The Work

The Work: Melissa's Cypher

Welcome to The Work (The Cypher)—the space where the audience becomes the artist. In this special installment, inspired by the powerful poem “Sista Sara” by justME, the energy shifts from analysis to creation. After diving deep into themes of body image, identity, and generational truth in the main episode, the floor is opened to the people. Participants in the live virtual audience are given 12 minutes to select a line from the poem and craft an original piece inspired by it. What follows is raw, unfiltered expression—voices stepping forward with vulnerability, courage, and truth. Each poem is then shared live and met with thoughtful feedback, creating a moment of connection between artist and audience that defines the essence of The Work. This is more than a writing exercise—this is transformation in motion. This is where inspiration becomes creation, and where everyday voices are reminded of their power. If you’ve ever felt moved by a line, a moment, or a message—this is your invitation to step into the circle. To be part of future Cyphers, share your work, or connect with the hosts, reach out to us at: 📧 inquiriesaboutthework@gmail.com And don’t forget to support the platform that makes spaces like this possible—THE Composition Entertainment LLC—where creativity is cultivated, voices are elevated, and the culture continues to grow. This is The Work (The Cypher)… where the line is just the beginning.

The Work: Melissa Ellis "Dear Sista Sara"

In this powerful episode of The Work, hosted by Poetic Black, Writteninpain, and Dr. Russ Livingston, the mic is turned toward a deeply moving and necessary conversation centered around the poem “Sista Sara” by justME. This episode dives far beyond the surface—unpacking themes of body image, early sexualization, identity, and the emotional toll of being seen before being understood. Through layered analysis and heartfelt dialogue, the hosts explore how societal perception shapes self-worth, and how many are forced to navigate a complicated relationship with their own reflection from a young age. At the heart of this episode is the historical connection to Sarah Baartman, whose story reframes the poem into something even greater—a reflection of generational trauma, resilience, and reclaimed power. What begins as a personal narrative evolves into a collective truth about the experiences of Black women and the legacy carried within their bodies. As always, The Work brings more than conversation—it brings participation. During the episode, the live audience is invited into The Work (The Cypher), where participants are given 12 minutes to take a line from the featured poem and create their own inspired piece. These powerful moments of creativity and vulnerability are recorded and released separately, continuing the dialogue beyond the episode. This is not just a breakdown… this is healing in real time. If this episode resonates with you, we invite you to support the movement. Share the episode, engage with the conversation, and continue to uplift spaces where art meets truth. To connect with us, share your thoughts, or suggest future poems for deep dives, reach out to us at: 📧 inquiriesaboutthework@gmail.com And most importantly, support the vision and growth of THE Composition Entertainment LLC, where voices are amplified, stories are honored, and culture is cultivated. This is The Work… where the poetry speaks, and the people respond.

The Work: Writteninpain's Cypher

🎙️ Podcast Series: The Work (The Cypher) Hosted by: Poetic Black, Writteninpain & Dr. Russ Livingston The Work (The Cypher) is where poetry turns into practice. Embedded inside every episode of The Work is a live writing exercise that brings the virtual audience directly into the creative process — and The Cypher is where those moments live on their own. Here’s how it goes: A line is pulled from the featured poem of the episode. The audience is given 12 minutes to write a brand-new poem inspired by that single line. Then participants step up, read their pieces aloud, and receive real-time feedback from the original poet themselves. No pressure. No perfection. Just creativity, courage, and craft in motion. Each Cypher session is recorded separately and released as its own episode — creating a growing archive of raw poetry, spontaneous inspiration, and powerful artistic growth. If you love spoken word, writing prompts, live feedback, and watching creativity unfold in real time — The Cypher is for you. 📣 Support The Work & The Composition Entertainment LLC If these sessions inspire you to write, think deeper, or step into your creativity — show love by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. The Work and The Work (The Cypher) are powered by The Composition Entertainment LLC, and your support helps us continue building spaces for artists, thinkers, and creators to grow. 💌 Join the Conversation Want to participate in a Cypher? Have feedback or poem ideas? Interested in collaborating? Email us at: inquiriesaboutthework@gmail.com Come do the work — and step into The Cypher.

The Work: Writteninpain "Hue R U"

🎙️ Episode Title: Hue R U – A Deep Dive with Writteninpain Podcast: The Work Hosted by: Poetic Black, Writteninpain & Dr. Russ Livingston In this powerful episode of The Work, hosts Poetic Black, Writteninpain, and Dr. Russ Livingston turn the spotlight inward and sit down with one of their own. This week, we deep dive into Writteninpain’s thought-provoking and layered poem, “Hue R U.” This isn’t just a reading — it’s a breakdown. We unpack the meaning behind the title, the symbolism embedded in the word Hue, the emotional undertones, the social commentary, and the internal questions the poem forces us to confront. From identity and perception to color, consciousness, and self-reflection — this conversation peels back every layer of the work. Expect raw dialogue. Expect vulnerability. Expect accountability. Expect The Work. This episode highlights the creative process behind the poetry — how it was written, what inspired it, what it challenges, and what it demands from the listener. If you’re into spoken word, layered artistry, and conversations that make you think deeper than surface level… this one is for you. 📣 Support The Work & The Composition Entertainment LLC If this episode moved you, challenged you, or shifted your perspective, we ask that you support the movement. Subscribe to The Work, leave a review, share the episode, and spread the word. The Work is powered by The Composition Entertainment LLC, and your support helps us continue building platforms for real dialogue, real poetry, and real growth. 💌 Stay Connected Have feedback? Want to suggest topics? Interested in collaborating? Reach out to us at: inquiriesaboutthework@gmail.com Let’s keep doing the work — together.

The Work: Regie Gibson's Cypher

A Spoken Word/Poetry deep dive Podcast where three seasoned Spoken Word Artist dissect "The Work" of a featured Artist. The featured Artist is probed with queries of the construction of the poem and its sentiment.