Rating:
IMDb 8.3/10

 (224 Ratings)
Network: HBO
Genres: Documentary,
Musical
First Aired: December 1, 2001
Runtime: 30 minutes
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TV Shows Def Poetry

Def Poetry

Praised by the New York Times as an "exuberant, daringly fresh series that breaks poetry out of the neat little boxes it's so often put it," Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry features a spectrum of voices, from struggling urban poets who've cut their teeth in speakeasies and small clubs across the country, to the icons of the form, to celebrated actors, singers, dancers, and comedians writing and sharing poems for the first time. This season's special guests include Dave Chappelle, Common, Savion Glover, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keyes, Eve Ensler, John Legend, Phylicia Rashad, Smokey Robinson, Kanye West and many others. Each installment of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry is hosted by the highly regarded hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def (Golden Globe nominee for HBO Films' "Something the Lord Made"). The series is directed by Stan Lathan, who, along with Simmons, executive produced the long-running hit series Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, which was also directed by Lathan. Recognizing the power of urban poetry on modern culture, top rap music impresario Simmons, whose Def Jam Records launched the careers of artists such as LL Cool J and Jay-Z, teamed up with HBO to create Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry in 2001, turning the spotlight on the freshest and most fearless voices in America today. Previous seasons have featured performances by special guests ranging from Cedric the Entertainer and Caroline Kennedy to Benjamin Bratt and Erykah Badu.

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Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 5
47%off
 
Starring Kanye West / Dave Chappelle
Directed by Stan Lathan
Television on DVD - Released May 1st, 2007
$6.80 Super Savings
List Price: $12.95
(8 Ratings)
item number:
Y372

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 6
62%off
 
Television on DVD - Released Apr 8th, 2008
$4.98 on Sale
List Price: $12.98
(8 Ratings)
item number:
XTXB 05741D

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 3
 
Television on DVD - Released Apr 16th, 2013
$19.20
item number:
AHV7

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 4
 
Television on DVD - Released Apr 16th, 2013
$28.80
item number:
AHV8

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 5
 
Starring Dave Chappelle / Kanye West
Directed by Stan Lathan
Television on DVD - Released Apr 16th, 2013
$28.80
item number:
AHV9

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 4
46%off
 
Television on DVD - Released Jun 6th, 2006
$6.99 on Sale
List Price: $12.97
item number:
XRI 93233D

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 1
 
Directed by Russell Simmons
Television on DVD - Released Apr 16th, 2013
$19.20
item number:
AHV5

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 2
 
Starring Danny Hoch / Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Directed by Russell Simmons
Television on DVD - Released Apr 16th, 2013
$19.20
item number:
AHV6

Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry - Season 6
 
Television on DVD - Released Apr 30th, 2013
$28.80
(8,100+ Ratings)
item number:
374GJ