Words of Wisdom Welcomes Nationally Acclaimed Spoken Word Guru, ABYSS

“ W.O.W., the Triad’s hottest open mic series scores again with the March 15, 2010 arrival of HBO Def Poetry Jam and national slam circuit veteran, ABYSS. $5. 8pm Night Life Comedy Club and Lounge, 5504 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham NC 27707 ”

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(eMusicWire.Org) – W.O.W., the Triad’s hottest open mic series scores again with the March 15, 2010 arrival of HBO Def Poetry Jam and national slam circuit veteran, ABYSS.



Durham, NC – March 1, 2010 - The Monday-night Durham/Chapel Hill-based Words of Wisdom open mic series (appropriately referred to by its regulars simply as ‘WOW’) is once again earning its reputation as the point of convergence for some of the nation’s most respected names in spoken word, music and artistic expression.


This month’s featured artist is no exception. Critically acclaimed spoken word poet ABYSS (A Bright Young Soul Searching) has used his mastery of verse and strong community presence to deliver a hard-hitting dose of not-so conventional wisdom to audiences nationwide. A two-season veteran of the wildly popular HBO series, Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry Jam¸ ABYSS draws upon his life experiences as a father, mentor, community activist and child of the struggle to paint stories that can only be described as the ‘Acid Gospel…Truth that Burns’.



ABYSS’s curriculum vitae reads almost as tight as his flows, with accomplishments ranging from coveted Peabody Award for his appearance on HBO Def Poetry the “original series” season 1. He also holds the distinction of being the first poet to be featured on BET network’s long-running series 106 & Park. Currently ABYSS has been cast for a recurring role on Somebodies; the first scripted sitcom in BET’s history. He’s made other appearances on BET J’s Lyric Café, the 12th Annual Gospel Choice Awards, and numerous NACA/APCA college events. Never a man to be confined to one medium of expression, ABYSS has also co-written a song with Prince’s longtime bass player, Ms. Rhon- da Smith. Both his creativity and his drive, it seems, are never-ending.


But perhaps the most impressive aspect of ABYSS’ art is that it follows him off the stage -- the socially-aware, thought-provoking ideals he blends into his verse translate directly to his commitment to activism in the community at large. He spends countless hours of community service inside jails, schools, churches and community centers – even serving a 7-year seat on the board of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. He offers his time his talents and, according to his biography, “even his tenth” toward social improvement in word and deed.


“Keep it Spoken”


ABYSS is just one of countless talents to WOW audiences at the weekly Words of Wisdom showcase. The WOW stage has become a second home and must-attend venue for a broad list of national touring artists, including Taalam Acey, Hello Beautiful® founder, Tasha Jones and 2010 National Duo Slam winners, Sacrificial Poets.


Founded in 2008 by poet and professor, Wizdom Powell, the reigns have since been passed down to fellow poet and event host, Church da’ Poet. Well known in their own right for their boundless energy and skills on the mic, Church and the Words of Wisdom family “go all-in” to ensure that there’s no such thing as a dull Monday night in the Triad.