Street Smartz is the story of a true school b-girl, the soundtrack to Piece's one woman play. Representing true Hip Hop through theater, music, spoken word, and her very own street style, get a glimpse into the reality and life of this undeniably talented artist. All of the tracks on the album Street Smartz were produced, arranged, composed, written and created by Piece, featuring the Queen's Ransom players.
Piece's hot new album, "Street Smartz", out now on iTunes! Click on the cover to buy!
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In Japan or Asia, buy Piece's album on Wasabeat. Out now!
In Europe or the UK? Buy Piece's album on Beats Digital!
"The most unique thing about Piece is herself. Her work is as unclassifiable as my own, she is Now, we are Now"
-Saul Williams
Piece is an artist who is soulfully dedicated to drawing on the alchemical mixture of words, music, and beats to the rhythmic pulse of society through her balanced and fluid presentations of lyrical prophecy. Piece has accessed one of the broadest audience bases possible; spanning genres, geography, and social demographics. Her work, as well as her audience, defies narrow classification.
Creating her own style of spoken word poetry, emceeing, and vocals, Piece has been nationally recognized for her unique delivery and lyrical content. Her sound is a mesmerizing integration of vintage soul and true hip hop. Blessed with smooth singing and complex lyrics her hard-hitting yet graceful words are powered by an undeniable force of consciousness and insight.
Piece's art form is a vehicle for social change. Her dynamic performance and vibrant personality awakens the creative potential in all. She presents cutting edge material with a rare form of realness. A Renaissance woman and a social activist, Piece's message is both timely and timeless.
THE POET
"Piece is one of the best female poet on the scene" -The Last Poets
Piece has been writing poetry since childhood. As a teenager she began performing her work publicly, participating in Seattle slam scene from its beginnings. In 2000, Piece competed for the Seattle Poetry Slam Team and earned her way to the National Poetry Slam competition 2 years in a row. Last year she was crowned the Seattle Grand Slam Champion 2004-2005.
Piece is currently a featured poet on HBO Def Poetry Jam. In addition, she was cast in the production Underground Poets Railroad, a national tour and cinema verte style documentary produced by the Konwiser Brothers.
During her artistic voyages, Piece has shared the stage with some of the forefathers and mothers of spoken word including: Gill Scott Heron, The Last Poets, Saul Williams, Gwendolyn Brooks, Angela Davis, and Bobby Seale.
This year Piece debuted her self-produced/directed one woman show, Two Sided See Through Mirror, a Hop Hop and Spoken Word theatrical performance featuring her own musical production as well. This was the culmination of several years of musical and lyrical creations set to be remounted for an extended 6 week in Spring 2007.
THE EM-CEE & VOCALIST
Hip Hop is the backbone of Piece's artistic style and performance. From the early age of 14, she was freestying at the Broadway Performance Hall with world renowned D.J. Vitamin D who is also one of Seattle top Hip Hop producers and turntablist. Since then, she has literally wrecked shop with some of the illest B-boys and B-girls in the Hip Hop Family: The Roots, Common, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples, Salt and Pepa, Les Nubians, Zap Ma Ma, Spearhead, D.J. Jazzy Jeff, Doug E Fresh, Biz Markie, and many more.
As founder of Jumbalaya, the celebrated Seattle-based improvisational music ensemble, Piece brings together the best of the best in the Northwest music scene for an all out weekly jam session. She has continued to perform with Jumbalaya to sold-out crowds for the past six years as hostess, em-cee, and lead vocalist. To mark this unique and tremendous contribution to Seattles richly diverse music scene, Piece has earned a permanent place in the archives of Seattle museum, The Experience Music Project.
In 2004, Piece independently released her first full-length self-titled album featuring her poetry, vocals, and emcee skills. Her work is also included on several compilations.
THE EDUCATOR & ACTIVIST
"Because hip hop is a youth born, youth sustained culture - it is important for us to examine the messages in music. We need to be aware of how commercialization and programming influences our belief system. It is the responsibility of young people to reclaim our media and consumers to demand quality material."
-Laura Piece Kelley
Outside of performing, Piece spends her time as an arts educator for several local and national non-profit organizations. She is presently a member of Seattle Arts Commission serving on the Education Committee. Piece also is co-founder of an organization Aim-for-Piece; and Executive Director of the Think Big Foundation.
She has developed progressive curriculum around the culture of Hip Hop and Spoken Word that has been utilized in hands-on intensive camps where students create, perform and record their own work. Piece has released three full length compilations featuring young artists. She lectures at universities and other educational institutions reaching people of all ages.
Tracing the art of hip hop back to its revolutionary origins, Piece incites her students and audience alike to acknowledge the history of this progressive social movement. She has designed workshops in media literacy and community activism as a vehicle to relay this message. Passionately dedicated to empowering young people, she encourages them to explore their own creative abilities.
If You Believe It
Then Be It
And Live It
Or Leave It Be
-Laura Piece Kelley
