CHICAGO — Young Chicago Authors is honoring Gwendolyn Brooks with this year's Louder Than A Bomb mixtape, so they brought together an ensemble of Chicago female artists, including Jamila Woods, to celebrate her impact with a side of girl power.
The mixtape is a compilation of songs from various artist focusing on the connection between hip-hop and poetry in celebration of the annual Louder Than A Bomb Youth Poetry Festival, according to a press release.
Staying true to this year's theme "Our Gwendolyn Brooks," this year's compilation features all female artist including Kaina, Ang 13, Tasha and Christian JaLon, along with Woods.
The late Brooks, who would turn 100 this year, was a poet, author, teacher and Pullitzer Prize winner.
Woods is known for her collaborations with Chance the Rapper (on "Sunday Candy") and released her debut solo album HEAVN to rave reviews last year. The poet and vocalist lists Brooks and Lucille Clifton as her major influences.
She is also the associate artistic director of Young Chicago Authors and helped organize the Louder Than A Bomb competition this year. She also designs curriculum for Chicago Public Schools and teaches poetry to Chicago's youth, according to her website.
Young Chicago Authors encourages self-expression and literacy through creative writing, performance and publication, and creates a safe space for creative Chicago youth, according to the organization.
At 7 p.m. on Saturday, WBEZ, Vocalo and Young Chicago Authors will host a release party during the Winter Block Party concert at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St. Performers include: Woods, Kaina, Medicine Woman, Ang 13, Bebe O'Hare, Freddy Old Soul and Linz-Z.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased here.
