Real T@lk & Food4Thought ( @Realtalkraps ) by Tatyana Hills

“Be more of an individual and less of a hero, that operates from the spirit and never the ego” –Brandon Williams

The aesthetic art quality of poetry is created through a poet’s linguistic formation of ideas and content. In response, this language creates an emotional reaction, which is felt differently among its audience. The creation of poetry stems from an artist’s need to escape and/or express feelings of adversity through their spoken words. All in all, poetry to an artist has no “true” definition, but the mannerism of poetry can be defined as being either a narrative or logical prose. When you combine this meaning of poetry with the act of giving; you will have “Food4Thought Chicago.”

On every first Thursday (of each month), 29 years old Brandon “Real T@lk” Williams is the host of “Food4Thought Chicago.” This event allows Chicago artists to showcase their spoken words and talents to a live audience. Located at Refuge Live Chicago, Food4Thought is an outlet for underground and mainstream artists to relax, relate, and release their troubles and thoughts to others. Some artists may rap, sing, or express their spoken words through action. While others might ask the audience to participate a beat with the clap of their hands, or the snap of their fingers. The variation in style is endless, but what remains true is the linguistic creation of poetry. Not one artists is identical to the other. It’s basically impossible to emulate another’s style because each artist speaks from personal endeavors. After the event commence, you will have learned the origin of hardship for some spoken words artists. However, what is the origin of this event?

Food4Thought originated from Brandon’s idea to create an outlet where college students could voice their troubles or thoughts among their peers. While an SIU student, Brandon would, periodically, host these open mic session on campus during the school year. To gain entry, students would donate canned goods to send to local homeless shelters. The title “Food4Thought” is an insightful play on words. “It’s a double entendre, sometimes when you go to an open mic you feel literally feed from the message you receive; and the actual donation of canned good makes the words actually come to life,” said Brandon. This event gave students an outlet for expression or release of anguish.

“It’s about the impact and not the money” –Brandon Williams

Brandon has wrote poetry since the age of 17. However, he didn’t take it seriously until he was 22 years old. Within no time he grasp the attention of his college peers. Seeing how vastly his words impact others, Brandon decided to take his talent on tour throughout the Midwest circuit, and out-of-state colleges. After graduation this spoken wordsmith took time away from Food4Thought to focus more on his lyricism as an emcee. In 2009, he released his first audio project “The Mo’ Better Mixtape”, which took the Internet by storm. The Source magazine even wrote an “Unsigned Hype” article on him in their December 2009 Issue. In fact, Brandon skillful spoken words has landed him recognition in Chicago, Carbondale, Florida, and Atlanta (where he currently resides) just to name a few.

In addition to his recognition, Brandon was invited, in 2012, to perform for Andre 3000 (of the sensational Hip Hop group OutKast) at his Atlanta home. Andre 3000 pronounced him as a “lyrical scientist”, which in a broad sense, defines Brandon as a person who acquires knowledge in the meaning of words. Brandon intentionally challenge his audiences thought process through his wordplay in rhymes and poetry. “I don’t freestyle, I write everything I put out,” said Brandon.

Incidentally, this year marks the resurgence of Food4Thought. In ways to revamp the event, Brandon has added live art to the scene. So while each spoken word artist bless the mic, you can also enjoy colorful canvases adorning the stage. And that’s not all, Brandon plans to extend the items of donations to homeless women, in particular. “I plan to change it up and ask people to donate feminine hygiene products and socks.” He addressed how most donations provide food, shoes, pants and shirts; but not acquire necessity like underwear, sock, and hygiene products.

If you’re waiting for a conclusion, you won’t find it here because Brandon “Real T@lk” Williams has more in store. However, you can find him on Karega Bailey’s new music video “Last Kut”, which is available on YouTube. You can follow his baking page “Let That Boy Bake” on Instagram. Better yet, just visit his website: www.realtalkraps.com to learn more.