Khoree the Poet

by The Minister of Information JR

I’ve seen Khoree the Poet perform at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland, at the Historic Bal Theater in San Leandro and in venues around the Bay with D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony, Toni, Tone!

The Bay has launched the careers of great poets such as Jessica Holter of The Punany Poets, known for her appearance on HBO’s “Real Sex”; Prentice Powell, who was a guest on television show “Verses and Flow” and “The Arsenio Hall Show”; and Muslim poet Amir Sulaiman, who performed twice on “Def Poetry Jam.”

Khoree-the-Poet-300x300, Khoree the Poet, Culture Currents
Khoree the Poet

Khoree the Poet is next in line to bust out of the Bay onto the national and world scene. Come hear him and meet him when he appears in Sacramento on Nov. 12 at 1207 Front St. And check him out in this exclusive Q&A for the Bay View.

M.O.I. JR: When did you realize that you really liked poetry and that you wanted to make it more than a hobby?

Khoree the Poet: I realized that I really like poetry at the age of 17. I started writing after a heartache. I realized that I wanted to make this more than a hobby in 2012 when my lady saw it as more than regular poetry. She encouraged, pushed and made me see it also.

M.O.I. JR: When was your first big break?

Khoree the Poet: I still have not had a “big break” but I have had some great breaks, like being the only poet to sell out the 750-seat Historic Bal Theater as a solo artist or being the only poet to perform at The Stone Soul Concert along with the O’Jays. Gladys Knight was the headliner and I opened up for 13,000 fans. But that’s not my big break yet. I still have so much to do and a world to entertain.

M.O.I. JR: Can you talk about your time with The Punany Poets?

Khoree the Poet: I actually was never a part of The Punany Poets. I was a friend of Jessica’s and a poet – basically, an independent contractor. I did a few shows with them. I always wore my suit and tie as I performed.

M.O.I. JR: How would you describe your poetry?

Khoree the Poet: I would describe my poetry as a “must see” – meaning that one has to see it in person to describe it. It’s like listening to a great song and storyteller at the same time.

M.O.I. JR: Where would you like to be as a poet in five years?

Khoree the Poet: In five years I would love to be a household name.

M.O.I. JR: What can the people expect from you when you perform?

Khoree the Poet: People can expect excitement and refreshing exhaustion from a poetic concert when I perform. My show is where poetry, song and music mingle. It’s not the normal poetry show.

M.O.I. JR: How can people stay in touch with you?

Khoree the Poet: People can follow me at Khoree the Poet on all social media. My email is info@Khoreethepoet.com. My booking info is all of the above and my phone number is 732-654-6733.

The People’s Minister of Information JR Valrey is associate editor of the Bay View, author of “Block Reportin’” and “Unfinished Business: Block Reportin’ 2” and filmmaker of “Operation Small Axe” and “Block Reportin’ 101,” available, along with many more interviews, at www.blockreportradio.com. He can be reached at blockreportradio@gmail.com.