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Moved by the innocence and fearlessness of youth, the ReadNex Poetry Squad gives youth leverage through their nationally recognized Hip Hop and Spoken Word Poetry Youth Empowerment Workshop that started in Newburgh, NY in 2004. This program is designed to build confidence, give an in depth understanding of poetry and use Hip-Hop as a positive medium for self–expression and public outreach.
In 2009, the group continued their acclaimed youth programming and spent time reflecting on their seven week Front Lines Tour that hit 40 cities in the Summer of 2008. The expedition was test of faith in their art willingness and the willingness to complete a self sustained tour. They were also the Featured Artist of the World Social forum in Brazil in January 2009. In April 2009, the ReadNex Poetry Squad hosted the second annual Hip Hop Seasons, a week-long festival in the Hudson Valley, NY.
Launched in 2008, Hip Hop Seasons showcases positive images of Hip Hop that helped cultivate the native Hudson Valley social justice band and featured a triple threat of break dancing, dj-ing and beat battles. The festival included a benefit concert with John Forte and Saul Williams for the Children of the Night Scholarship, an All Women’s Hip Hop Panel and Graffiti Art Showing in the Ann Street Art Gallery.
As the dawn of 2010 approaches, the impact of the ReadNex Poetry Squad continues to be boundless as they deliver each and every potent line with an attitude of social responsibility. Motivating in their own right, they are inspired by all the pioneers and supporters who have made the impossible possible. Through their new album, they are reborn and “Day Before Sound” signifies the continuation of learning, growth and spiritual elevation.
“This is definitely a variation from the hip hop norm, but, from an international perspective, not entirely shocking. On the B Side, “Be Different” is exactly that, a unique track composed of vocals laid over hip hop and electronic beats with a relatively wholesome message to be different. Some of the vocals remind me a bit of thekeenone and in retrospect I suppose the same applies to the beat.”
Aaron Chatterji - DeftMag.com
“This Newburgh-based collective of emcees, poets and musicians released an album titled Day Before Sound earlier in 2010. They approached Noisemaker Media to produce their music video campaign with the intent to create a visual piece that would highlight their eclectic sound. “Be Dif’Rent” sets a precedent for Director Mark Carranceja‘s work as he reinforces his catalog with a visual tour de force that introduces the Hip Hop world to the ReadNex Poetry Squad. To Be Dif’Rent is to uncover ones talents and passions. To Be Dif’Rent is to follow one’s intuition rather than exterior conditions. To Be Dif’Rent means to embrace yourself for who you are and be comfortable within your own skin. Witness the evolution of the ReadNex Poetry Squad and understand what it means to Be Dif’Rent.”
Jessica Estevez - iheartdilla.com
“Last February, I took a journey to the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN to meet up with a phenomenal crew of people I met during my travels in New York. The ReadNex Poetry Squad kept in contact with me, and before departing for the Twin Cities, they gave me a ring, asking about places they could book shows, perform etc. We decided to take the opportunity and shoot, so I recently pulled out these photos and sat down with them to catch up on life, touring, their new album and music video release and what is in the stars for 2011.”
BFresh - BFRESH Photography Blog
“Right from the group’s 2001 inception, when the members met as students at Middletown’s Orange County Community College during a campus open-mike night, ReadNex has been as much about effecting positive social change as it has been about music. The band is an out-and-out activist machine, for whose members art and progressive work are simply inseparable. Besides releasing three albums on the band’s own DeBefore label; playing on HBO Latino and at hallowed venues the Apollo Theater and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe; touring the US, Canada, Europe, and Brazil; and performing regionally as a group and as individuals at spoken-word gigs, ReadNex maintains a packed itinerary of educational and public advocacy efforts.”
Peter Aaron - Chronogram Magazine
"This is for the Black kid in the mosh pit with the mohawk"... Tired of people judging you and telling who the fuck you should be? Poets/MCs/activists ReadNex Poetry Squad aren't having it either and are telling you to "Be Dif'Rent" in their inspiring new video. When asked about what moved them to write this song, they told us: "In our society (...), image is everything but what they don't tell you is that it's all perception. To be Dif'Rent is often perceived as a bad thing. And because we are told it's bad we often shy away from it and follow the norm. To Be Dif'Rent means to embrace yourself for who you are and be comfortable within your own skin."
Definitely sounds like a plan. The group is all about making a difference and speaking out on social, race, gender issues. The video features some of the youth they have worked with over the years in their Hip Hop and Poetry Saved My Life workshop. Check it out!
Lou Constant-Desportes - www.afropunk.com
“Are The ReadNex Poetry Squad rappers? Are they spoken-word artists? Since the NYC natives don’t seem too keen on being placed into any sort of box, how about we just compromise and say they “Be Different”? The group’s first Booth feature finds beatsmith Charlie Graham serving up a sizzling blend of synths and vocoded backing vocals as Decora, FreeFlowin, Jarabe Del Sol, Latin Translator and DJ H20 inform listeners that they’re miles away from the norm, and they like it.”
Richard - djbooth.net
