Chicago's own Grammy nominee Malik Yusef hopes to spread passion of spoken word

Malik Yusef, a Chicago native and renowned spoken word artist, received a Grammy nomination this year for his poetry album, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career. Though he didn’t win, Yusef, who boasts eight Grammy awards and 44 nominations, expressed his excitement about the nomination, calling it part of a dream far beyond his own aspirations.

Before the Grammy ceremony, Yusef visited Agriculture Custom Clothier in Chicago to select an outfit for the red carpet. He took a moment to explain his art form, emphasizing that spoken word is an ancient practice that serves as a musical and rhythmic form of storytelling meant for the ear. This unique style of poetry connects deeply with audiences and transcends traditional written forms.

Yusef’s journey began over 30 years ago at a poetry open mic night at the Green Mill Lounge, where he captivated the attention of fellow artists and media, setting off a chain reaction that would elevate his career. He has since collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Drake, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé, with the latter performing a song he co-wrote called "Sandcastles."

Despite his accolades, Yusef’s focus remains on the artistic journey rather than just awards. He mentioned that while another Grammy would be wonderful, his true passion lies in expanding the spoken word category and enriching people’s lives through his art. His devotion to the craft is evident as he encourages more people to discover and appreciate spoken word poetry.

As Yusef looks to the future, he hopes to broaden the appeal of spoken word to new audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and love for the art form that has shaped his life. His journey from the South Side of Chicago to Grammy nominee highlights the transformative power of art and the importance of sharing stories across generations.