We needed a name that would indicate the level of artist and why they were chosen to be the trail blazers of this project.

Yes, we play live and LOVE doing it!

Any special moments?
With 10 artists who have been doing this for years, I know they have many special moments. As a collective, I feel our most special moments were when Infinite Life, Quiet Rage, and Just Greg performed "Never Forget" at the Jacob Javits Center in NY and received two standing ovations. Then, that performance booked us an opening gig for Fat Joe at the Leow's Paradise Theatre in Bronx, NY!

Increases accessibility, makes music more affordable, and increases artists' exposure. Allows artist more control over music. The downside is, music can be copied easier resulting in loss of revenues to artists.

The artists on the project: Tommy Bottoms, Queen [Kween Shantey], Shyster aka Mrs. Betty's Son, Infinite Life, Just Greg, Brothas Keepa, Quiet Rage, Lyrispect, RhapsodE, and Amun Miraaj -- each have different view points. Some would and some wouldn't.

With spoken word and these artists, any deal on the table will always have to keep the word central and they will not spit degrading lyrics.

They carried the living history of an entire people from generation to generation..."

The Master Griot Artists have traveled and performed nationally and internationally. The multi talents of these artists lends them to be masters of the written as well as the spoken word. The combined gifts and talents of this master collective provides an experience that stimulates all senses as well as a multi-service delivery system. The individual areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, music production, vocalists, anthropology, holistic health/healing arts, visual art, master jewelers, jingles, and marketing. Each artists is also receiving trained in theatre and film. Their work covers topics from the metaphysical to life in the hood, all words purposed to inspire, empower, build effective thinking frames, and encourage growth and change.

In partnership with TaylorAdams Marketing The Master Griot Project[tm] provides marketing support and services, giving new life to the spoken and written words of the MGP artists. From idea generation to strategic communications, marketing strategies, and ad campaigns, MGP will help ensure a lasting impact of your brand and message.

Each artist, committed to a better world, is actively involved in community outreach. Their activism, education, oratorical skills and perpetual state of learning allows each of the Master Griot Project artists to be excellent public speakers. Individually or collectively The Master Griot Project Artists are available for seminars, workshops, conferences, and cause-driven movements. Artists are also available for concert and theatrical performances.

The MGP artists are featured in a host of products, including:
• PURPOSE DRIVEN WORDS[tm]: The Compilation, - MGP Vol. 1 (Release Date Jan 1, 2008)
• W.E.T. (Wonderfully Erotic Truths)[tm], compilation to be released Feb. 2008
• PURPOSE DRIVEN WORDS: The Conference - Available for booking...this conference, designed to be held on college campuses, focuses on functional community building and specifically addresses the three elements of a functional community: sense of connectedness reciprocal responsibility, independent economic structure, political body that advocates on behalf of the community. Goal: to identify and empower community leaders and activism among community members of all ages.
• NEVER FORGET, CHANGE GONNA COME, BORN EMINENT, SICK AS YOUR SECRETS - 8-15 min bold spoken theatre performances directed by MGP Creative Director, Zuhairah - standing ovations every time!
• OPEN SCARS: A one-women stage play written by and starring MGP artist QUEEN: Through seven characters, Queen takes you on an excursion through the female criminal mind using humor, sensuality, and current events to understand each character’s liberating moment.

Musical influences range come from every genre from rock to hip hop, classical to soul. All forms of music are inspiration and all life experiences are mental stimulation bringing forth the prophetic verbal and written manifestations of these vessels.

As Blacks in America, common influences are Gil Scott Heron, Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Maya Angelou, The Last Poets, Angela Davis, Black Panther Party, Huey Newton, Parliament Funkadelics...

ATL, PHL, NY, LA - The Black Lily

Mikes: w/stand, body mikes, Lavalier mikes

It's time to take spoken word/performance poetry serious as a contender in the entertainment industry.

MGP is looking for sponsors and investors to help prove the industry's viability and sustainability. The project will develop over ten profit-making products, outside the first line of defense -- the artist, to market the artists and poetry.