A SUCKER EMCEE-Rap Performance that Strikes Hard to the Gut

The Labryrinth theater is presenting A SUCKER EMCEE, a rap hip hop performance that is written & performed by Craig 'muMs' Grant.  Grant, (b. NYC '68) is a best known for his recurring part on the HBO series "Oz" as a poetry reciting inmate.  He was also featured in the doc. film SLAM NATION that covered his team's performances in the '96 Nat'l Poetry Slam Competition.   Last night "muMs' shortened from mumbles; a short lived name & personna as a rapper reciting as if he had marbles in his mouth.  He said the best advise he received on his delivery was to slow it done.  His rap, hip hop delivery was clear, powerful, poetic, inspiring & deeply stirring.  Born Craig Grant in NYC '68,  he shares his poignant bio in an unforgettable poetry slam style; combining scorching poetry, rap, hip hop & music.  DJ (Rich Medina) is a platinum-selling record producer & renowned speaker/journalist.  He provided the undercurrent that enhanced Grant's performance  The artistry in this performance was fearless, disturbing & tender.  I felt his helpless pain at the unfair abuse his older received & the love he has for his mother now in the throes of Alzheimers.  Grant's performance had a visceral impact that smacks with a punch to the gut.  It nabs you with its indelible prose that pulses & flows.  Like Tupac's "A Rose that Grew from Concrete," Grant's poetry speaks of guns, rage, violence, drugs, broken families, poverty and the indefatigable desire to succeed.  Grant emphasized the need to push ourselves beyond the shackles of complacency.   He urges us to use our fear to drive ourselves forward.  "Money comes & money goes, money comes & money goes," you're a fool not to hear Grant in A SUCKER EMCEE bare his soul with immutable intensity, intelligence & artistry.