Some Soul for your 3rd Eye………… ELOliver What were you doing in 1997? More than likely, you were experiencing the phenomenon of Love Jones, the movie. This African American romantic story was about a young couple navigating through Chicago culture. The couple was artistic in their own right. The story, the movie spawned the Love Jones movement. Many popular artists and poets emerged from that film. It has been said that the success of Love Jones is in part responsible for the increased interest in poetry slams, spoken word as an art form, poetry cafes and the careers of many. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of watching many artists grow from performing in Atlanta’s underground Yin Yang Café, the Apache and countless Wind Down events. Then there is the world famous MoorEpics Café, formerly of 227A Mitchell Street. This Café was owned by Jessica care Moore and Aqiyl Thomas. I remember any night of the week, spoken word and soul movement artists were welcome to jam, together or separately. We welcomed India.Arie, Donnie, Sharieff Simmons, Kevin Powell, Chiedza and Cody Chesnutt to name a few. So many young poets were born of that day Abyss, GaMe, Yohannes, ColaRum and Eddie Oliver. Some have disappeared, but many remain, grown and matured with their art form. Most notable of them is Eddie Oliver. (www.eddieoliver.com). His work today is reminiscent of Andre 3000, will.i.am and Wyclef. They recite spoken word a little, sing a little, and rap a little. Eddie embodies it all. He has truly grown and is a gifted man. Was it the personal growth? He’s a father, a homeowner and, as they say, a grown a** man now. Is it because he continued to perform on poetry stages, in plays, movies and for private shows? Could it be that the culmination of his talent and creativity have come together to form this dynamic poet? Eddie is currently in demand to perform all over the country. Witness his new cd and you too will be wondering ……………… “What I do to deserve witnessing this greatness?” Cop a cd and you will continuously bounce and bounce and bounce to the beat. Can I pick a favorite track? Naw! I listen to the cd for hours upon hours and hours and still they are all my favorites. Welcome to the gift that is Eddie Oliver. Today is 2007, it’s been 10 years and the apparent Love Jones poetry movement is still strong. This cd will remind you of a smoky poetry joint. If you close your eyes and listen you might get a little whiff of some of the stanky stuff. Eddie tackles all the current day topics……… homelessness, love, family, the war, God, daily life stressors, friendships and what happens to them when we grow up and our ‘hood.