Dear Black Athlete Promo ft. J. Ivy

The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture, will present Dear Black Athlete, a collection of conversations with African American athletes, and civic and community leaders, on Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The one-hour program, hosted by SportsCenter anchor Cari Champion, was taped in front of a live audience at the historic Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. – the birthplace of the civil rights movement.

The speakers:

• Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher
• Anquan Boldin, retired NFL wide receiver
• James Harris, first African American to start at quarterback in the NFL (Buffalo, 1971)
• Jemele Hill, ESPN/The Undefeated writer/columnist
• Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA No. 1 Draft Pick in 2014
• Jason Reid, The Undefeated senior NFL writer
• A. C. Roper, current Birmingham, Ala., police chief
• Benjamin Watson, Baltimore Ravens tight end
• David Williams, Athletic Director, Vanderbilt University

The telecast will feature four primary segments – all focusing on the athletes and community leaders discussing the leadership role athletes play in the society, social justice and more.

Happy Anniversary College Dropout

#HappyAnniversary to #KanyeWest’s #CollegeDropout #album!! So PROUD to be a part of this #CLASSIC work of art that filled a huge void in music, #HipHop, and culture. It was a true honor to share my gift with these amazing talents...Ye, #JayZ, John Legend, Tarrey Torae, and Tracie Spencer!! Cheers to another year of inspiration. Much Love! #poet #poetry #history #tripleplatinum #8millioncopiesworldwide #grammy #bestrapalbum #2004 2.10.04 #BlackHistoryMonth #everydayisblackhistory

Super Bowl Sunday x AARP x J. Ivy

Super Bowl Sunday is hands down the biggest night in TV. After the big game, during the hit series "This Is Us," AARP premiered the first of two national ads starring J. Ivy. With J's unique's style of performance poetry he delivers a message showing that the Rules of Aging are Changing.

BIGYUKI - ECLIPSE ft. Chris Turner (Lyrics by J. Ivy)

SUPER proud to be a part of this BEAUTIFUL music! This is a joint I wrote for BIGYUKI's new project, "Reaching For Chiron," which features the amazing, soulful vocals of Chris Turner, and the musical genius of Taylor McFerrin and Louis Cato. It premiered earlier today on okayplayer.com (click link for full article). Check it out, pass it to your people, and by all means, SPREAD YOUR LOVE!!

What's Good

I'm excited to be narrating this amazing new PBS Kids STEM, Art and Culture Series, WHAT'S GOOD, which breaks down the science of some of our everyday passions, interest, and innovations. Check out the first episode on DANCE below. And be sure to share with your friends and family!

THE TEN

Knowing how my fellow #Chicagoans impact the WORLD, this is TRULY an honor! MUCH Love Sophisticated Living Chicago & Bridget Daley for having me be a part of this issue’s #TheTEN. THE TEN is made up of some of #Chicago’s Finest trailblazers, trendsetters & tastemakers that you should know. Check out the entire cast at slmag.net. LOVE the shots Anthony Tahlier! S/O to Mike Zhou of the Zhou B Art Center!

Book J. Ivy for Your Next Event

This year is going to be special for us all. Let’s make it special together! Get out your calendars and book J. Ivy for your next event. Available for universities, schools, graduations, theaters, clubs, private events, studio work, film, commercial work, voice-overs, workshops, author talks, conferences. #poet #performancepoet #actor #recordingartist #songwriter #author #motivationalspeaker #music #film #television #voiceovers #writing Music by: Decap & Brady

Everything ft. Chris Rob

This is the time that we reflect and remember that “Everything Is Going To Be Alright!” @j_ivy ft. @chrisrobonline. Co-written by @tarreytorae. Directed by Michael Shawn Cordero. Filmed at Joe's Pub in New York City. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to You & Yours!!

I Do Not Camouflage

New installment for the good people at www.idontcamouflage.com. Watch and share the good word of the day! Much Love!

Consideration for the 60th GRAMMY® Awards

Very excited to see my work considered for the 60th GRAMMY® Awards. Both the "Dear Father Audio Book" & "My Daddy's Records" are up for consideration in the BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM category. "Finding My Music" by Peter Vogelaar & DJ Madrid ft. J. Ivy is up for consideration in the BEST DANCE RECORDING category. And "Destination Hope" by Maurice Brown ft. Chris Turner & J. Ivy is up for consideration in the BEST R&B RECORDING category!! Exciting times. Send up the prayers and thank you for all the LOVE & SUPPORT!! More heat on the way!!

Closer To God

What's up Good People! I hope all is well with you and yours. It's been a beautiful whirlwind, a lot of travel for me, and a lot of new creations. Can't wait to share with you my trip to Africa and so much more. For now check out my latest collab with the homie Young RJ of the infamous Slum Village. Click here for the link. Much Love!

Dear Father Audio Book

NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com and Amazon. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE.

Hip-hop's favorite poet and award-winning artist J. Ivy bares his soul in this inspirational memoir of pain transformed into healing and empowerment.

J. Ivy is a true pioneer and trendsetter who's bridged the worlds of hip-hop and poetry through his appearances on HBO's Def Poetry and his collaborations with Kanye West and Jay-Z. But throughout his success, he carried with him the pain of being abandoned by his father and growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago's South Side.

So he sat down with pen and paper and processed his pain the only way he knew how - through poetry. The resulting poem, Dear Father, became his vehicle of forgiveness and healing. It is a pivotal poem that has touched and inspired the lives of millions.

Fused with his signature raw lyricism and street consciousness, J. Ivy's memoir shows what it takes to deal with your emotions before your emotions deal with you. His story is personal yet universal, and will inspire others to channel whatever pain they have experienced into their own powerful gift of expression.

Finding My Music

Here's some of my NEW NEW #MUSIC w/ the genius sounds of Peter Vogelaar & DJ Madrid!! CLICK HERE for the link of #FindingMyMusic. Pass the good word and use everyday to

FIND YOUR MUSIC!!

#newmusic #newmusicfriday#spokenword #electronica #folktronica #chillwave #hiphop #producer #cubase #ableton #downtempo Cover art 'Ballet Dancer' (Acrylic) 2017 by Chadwick the Maker. #albumcover #acrylicpainting #chicago #ireland #nashville

J. Ivy on Sway in the Morning

This past Friday was one to remember. What better way to start it than by rocking with one of your favorite people and powerhouses in the game...Sway, thanks for the LOVE my Brother!!

Author's Brunch w/ J. Ivy

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with D.A. Rhodes at her annual Author's Brunch to discuss my book, "Dear Father" and my new album, "My Daddy's Records." Had a blast with the interview and the audience showed so much love!! Check it out here and be sure to pick up "Dear Father" and "My Daddy's Records" on the store page...PEACE!!

J. Ivy intro for NBA Draft

Back at it with the voice-overs... If you missed the #2017 #NBADraft on #ESPN, check out the opening video voiced by yours truly!! CONGRATS to the newest #NBA stars!!

J. Ivy on 106.3 FM Chicago

BIG S/O to DJ Sundance, Patricia Edwards, Debra "DA" Rhodes and everyone at 106.3 Chicago for having me out to talk about Dear Father, My Daddy's Records, and this Sunday's Author Brunch. If you missed the interview, CHECK IT OUT HERE... Much Love!!

WINGS

So I've been feeling some amazing energy, angelic almost, and I was getting ready to post one of my favorite pieces, "Wings," when I came across Coodie Simmons #SundayBlessing: "The Man who has no imagination has no wings. -Muhammad Ali" So that energy I was feeling wasn't just my imagination. We have to pay attention to the signs. In spite of all the harm we see happening in the world we have to remember this is a spiritual journey. So in spirit of the blessings, the lessons, the ancestors, Muhammad Ali, my brother Coodie Rock, and vibing out to My Daddy's Records, here's "Wings" directed by my brother #Camovement... Much Love! #Chicago #MyDaddysRecords #DusableMuseum #SouthSide#WashingtonPark #HydePark #TarreyTorae #Cheynice #Slang #JoeKollege#MarshallKnights #BrandonCollins #EdithYokely
#SongsFromtheBook #DearFather

GOD Bless You!

My Daddy's Records

#HappyFathersDay!! As we celebrate all the amazing #fathers in our lives it's my pleasure to share with you my latest #album "My Daddy's Records, the #soundtrack for my #book #DearFather!! This one holds a special place for me and it's an amazing feeling to share it with y'all! CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK to MY DADDY'S RECORDS!! Make sure y'all cop that, write a review, and by all means share it with your people. BIG S/O to everyone who lent their gift and helped me tell this story. LOVE YALL!! #JimRichards #TarreyTorae #JT #SkiBeatz #ChrisRob #MarshallKnights #Reality #KhariLemuel #Yaw #JohnHill #WinstonChang #GregMagers #GrahamBurris #RichSancho #ChrisVelona #CoodieAndChike #AhmandeGrimes #newmusic #album #poetry #music #poetrycommunity #J_Ivy #poet Cover Art Designed by: Ceadda

Every Day Is Mother's Day

HAPPY, HAPPY #MothersDay Weekend to all the mothers far and wide!! You are truly loved and appreciated!! Here is a song from my book/audiobook "Dear Father." It's called "Every Day Is Mother's Day" and features the amazing Khari Lemuel... I shot and directed this myself. Hope you enjoy it! Please #subscribe to my #YouTube page. Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend with your families. MUCH LOVE!!!