Lexus Verses and Flow

This past weekend marked the start of Lexus Verses and Flow’s second half. With music by powerhouse vocalists and award-winning artists Leela James and Anthony Hamilton, plus the nuanced newcomer Sebastian Mikael, and spoken word from Tonya Ingram, Michael “Chief” Peterson and Deonte Scott, it’s safe to say that the show’s stretch run got off to a great start.

Peterson was up first with the piece “Nahla,” about a student he described as one of the strongest people he’s ever met. “Our 9/11 is her 24/7,” he said of the Muslim youngster from Palestine trying to make her way in America. “She was four when that happened,” he continued, “and has now grown into a lady with long black hair… or is it short and brown?” Peterson praised her perseverance and integrity, calling Nahla a poet with a voice that just wants to be heard.

Ingram, straight out of Los Angeles by way of Cincinnati and New York City, performed the piece “Unsolicited Advice,” which intentionally played as a list of sage advice to oneself. One such nugget of wisdom: “When you learn to do the Dougie and it’s 2011, show it off to everyone you know. When you learn to do the original Harlem Shake and it’s 2011, keep it to yourself.” Her words then took root and went deep: “When the older woman with silver hair and loose teeth calls you the N word, give her the finger. Give her Jay Z’s The Blueprint. Give her The Word of God… When your mother’s ex-boyfriend puts his hands on your mother, grab the phone. Grab a knife. Grab your voice. This is Armageddon. This is taking back what the devil has stolen. Do not fear. Do not cower. Do not question.”

Chicago native Scott’s story is inspiring, being one of a handful of poets who’d submitted auditions for each season of Verses and Flow. Finally making it to the main stage, Scott definitely took advantage of his moment by performing the poignant piece “Run.” “I was put here to help the kid who is repeatedly being abused by his mother,” he proclaimed. “I was put here to show him that everything isn’t about black and white but he too can dream and live in color. I was put here to tell him to RUN, RUN SON… Run from the hands that try to abuse you. Run from the words and the people that try to misuse you.” He encouraged everyone listening to “run to those moments where you’re up at 3am and can’t sleep at night, because in those moments greatness is born and the price you pay ain’t deep…”

Sebastian Mikael, who was born in Sweden and attended the Berklee School of Music, took the stage and performed his hit “Forever and a Day.” James and Hamilton, whose collaboration on the song “Say I Do” has garnered major award buzz, closed the show with the duet, bringing the audience to its feet with their foot-stomping energy.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Are you ready to Run? What advice would you give yourself based on lessons learned? What young person in your life inspires you? Let us know on social media using the hashtag #VersesandFlow. And get ready, because this season’s stretch run will be a memorable one, for sure.