1277: Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank by Ashanti Anderson

Summary

Summary of Episode 1277: "Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank" by Ashanti Anderson

Podcast: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host: Major Jackson
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1277 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the intricate relationship between contemporary music and poetry. This episode features Ashanti Anderson's poignant poem, "Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank," accompanied by Jackson's insightful reflections.

Virtual Poetry Event: Invisible Strings

Major Jackson begins by recounting his participation in a virtual poetry event titled Invisible Strings. This anthology brought together 113 poets who responded to the songs of Taylor Swift, curated by Christy Dougherty, a dedicated Swiftie. The event attracted around 250 attendees and spanned two and a half hours. Jackson reflects on the communal experience, noting:

"Invisible Strings follows a trend all shook up. Collected Poems About Elvis, Let me say this, a Dolly Parton poetry anthology, and more."
(02:10)

He highlights the significance of such anthologies in making poetry more accessible and relatable, especially to younger audiences influenced by pop culture icons like Taylor Swift.

The Power of Music-Inspired Poetry

Jackson emphasizes how anthologies inspired by musicians serve as gateways to poetry for new generations. Citing examples like Sarah Blake's Mr. West and Michael Harper's Dear John, Dear Coltrane, he underscores the democratizing effect of intertwining music and poetry:

"If anyone can get a new generation to read poetry, it is Taylor Swift."
(04:15)

He draws parallels between the widespread appeal of Taylor Swift and the similar potential of musicians to draw attention to poetic works, thereby reducing the perception of poetry as "pompous" or "pretentious."

Introducing Ashanti Anderson's Poem

Transitioning to the featured poem, Jackson introduces Ashanti Anderson's "Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank." He frames the piece within the current trend of self-portraiture in poetry and its reflection of cultural dialogues, particularly the intersection of hip-hop and poetic expression.

"Reading it as the rap battle of the summer, arguably of the century, played out between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, I understood again the relationship between hip hop and poetry."
(05:30)

Poem: "Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank" by Ashanti Anderson

Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank explores themes of divinity, isolation, and the human condition through vivid imagery and metaphorical language. Anderson juxtaposes divine contemplation with the mundanity of everyday life, reflecting on pain, trauma, and resilience.

"This what God feels like laughing alone in an empty room of tiny doors, behind every door a metal box, inside each a man's red heart lying."
(04:50)

"Sometimes I nervous chuckle, knowing trauma pays. But the only time I really laugh is when I'm laughing to the bank like Aha."
(05:55)

The poem navigates the complexities of finding humor in suffering and the transactional nature of coping mechanisms, presenting a raw and honest portrayal of internal struggles.

Reflection and Conclusion

Major Jackson concludes by reiterating the powerful role of poetry in mirroring and shaping societal narratives. He appreciates Anderson's ability to blend contemporary cultural references with timeless poetic techniques, making the poem resonate deeply with listeners.

"We are reminded of poetry's folk origins as an art for the masses."
(05:05)

Jackson encourages listeners to engage with such works, highlighting their significance in both personal and collective introspection.

Notable Quotes

• On the Accessibility of Poetry:

  "Poems in the Swift anthology also help to divine her place among the constellation of iconic singers and musicians. This is their power."
  (03:50)

• On the Relationship Between Hip-Hop and Poetry:

  "Wit and insinuation are vital elements of our culture."
  (05:25)

Final Thoughts

Episode 1277 of The Slowdown masterfully intertwines the worlds of poetry and popular music, showcasing how contemporary influences can breathe new life into poetic expression. Ashanti Anderson's "Self-Portrait as Kendrick Lamar, Laughing to the Bank" serves as a testament to the enduring and evolving nature of poetry as a means of reflection and connection.

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes and immerse themselves in daily doses of poetic contemplation by visiting slowdownshow.org and following the podcast on Instagram @downdownshow.

Transcript

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I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown. Recently I was part of a virtual event with over 50 poets, all contributors to the anthology Invisible Strings. 113 poets respond to the songs of Taylor Swift. The book's concept was hatched by Swiftie Christy Dougherty in celebration of Taylor's album the Tortured Poets Department. The audience peaked close to 250 people and lasted two and a half hours. I envisioned us together and Prairie Lights Books in Iowa, New York's Tishman Auditorium or Seattle Arts and Lectures, all small venues compared to the arenas Taylor Swift has been selling out across the globe. Once I read my piece, I watched from my kitchen and ate chili. Contributing poets read in the order of their place in the table of contents. A number of folks claimed not to have been Swifties, but the invitation to submit was too enticing. Many of our family members are they would not have forgiven us if we turned down the offer. Swifties are apparently detectives, and apparently there are millions, so we were encouraged to embed clues to the songs to which we responded. Invisible Strings follows a trend all shook up. Collected Poems About Elvis, Let me say this, a Dolly Parton poetry anthology, and more. Then, of course, there are all the single authored collections inspired by musicians, from Sarah Blake's Mr. West to Michael Harper's Dear John, Dear Coltrane. I celebrate these collections for the simple fact that they potentially serve as a gateway to poetry. If anyone can get a new generation to read poetry, it is Taylor Swift. Much like the many who suddenly begin watching American football because of Taylor Swift, these anthologies make poetry less pompous, less pretentious, less formal in subject matter. We are reminded of poetry's folk origins as an art for the masses. The poems in the Swift anthology also help to divine her place among the constellation of iconic singers and musicians. This is their power. Today's poem follows another trend in poetry, the popularity of the Self portrait. Reading it as the rap battle of the summer, arguably of the century, played out between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, I understood again the relationship between hip hop and poetry. Wit and insinuation are vital elements of our culture. Self Portrait as Kendrick Lamar Laughing to the bank by Ashanti Anderson this what God feels like laughing alone in an empty room of tiny doors, behind every door a metal box, inside each a man's red heart lying. I don't write of the cartoonish things split and jagged at its insides, instead of how I break even across the same back, spindled by hate. I tell God I understand and what I mean is I've noticed good people must die to let there be light. In my house we share a likeness, God and I, both laughing like something green folded in our throats, laughing. Meanwhile somebody's auntie asks for anything helps laughing when people say they don't want to read about the bad stuff. Crying, laughing as we pass our pain off as an offering plate. Sometimes I nervous chuckle, knowing trauma pays. But the only time I really laugh is when I'm laughing to the bank like Aha. The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. This project is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. On the [e-mail] to get a poem delivered to you daily, go to slowdownshow.org and sign up for our newsletter and find us on Instagram @downdownshow.

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