Talent is always present at Black on Black Rhyme. The poetry event, located at Nefertari’s Fine Cuisine in Tallahassee, Fla., brings musicians, poets and other artists together to enjoy the power of words.
Keith Rodgers founded Black on Black Rhyme in his living room in 1998. Since then, it has expanded to multiple cities such as Palm Bay, Fla., Atlanta, Ga., and even Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Rodgers explained his drive for poetry. He believes poetry embodies his life and has permanently become a part of him.
“It’s not even motivation, it’s what I do,” Rodgers said. “Whether I’m on stage or off stage, I’m still the same person.”
Black on Black Rhyme evokes a message to educate and enlighten the community through the use of poetry. The message has resonated well with others.
Luther S. Thurston II is touched by the lyrical verses.
“Definitely, I’ve personally felt it…It’s been very impactful to the community,” said Thurston, a Tallahassee native and in-house emcee for Black on Black Rhyme.
The Black on Black Rhyme event also hosts talent from outside the local area.
Jonathan Samuel Eddie, a spoken word artist from Columbus, Ga., said he comes to the event and likes to perform whenever he is in town. He stresses the importance of poetry or any art form being personal.
“It should be unapologetic…it should convey who you are. Only you can tell your story,” Eddie said.
Eddie feels that the fine arts community is a family that can unite you no matter where you’re from. He believes that Rodgers is continuing to maintain that unity.
“He’s a really great guy. He’s doing a lot of wonderful things in the community,” Eddie said.
Black on Black Rhyme is available every Tuesday night from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.