Monday Oh So Dope Award, Nov. 28, 2011 (Yes, I'm Feeling Dope!!)

And here is yet another return to one of my favorite recurring themes in this blog:  the Monday Oh So Dope Award!!  Everyone know's that Monday is that day of the week somehow vilified by all.  Whether it's the start of the work week, the beginning of the school week, or that moment that reminds you the fun and games of the weekend are over, Monday seems to get a bad rep among the days (only Wednesday gets nearly as harsh treatment).

But everyday can't be Friday.  And every Monday isn't bad.  That's why I started this portion of the blog.  To remind us that there are always some cool and uplifting things going on.  Even on Mondays.

Today's award goes to leftover Thanksgiving dinner.

Sure, you said you were sick of them.  You've protested, having spent all weekend eating turkey sandwiches and gorging yourself with cakes and pies.  But come Monday, when the holiday vibes seem to finally be fading and the world is back to slowly getting on your nerves, you open the fridge and smile. One more night won't hurt you.  And it kind of makes this Monday seem even more worthwhile.

So go ahead, enjoy a dope helping of leftovers.  And remember to enjoy today!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Monday Oh So Dope Award, June 20, 2011 (Because Dopeness Always Comes Back)

So it's been a while since I've been in such a dope mood (and yes, for those of you who aren't aware, "dope" is still one of my favorite adjectives.  I'm an 80s baby...sue me!!)

Today's award goes, not to a person, but to something an important person instilled in me.  My mother, a minister, tried her best to make me a respectable, God-loving, decent young man, and I appreciate her for that.  Even in those moments when I "drop the ball", horribly, screaming holy fuck the entire time, I am aware that the principles she helped embed in me are still present.  And very powerful, indeed.

One of these principles is faith.

Say what you want to about faith, but understand that it is a powerful thing.  Even in its most rudimentary forms, it has kept my unwilling spirit moving forward, believing that something better was soon to come.  This is a feeling that can't be replaced.  You can't barter it out, auction it off, trade it in under the auspices of any religious title you want to give it.  This is about survival.  And while I am learning that I am far from religious, there is a spirituality in me that clings to faith and its beauty.

During all of my rough periods, faith made me believe I'd pull through.  Earlier today, I was blessed with a breakthrough that has been much needed and is gratefully appreciated.  Faith helped me never quit thinking that today would come.  And now, it has me believing that the best is still soon to come.

Faith, you are dope as fuck!!  (Probably not how my mother would put it, but I believe she'd see the good in my message.  Lol.)

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Monday Oh So Dope Award, Apr. 04,2011 (The Return of the Dopeness!!)

I haven't done the Monday Oh So Dope Award in quite some time, which is surprising to me.  I am constantly finding things that I think are clever, insightful, and just down right dope!!  (Yes, I was born in the '80s.  Dope will always mean "cool"!!)

It's National Poetry Month, and I found an amazing site (well, more like rediscovered), that has given me some amazing writing prompts to use.  Rachel McKibbens is one of my favorite spoken word artists, and by far the dopest mom I have come across in a long time.  Need some evidence of Rachel's dopeness?  Check this Def Poetry performance out (with then husband, George):




So freakin' dope!!

Just like her blog, which contains enough spectacular writing and poetry exercises to make budding writers foam at the mouth.  Rachel is a prime example of why we should toss the old adage "Those who can't, teach."  She is a masterful teacher, in an art form that she clearly commands.  Oh so dope, Ms. McKibbens, oh so dope, indeed!!

Marcus Jamison, the Rare Poet

Monday Oh So Dope Award, Dec. 6, 2010

Today's award goes to creativity.  And I'm sure you're thinking, how can creativity get an award?  Because without it, many things that happen in this world would never exist.  When people put forth their creative nature and present their ideas, it leads to dopeness like never before.  Coca-Cola....hip-hop....video games....spoken word....cookie dough ice cream....just a few of the examples of where someone's creativity greatly enriched my life.  Creativity, you are awesome....and of course, dope as hell.


Here is an example of my creativity...hope you enjoy.

I created this mix using a program called Mixcraft 5.  It is a mashup of some Drake songs.  He is a very creative individual and I consider myself a fan.  This mix uses songs from his album Thank Me Later, as well as a few others he released this year.



The Rare Poet Drake Mix


Feel free to comment on the mix.

the Rare Poet

Monday Oh So Dope Award (But Wait A Minute, It's Wednesday.....)

(First of all, a quick PSA:  Due to the technical difficulty of overeating leftovers during the Thanksgiving weekend, the award ceremony was pushed forward until Wednesday...we now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.)

Protecting dreams.



If you want something, go get it....period.  True, and oh so dope!!!

the Rare Poet

The Monday Oh So Dope Award Goes To.....

The flYness Effect



One of the coolest blogs I've seen in a while.  Check it out.


(Honorable mention goes to Blake Griffin..who is a beast in his rookie season in the NBA.  Check this out




Enjoy today.  Be dope!!  (Lol...you can tell I was an 80s baby, huh?)

the Rare Poet