Artist

Saul Williams

spoken word experimental hip hop alternative hip hop

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For nearly three decades, writer, musician, poet, director, and actor Saul Williams has occupied a singular place in Black culture, resisting the confines of genre across music, literature and film, and using art as a transformative device. Raised between church traditions, hip hop, revolutionary literature and the liberating chaos of downtown poetry scenes, Williams learned early that speaking over music could carry the same emotional force as singing. He has performed in over 30 countries and read his poetry at more than 300 universities. He has published five books of poetry which have been translated into several languages. Williams co-wrote and starred in the Sundance and Cannes award-winning film SLAM, introducing the world to the Slam Poetry movement. His extensive acting portfolio features performances in acclaimed films such as the multi-award-winning Sinners, as well as Lackawanna Blues, Aujourd'hui–TEY, and New York, I Love You. In 2014, Williams made his Broadway debut as the lead in Holler If Ya Hear Me, based on the lyrics and poetry of Tupac Shakur. Williams recently marked his directorial debut with the feature Neptune Frost, co-directed with Anisia Uzeyman. Beyond the screen, Williams in 2026 debuted his first graphic novel, MartyrLoserKing, a multidisciplinary project integrating a touring dance production, a poetry collection, and three of his studio albums. His 7th studio album, Leap Life, is released on 28th August 2026.

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