,
captivating, grounded in historical fact and present-day outrage...preacher-esque...shotgun
words...pow, pow, POW...an MC with no beats, but much rhythm...multiply
one voice by itself...double equals depth, power, dimension...simple,
symbol-free, lucid...rising, falling emotion, cresting the waves
of cynicism...enjoy listening to the waves of his voice so much,
I barely get the point of what he's saying...how he says it is
true entertainment...poetic circus....background voices, tower
bells chiming, back beats...different voices with in one person...atmospheric
noise is so thick, it breaks apart...drowning out the poet...this
is the way it is, isn't it?
