Roger Robinson talks about his current obsession of hip hop nostalgia triggered by YouTube under the 'Writing Obsessions' section of the 7fest readings. He remembers hip hop crews in Trinidad and his role in them... and shares two poems inspired by the time
Roger Robinson emerged in the early nineties as one of spoken words most inventive performers bridging the gap between literary and popular culture scenes. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, who has taught English literature at colleges and schools across the country, he has become one of England’s most intelligent and gifted poets of diasporic consciousness.
Sensing the increasing economic constrictions and diminishing opportunities that would soon place a stranglehold on the more adventurous aspects of poetry and spoken word, Robinson adapted to become quite a musical performer. Now usually leading a band on frequent club dates, Robinson began writing and performing poems for other bands and musicians he’d meet. It was that he gained musical respect in these circles as a musician his own right. These include Techno Animal, Flytronix, The Bugz, Attica Blues and Speeka to name a few. A teaming of Rob MacDonald from Speeka with Robinson on his debut album, Illclectica, led to the contribution of the production to the project. The album was released 2004 on Altered Vibes. 2005 saw The Armed and Beautiful EP following suit, with collaborations from J Todd, Elmore Judd, Dobie and Drew Horley. Robinson has just finished the King Midas Sound album with Kevin Martin called “Super Heavy”, to be released on Hyperdub. He is currently recording his sophomore solo album and touring with his band Roger Robinson and The Shout.
hey roger how's it going? how's the new album shaping up? looking forward to hearing your new songs.. I'm heading to South Africa to tour there soon.. p
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