Poetry’s New Era: Reflecting on a Year of Artistic Growth and Grammy Milestones

As 2024 quickly approaches its closing, I can say this year was an active and intriguing one for poetry. I performed in more venues and had the opportunity to network with other creators from all walks of life in various art forms. One high note for me this year was my acceptance into the Recording Academy. That was thrilling, and it led to more network opportunities. As a result, my poetry album Wedding Invitation was long-listed to be considered for a Grammy. That was far beyond my expectations and I am grateful for the opportunity.

As a voting member, I have the privilege to vote in round two for the ultimate winner of the Spoken Word Poetry category. Of course, I also have the opportunity to vote in other categories but poetry is so new to the Grammys that to have a say in who receives the award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album is truly an honor.

Being from Jamaica and growing up hearing poetry on the radio, it is quite fascinating to see more poets record their poetry to music here in the States. It’s not a new phenomenon in Jamaica. What’s new is that the Grammys have started to take notice of poetry as deserving a category of its own. The Recording Academy debuted its spoken word poetry album category at the February 5, 2023, Grammy Awards. J-Ivy copped the award in 2023 and 2024. Round two voting for the next Grammys begins on Thursday, December 14.

Poetry Gains a Much Wider Audience

It’s an interesting time for poetry. The art form has really grown. Poetry has so many dimensions. Poets can stick to just print if they want to or they can perform on stage or they can record or they can do it all publish, perform, and record. The sky is the limit when it comes to poetry. Poets just have to be willing to take advantage of all the opportunities available if they so desire.

In 2023, J. Ivy won the Grammy in the category, of Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.

J. Ivy’s The Light Inside won the Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album in 2024.

For me, 2024 has been a year of growth. I pushed myself more than I did last year and dedicated myself more to my profession as a poet. The results are truly rewarding as I get to watch my work take me to places that I never conceived and most of all, to interact with other poets and exponents of other art forms. Being a poet is serving in whatever capacity poetry leads, and it’s an adventurous ride.     

How to Join the Academy

For poets interested in becoming members of the Recording Academy, it takes one recommendation from a member or two industry professionals. Poets who are not members can still have their works submitted to the Academy for consideration as active members can enter a limited number of submissions on behalf of other recording artists.

The work being submitted for consideration must have been released between September of the previous year and August of the current year. The Recording Academy provides the exact dates of submission each year. After the work is submitted, the Academy reserves the right to re-categorize the submission if it deems appropriate. This means a submission could possibly end up in another category but once it has been accepted, then it is up for consideration.

Once an artist’s work is accepted, networking with other members becomes absolutely necessary. This takes place on social media and at in-person events. Members vote for submitted works. The good thing about being considered is that the number of streams for the submission is not relevant, and neither is follower count on social media. This gives everyone a seemingly level playing field, but marketing is essential. Hiring a publicist is recommended and is required if an artist gets nominated.

Becoming a member of the Recording Academy has been an interesting learning lesson in the FYC (for your consideration) process – the process whereby a submission is considered. I have enjoyed getting to know the process, getting excited for others as they share their excitement of being accepted into the Academy, and of course voting for others who have submitted their works.

If you are considering joining the Academy, visit https://RecordingAcademy.com for more information. All the best in your creative endeavors!