WATCH VIDEO: Simmons sees poetry as an expression of what’s going on inside and a medium that promotes visionaries

In this video, music, film, and television entrepreneur, Russell Simmons, who was at a rehearsal for Def Poetry Jam talks with What’s The 411 about the benefits of poetry and rap.

Simmons says that poetry is beneficial for young people, as poetry allows for self-expression of what’s going on inside.

He also states that even rap was a great expression of our lifestyle, sometimes our frustrations, sometimes our anger, and when anger is left inside the response is limited and the response to the anger is much stronger.

The recognition of blessings is always inside and poetry is always uplifting, and deeply spiritual.

Poetry also promotes visionaries out of our young people.

Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word poetry television series hosted by Mos Def and airing on HBO, is produced by Russell Simmons.

Hip-hop recording artist Mos Def, along with his “human beatbox” entertain media and others at Def Poetry sound check

What's The 411 attended a media event for Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, better known as Def Poetry Jam, and captured Mos Def doing a sound check.

Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word poetry television series which is hosted by Mos Def, features many established and up-and-coming poets and spoken word artists.

Just prior to the sound check, What’s The 411 producer Ruth J. Morrison, got an interview with Russell Simmons, who spoke about the value of poetry and spoken word.

Additionally, Uncle Rush was on hand earlier for a photo opp with Alicia Keys and John Legend.

Def Poetry Jam aired on HBO from 2002 through 2007.

Hip-Hop artist Common wows media and others during a sound check for Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry

What's The 411 attended a media event for Def Poetry Jam, and captured spoken word artist, poet, and actor, Common, during a rehearsal/sound check for an episode of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, better known as Def Poetry Jam.

Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word poetry television series hosted by Mos Def, featured many established and up-and-coming poets and spoken word artists and aired on HBO from 2002 through 2007. Mos Def completed his sound check earlier.

Just prior to the rehearsal/sound check, Uncle Rush was on hand earlier for a photo opp with Alicia Keys and John Legend.

What’s The 411 producer Ruth J. Morrison, got an exclusive interview with Russell Simmons, who spoke about the value of poetry and spoken word.

Award-winning poet Sonia Sanchez rehearsing for Def Poetry Jam

What's The 411 attended a media event for Def Poetry Jam, and captured poet and activist, Sonia Sanchez, during a rehearsal/sound check for an episode of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry, better known as Def Poetry Jam.

An educator, mother, and winner of several awards for her poetry and activism, Ms. Sanchez is most often associated with the Black Arts Movement. In fact, Sanchez was a very influential part of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Studies Movement. Sanchez has edited two anthologies on Black literature, We Be Word Sorcerers: 25 Stories by Black Americans and 360° of Blackness Coming at You. She continues to advocate for the rights of oppressed women and minority groups.

Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word poetry television series hosted by Mos Def, in addition to Ms. Sanchez, featured many established and up-and-coming poets and spoken word artists and aired on HBO from 2002 through 2007.