Dated Emcees, City Lights, Sister Spit: A Historical and Cultural Exploration of the Female-Led Spoken Word Movement

Dated Emcees (City Lights/Sister Spit)

by Stephen Crane

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	551 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	64 pages
Paperback	:	114 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.31 x 0.26 x 8.46 inches

FREE

Dated Emcees, a pioneering all-female hip-hop group.

The spoken word movement, characterized by its raw, unfiltered, and often politically charged performances, has played a transformative role in contemporary performing arts and literature. At the forefront of this movement have been women, who have used their voices to challenge societal norms, explore personal narratives, and create a space for marginalized voices to be heard.

This article delves into the history and cultural significance of the female-led spoken word movement, paying homage to three groundbreaking collectives: Dated Emcees, City Lights, and Sister Spit. These collectives have not only shaped the trajectory of spoken word but have also paved the way for a new generation of female artists.

Dated Emcees: Pioneering Female Hip-Hop

In the early 1990s, the all-female hip-hop group Dated Emcees emerged from the vibrant Brooklyn hip-hop scene. The group, composed of MCs Bahamadia, Cocoa Chanelle, and The Lady of Rage, challenged the male-dominated hip-hop landscape with their fearless lyrics and infectious beats.

Dated Emcees' music was not only groundbreaking in terms of its all-female lineup but also in its content. They rapped about issues that were often overlooked in mainstream hip-hop, such as women's empowerment, sexual abuse, and social justice.

The group's debut album, Colors, released in 1992, was a critical and commercial success. It featured the hit single "The Big Payback," which became an anthem for women in hip-hop and beyond.

City Lights: A Literary Haven for Spoken Word

While Dated Emcees was making waves in the music industry, City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco became a hub for the spoken word movement. Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights has been a haven for writers, poets, and performers.

In the 1970s, City Lights began hosting regular spoken word events, featuring a diverse range of poets, including Allen Ginsberg, Amiri Baraka, and June Jordan. These events provided a platform for women poets to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience.

In 1981, City Lights published Sister Spit: A Lesbian Anthology, a groundbreaking collection of poetry, prose, and essays by lesbian writers. The anthology, edited by Cheryl Clarke, featured the work of over 50 writers, including Audre Lorde, Adrienne Rich, and Jewelle Gomez.

Sister Spit: A Platform for Queer Voices

Sister Spit was more than just an anthology; it was a collective of lesbian poets and performers who organized readings and workshops throughout the United States. Founded in 1992 by Michelle Tea, Sini Anderson, and Juliana Luecking, Sister Spit created a space for queer voices to be heard.

Sister Spit's performances were known for their raw, personal, and often humorous approach. They explored themes of queer identity, love, loss, and social justice.

The collective published three anthologies, Sister Spit: A Lesbian Anthology, Sister Spit II: The Man-Catching Anthology, and Sister Spit III: The Literary Cabaret Anthology. These anthologies showcased the diversity and vitality of lesbian literature.

Legacy and Impact

Dated Emcees, City Lights, and Sister Spit have left an undeniable mark on the female-led spoken word movement and contemporary literature as a whole. Their pioneering work has inspired a new generation of artists who are using spoken word as a tool for self-expression, social commentary, and political activism.

The collectives' emphasis on inclusivity and diversity has created a space for marginalized voices to be heard. Their work has contributed to a more nuanced and representative understanding of the human experience.

The female-led spoken word movement is a testament to the power of women's voices. Dated Emcees, City Lights, and Sister Spit have played a crucial role in shaping this movement and creating a space for women to express themselves freely and creatively.

The legacy of these collectives continues to inspire artists today, who are using spoken word to challenge societal norms, raise awareness about important issues, and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

Bibliography

• Clarke, Cheryl. Sister Spit: A Lesbian Anthology. City Lights Books, 1981.
• Murphy, Mecca. Dated Emcees: How Three Women Revolutionized Hip-Hop. Nodin Press, 2021.
• Tea, Michelle. Sister Spit: The Man-Catching Anthology. Sister Spit, 1994.

Dated Emcees (City Lights/Sister Spit)

by Stephen Crane

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	551 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	64 pages
Paperback	:	114 pages
Item Weight	:	2.08 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.31 x 0.26 x 8.46 inches

FREE