Some of the nation's best poets show up to hit the Versus & Flow stage with anecdotes of social reform, comedic relief and daily life. --
Some of the nation’s best poets show up to hit the Versus & Flow stage with anecdotes of social reform, comedic relief and daily life. (courtesy photo)

If you were at all familiar with Lexus’ “Verses and Flow”, you’d know that the hit TV One series runs the gamut of artistic expression when it comes to the meld of music and poetry.

Embarking on its 6th year of existence, “Verses and Flow” is celebrating with the production of a 90-minute special scheduled to air on October 26, 2016. Musical performances are set to include the original “Classic Man” Joe, and “Get it Shawty” singer Lloyd, who chose “Verses and Flow” as the platform to perform after being on hiatus for several years.

Celebrity friends Shaun Robinson and Versus & Flow host Dondre T. Whitfield hit the scene to celebrate Versus and Flow Season 6.
Celebrity friends Shaun Robinson and Versus & Flow host Dondre T. Whitfield hit the scene to celebrate Versus and Flow Season 6. (courtesy photo)

Real life lioness, Lion Babe, and newer artists Ro James, Dreezy and Kevin Ross will also hit the stage for the special. The Sentinel caught up with the dynamic lineup of artists on the purple carpet at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles, where fans also gathered in numbers to watch the taping.

Joe, who donned a black and gold get-up with his traditional dark shades, says he’s “just staying relevant” amidst a new generation of artists with their own eclectic styles.

“I wanted to put out a new album and put out something that’s current and that is going to get the attention of the young audience, but also stay true to what I do, which is to keep the lyrics classy and respectful and writing beautiful melodies,” Joe stated.

The original "Classic Man" Joe pictured on the Verses & Flow Purple Carpet.
The original “Classic Man” Joe pictured on the Verses & Flow Purple Carpet. (courtesy photo)

Joe says he’s excited for the people to hear his latest single, “Happy Hour” featuring Gucci Mane.

R&B crooner Lloyd says it “feels good to be seen again,” that he wanted to take time to himself to “figure out” what he wanted to say in his music. Thankfully for Lloyd and his fans, he’s now an independent artist, and says his latest single, “True”, speaks on the message of “being honest with yourself and accepting the fact that you’re not perfect.”

Lloyd says as of recent, he’s collaborated with Childish Gambino and is preparing for the release of an EP later this year.

Longtime actor Dondre T. Whitfield, who’s currently starring on Ava Duvernay and Oprah Winfrey’s “Queen Sugar” will host the special, and says the night is sure to bring American society in touch with reality.

“In light of everything that’s happening socially in our society, I think we’re going to get a great reflection of that in spoken word tonight, so it’s an honor to be a part of it,” Whitfield said.

Ro James is fashion forward on the purple carpet, set to perform his hit single "Already Knew That" on the Versus & Flow special airing October 26.
Ro James is fashion forward on the purple carpet, set to perform his hit single “Already Knew That” on the Versus & Flow special airing October 26.(courtesy photo)

Poetic performances for the special will include Prentice Powell, Javon Johnson, Paul Mabon, Pages Matam, G Yamazawa, Elizabeth Acevedo, Imani Cezanne, Edwin Bodney & Fisseha Moges, Chiara Richardson, Michael “Chief” Peterson, Roya Marsh, Ed Mabrey and Mia Julian, the youngest poet to take the stage.

Be sure to catch the 90-minute special for Lexus’ “Verses and Flow” Season 6 on TV-One, October 26, 2016. To see exclusive interviews with more of the nights’ celebrities, visit us online at www.lasentinel.net.