Today we’d like to introduce you to .
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a poet. However, I use my poetry in the multiple and varied Waze. Started when I was in college when I found it and created the first historically black college poetry slam team at Prairie View A&M that went to a national competition, CUPSI. After I graduated, I started working for House of Blues while on the side, I was working as a coach for this new organization newly named Meta-Four Houston, founded by Shannon Buggs. I really didn’t know that Poetry was what I wanted to pursue as a career, but it was a rabbit hole that I kept willingly falling into. Simultaneously, I was traveling and performing at colleges around the country constantly getting booked as a spoken-word artist. In 2013, Meta-Four Houston got picked up by Writers in the Schools. Where I currently work now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s still not a smooth road. I’m constantly thinking of new ways to collaborate with artists and mediums. There’s not a “market” per say for performance poetry… so I create it.
By building a festival (Plus Fest), by working with larger institutions (Houston Ballet/Houston Grand Opera), by teaching and coaching (Writers in the Schools), and by applying to/writing grants and working with a city (Resident Artists Program/NEA/Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs). The struggle is that there are many paths and I have to constantly choose which one(s) will be my road(s).
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Outspoken Bean – what should we know?
As the modern hip-hop philosopher Jay-Z said, “I’m not a businessman, I’m a Business, man”. With all my talents I use them for profits. I do have a business called, Neo-Classic Experiences where my festival Plus Fest falls under. But, for the most part, as Outspoken Bean, I am a producer of experiences. From when I’m commissioned to write and perform poetry, curated events, organize poetry slam slams, dinner parties, writing Five Min Poems, touring, whathaveyou! I take pride in my craft and have invested years into it. I produce a high caliber of experience that you will not forget.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people to name. I think I’m just going to do a list.
My mama is my biggest cheerleader, hands down. She’s a G! She’s always looking out for me even when I don’t want to hear it.
Shannon Buggs and Sixto Wagon both were instrumental in my life when it came to organizing and planning this new idea that would be later become, Meta-Four Huston. They both held me to standard through their mentorship.
Lilian Pope, in my college years, was also a cheerleader and she made sure that I made sure that all my ducks were in a row.
My late eldest brother, Rogers Lee Bean Jr. aka Doo-Benefit. Two years before his passing, he was my unofficial but super official poet mentor. My stage name is named after him. He was the reason why I started doing poetry slam at the college level. Which is why I’m still doing digging through this rabbit now.
Contact Info:
- Website: Outspokenbean.com
- Email: outspokenbean210@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Pluto Lenz, Bri Dezel Photography
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