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Making soul-stirring statements with his dedication to creating what he calls “substantial art”, Harold Green, III is impacting his corner of the world and through the power of the internet, soon everywhere else too.
SoulCulture caught up with the Chicago native to talk about everything from spoken word artistry/emceeing, love, being a community advocate and why he doesn’t like funerals.
“I like to call myself a renaissance man,” says Green in his signature laid-back tone. “Just when you think you got it figured out or you think you know what type of work that I do, I’m in your face with something different”.
Starting out writing rhymes as a rapper around 12 years old, it wasn’t until one Christmas in his senior year of high school that Green’s artistic perspective would widen. Not having extra money to purchase gifts for his family, Green decided to write them all, mother, father and sister Mandilyn, a poem.
Immediately Mandilyn knew her brother had something special and encouraged him to keep writing, literally pushing him (he didn’t want “to go up there”) to perform his poetry at their family church.
The response was overwhelming. Becoming a favorite presenter among the wellspring of creative talent at Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Illinois, the church became his platform. “It really boosted my confidence. Once I went away to college (Grambling State University in Louisiana), then I just skyrocketed”.
Harold Green, III definitely has "Something to Live For" and shares his emotions with in this clip. In his most recent video, Green gives an inspiring ode to fatherhood and more specifically, his love and admiration for his own young son.
"Play Nice" is the latest offering from Chicago spoken word standout Harold Green, III, whom we first featured in 2011. Once again teaming with director Sanicole (who shot Green's masterful Honey Moon, a collabo with soul standout B.J. The Chicago Kid), "Play Nice" is a gritty reminder of the dark realities many face. Unafraid, Green claps back at life's grim circumstances: "I hope these words bust yo' skull like a lead pipe." Peep the video below.