Jamaal Vs. May is a poet, editor, producer and recording artist from Detroit, MI. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in Indiana Review, Atlanta Review, Verse Daily and The Collagist among other magazines and anthologies. He has received a Bread Loaf Work Study Scholarship, a Pushcart nomination, an International Publication Prize from Atlanta Review and a Cave Canem Fellowship. May is a two time Midwest Regional Poetry Slam Champion and two-time Individual World Slam finalist. He is an MFA candidate at Warren Wilson College and teaches poetry in public schools through the Inside Out Literary Arts Project. His first chapbook “The God Engine” was published by Pudding House Press in 2009. Production and engineering credits include The Last Poets, Dead Prez and The Four Tops.



Praise for Jamaal Vs May

Metro Times journalist Eve Doster commented that, “[Versiz’] poetry is heavy hearted and sincere. He’s a pro”.

The Michigan Daily has described him as, “Detroit’s most talented slam poet”.

Head of Poetry Slam Incorporated Steve Marsh commented that, ”He is one of the ten or twelve poets who can bring me to tears and make me laugh with the tears still on my cheeks.”

The Michigan Chronicle called Versiz’ 2004 hip hop release, “A lyrically profound effort that is as provocative as it is creative.”

“Detroit’s Poetry Slam King”-The Detroiter