Meet Xposyur | Spoken Word Artist, Lyricist, Workshop Facilitator, Motivational Speaker, Musician, Small Business Owner,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xposyur and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xposyur, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I do not know if I have just 1 most important factor. I have several but the ones solely behind the brand of Xposyur are: grace courage grit and growth. I placed these specifically in order..

First, here at team X we have dual meaning: one you support Xposyur and 2 you understand everybody is “X -something”. So show people GRACE! I cant stand a person who act like they are perfect. There’s only. One who is. I hear something the other day and it attests to that statement ” everyone has a chapter in their life’s book that they don’t read outloud”.
However, courage has allowed me to read those chapters BOLDLY. My brand screams courage to pen, speak and perform those things others dare not. I do my best to get to your soul. Because if your soul prospers internally, everything externally will follow.
Ive met some of the most beautiful people with ugly souls. Heck, I was one of them and I am unashamed to say so. We LOVE a good ” screw-up” in society’s eyes over here at teamX! Because I was one and sometimes I STILL mess up. Long as you dont remain that way. Life’s a journey not a destination.
And thats where the “grit” comes in. Do you have what it takes when life seems like that’s all it does- “take”? Can your mentality still be mountain top even though your surroundings and finances scream trenches? Admiringly, I haven’t always won the mental wars. I was diagnosed with PTSD a few years back and whew- BLESS IT! lol. Yet, I always move onward and upward. I have very powerful people around me encouraging me loving on me and still seeing my greatness in my vulnerability. A great circle is IMPERATIVE.
Thus we end with growth. If your circle aint helping you its hurting you. If you listen or read my lyrics you’ll always hear some type of truth and challenge to heal and grow. It ain’t no cakewalk. Life be doing its big one- but WE GOT THIS! Poetry ain’t a game to me it’s a God given gift. Which means I don’t have time to waste. Im here for a purpose. I’m myself in any room I enter and I think its respected amongst my family ( I dont have fans). Besides, it costs too much to be anyone else. Thats a price Im never willing to pay.
So those are my 4 key factors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is compelling. We gone talk to each other. I love a good crowd that talks back to you. It means they are listening- phones down, and eyes on you. I think many artists mishandle the importance of what it means to capture an audience’s attention. To have the ability to really challenge and encourage them in an area by telling your story and speaking your truth is a privilege. Not something that you think they owe you! They do not. It’s very much giving entitlement.

My art also takes what is in me and puts it in the audience. We are going to go for a ride every time I get behind a microphone. Because 9/10. you battling something too whether you admit it or not. Todays music says be tough, have a mack 11, half naked anybody at this point and by all means there’s no judgement but thats not what I standard. And thats what Im proud of. I do dope stuff without lowering my standards. I am also proud of my art for being cross cultural.

I got to where I am today by plowing -strategically, spiritually and consistently. When I first starting venturing outside of my comfort zone I didn’t know many people who were doing what I was doing. I had no real blueprint on what expansion would look like but I had faith some courage and a pen. I had no clue it would flourish like it did. Now I want to challenge myself to see what new heights are available to me in all facets and areas. Sometimes I sit back in amazement cuz I aint have much growing up but my mother did her best.

It wasn’t easy at all. Easy doesn’t breed greatness. I’m not gone sit up here and say all the cute things you supposed to during interviews cuz life ain’t cute right now for a bunch of us. Life doing its big one. Sometimes you feel like you’re not overcoming, you failing, and some more stuff but in actuality you aren’t. Preparation is what’s happening. Preparation sometimes hurts especially if you aren’t submitted to the process. One of the most powerful words in the English language in my opinion is FOCUS. If you can be unbothered by distractions goals become easier to obtain. Focus can then flow freely. And then its lit. Also very much so easier said than done.

Ive learned and still am learning so many lessons. The biggest ones in business I’ve learned is the art of networking and emotional intelligence. . I network my tail off! Its the subtle conversation starters or my style, personality, character all that is a part of networking. As far as emotional intelligence women are often led by our emotions. Whether we like to admit it or not, we make decisions based off how we feel presently instead of long term. Ive learned the hard way that feelings are not facts. However, your feelings are indeed valid just not factual.

I want the world to know that over here at teamX, there are open arms, love acceptance understanding challenges and correction. You can be wild weird and free! I want the world to know that Xposyur’s story is told to help you find a way through yours. Same story- different method every time: pain struggle passion glory. My brand is nothing more than a testament of grace, of how to get up after life knocks the wind out of you but you’re still exhaling, of how to stand in adversity, of how to keep going after shame and heartbreak and so much more! You can find yourself in between one of my lines and see that prevailing is still obtainable for you. We healing the right way over here! aye- RUN WIT US OR GET RAN OVR!
I know now every soul I encounter is precious. I take that seriously whether it be long term or seasonal. People are gifts that God lends- but I also now know that its even more serious who you let unwrap you. Unwrapping can turn into unraveling very quick if you aren’t careful. We love you over here!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok so if folks was coming 330-there are a few places I’d take them! And if I can keep it a bean I wish we had more in our city but I do see a change occurring. Food Spots-
You gotta go Swenson’s- its a staple! Galley Boy Potato Teasers and either an Ohio, California or Florida to drink.
You gotta go to Ginos- because you just cant do Akron without it.Get you that Jumbo sausage and pepperoni pizza.
Also you gotta go Hanini’s- their salads are lit! Gyros lit! Also I get loaded fries with chicken and/or steak topped with chipotle and ranch. Both will take you 2 days to eat.
If you’re into ice cream like me you gotta go Pav’s or Stricklands. I have a peanut allergy though but id definitely take my best friend!
If you wanna go upscale a new restaurant Dejuan’s opened downtown or Ken Stewarts or take a 30 min drive up to 216.
But also there are a bunch of black owned restaurants in Akron- Smack Yo Mama is lit, my guy Skillz cooks his tail off, you got Ogarth’s Kitchen and food from Shahala too!
If you want desserts, my little big sisters Autumn and BreYanna Brown go crazy and a bunch of other people as well.

Art Museum downtown is free on Thursdays, there is a black exhibit ” Outlined N Black” at Bierce Library on Akron U’s campus- all black artists.
Poetry Night on Tuesdays Versified Expressions
Karaoke at Social 8 on Thursdays
Blue Jazz, Jilly’s, Knight Stage or Musica Downtown Akron for live entertainment.
I’d take them for breakfast with some colleagues- YOU HAVE TO EAT AT FRED’S DINER!
Nicoles is multifaceted as well! Akron Family Restaurant is what my family loves. And also WALLY WAFFLE! If we wanna drive a bit we can do Yours Truly in Hudson. The mimosas are it.

I’d also take them to Big Shots, to the Unknwn Store and by House 330. I just feel like Bron owns W Market at this point.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man if I get to naming names Ima be in trouble! Haha! Shout out to God first off like for sure and for certain! That man is solely the reason Im still breathing even after trying to take my own life. Sometimes you gotta be saved from yourself.

S/O my city Akron,OH. Who has always kept me in business year after year.. Family, my parents, friends, my girls, ALLUVEM!

In all seriousness though- I give honor to Ty Clark. I was on his label Perfect Cast Music. First acquainted me with a studio and how to record. Thank you man!

I give credit and honor to Mr. Ernie Dontis. That man wrecked my life my junior year of high school! He is a gift. I really thought basketball was it for my life (S/O Coach Leff) but I thought wrong. Mr. Dontis looked dead at me and said – “you’re going to be a writer and not only that you’re gonna write books one day.” I looked at him so confused like huh?- He saw what I couldn’t. I was jacked up mentally in high school. And now look at me.

There are so many people that deserve honor and credit that this would be the longest response but I will stop here. Those are the first 2 people that popped in my mind that I dont get to say thank you to often so if they ever read this- THANK YOU TWO!

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Image Credits
Marion Wilson