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Local poet releases powerful debut collection

Jason A. Michael

Her name comes from the Koran and means "Holy Words," so you might say Kalimah Johnson's destiny was predetermined.
"My mom always created a safe space for me to be expressive, and I was given the charge in the family to be the keeper of all muses, graces and storytelling," said Johnson, recalling her childhood.
But though she was blessed with the gift of words, Johnson had little patience for school. She dropped out in the ninth grade and picked up her GED before heading on to Wayne State University, where she eventually earned a master's degree in social work.
Her lyrical skills, however, were honed in the streets. Johnson initially thought she'd be a famous rapper, but she soon took that desire down to its core root and took up poetry. She has performed all across the state and, indeed, the country. In 2002, she joined the Detroit Slam Team and competed at the nationals, performing five incredibly powerful pieces.
Four of those appear on her new debut CD, "DatsWhatImaDu." "Don't Nobody" is definitely the stand-out. An explosive protest piece to rappers who disrespect women, Johnson lets 'em have it. The other three slam pieces that made it onto the CD are "Tell My Story," an autobiographical piece; "Materials," which speaks of the ills of materialism; and Johnson's signature piece, the racy "Pattin & Diggin."
Background vocals and instrumentation on the CD are provided by local artist Inohs Sivad, and are the perfect compliment to Johnson's blunt and beautiful meanderings. Whether she's talking about sex or civil rights, trying to enlighten or merely to entertain, Johnson does it all with an honest conviction that makes it all enjoyable.
"I think poets are charged with sharing their words because some people don't have the words to say what they're going through," said Johnson.
Thankfully, she says a mouthful for us all on this CD.

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