Slam Poetry

Slam poetry is a genre that fuses spoken word performance with musical elements, characterized by its emphasis on rhythm, cadence, and lyrical dexterity. Emerging in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in the US and UK, slam poetry drew from jazz, hip-hop, and punk traditions, often incorporating percussive beats, basslines, and sampled instrumentation. At its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, the genre became a powerful platform for social commentary, critique, and personal narrative, with poets using their words to address issues of racism, identity, and politics. Slam poetry's cultural significance lies in its democratization of poetry, making it more accessible and performative, while also influencing hip-hop, rap, and contemporary spoken word. Notable for its fusion of literary and musical elements, slam poetry is distinct from other spoken word styles due to its emphasis on competitive performance, audience engagement, and the use of musical accompaniment to enhance the emotional impact of the words.

Top Sub-Genres
Spoken Word
Latest Slam Poetry Release
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No Question
Single - Released June 20, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Gil Scott-Heron
Watsky
J. Ivy
Kae Tempest
Saul Williams
Suli Breaks
Top Playlists
The Sound of Spoken Word 3 Slam Poetry artists
The Sound of Nashville Hip Hop 1 Slam Poetry artist
The Needle / Philippines - Underground 1 Slam Poetry artist
The Halluci Nation Top Radio 1 Slam Poetry artist
The Needle / Botswana - Emerging 1 Slam Poetry artist
PTR Awesome 1 Slam Poetry artist

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  1. June 20, 2025
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