Jamaal “Versiz” May is a poet, producer, rapper and recording engineer. He has made three Detroit poetry slam teams, been named Detroit Grand Slam Champion twice, and is a two time Individual World Poetry Slam finalist. Jamaal is a Cave Canem Fellow with work forthcoming in The MacGuffin, The Main Street Rag and other literary journals. He has work-shopped with Thomas Sayers-Ellis, Patricia Smith, Lucille Clifton and former US Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Rita Dove among others.

Jamaal is the first hip-hop artist to be featured by The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He received two nods in the Metro Times Best of 2005 Music Issue and received glowing reviews from various publications for the hip hop album Binary Soul. Production/Engineering credits include The Last Poets, Keith Washington, The Four Tops, Professor Grif of Public Enemy and M-1 of Dead Prez.

Jamaal has appeared on radio (Hot 102.7fm, WJRam, WCHBam, CJAMfm, WHFR) and television (MTV2 news, The Smiley Show, Fox2 news, The Worcester Review).

Jamaal has shared stages with Saul Williams, KRS-One, Kathleen Battle, The Last Poets, Proof of D12, Amp Fiddler, Slum Village, Jessica Care Moore and many others. Versiz has also shared the stage with speakers and panel members including MC Serch, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, and Rev. Al Sharpton.


Praise for Versiz

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

Journalist Terrell Wyche of Open Air says, “He is an exciting, entertaining performer who seems to take you on the emotional journey with him. Versiz is blessed with enthusiasm and sincerity.”