Michelle Sasha Schmitz

Hip-Hopped Michelle Sasha Schmitz

This collection of poems (mostly hip-hop influenced with some an homage to my Jamaican roots) is a thank you to the world of hip-hop. Profanity-free, this is a spiritual and uplifting expression that includes thoughts on the meaning of dreams, race, being a woman, and the experiences I've seen along the way. Motivational and inspiring, it is call to return to the humble and prophetic origins of the hip-hop genre. From the moment I can remember, music has been an integral instrument of the symphony of my life. While playing an actual instrument still eludes me, there was always something about the lyrics of a song that could influence my mood. I am a lover of all genres, but there was something about hip-hop music that often transported me away from the loneliness of being an awkward and shy, only-child. The stories and experiences relayed by some of the most prolific poets of all time provided an escape from my reality. Not simply for its entertainment purposes, I learned a great deal of life's most valuable lessons through the lens of hip-hop. This compilation of 50 poems (some heavily hip-hop influenced, some reggae and some an ode to the traditional ballad) is my thank you to the hip-hop generation. Music saved me on many occasions, and through writing in this style, I feel reborn and transformed. I would feel so incredibly humbled to accomplish my goal of inspiring and helping others with my work. My spiritual journey and re-connection with God and the universe was the catalyst, and I am ever so grateful for each and every day that I am able to wake up and count my many blessings. What initially began as a private way of dealing with the ups and downs of life has become the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: writing a book. The way this started out has turned out completely differently than I ever imagined, yet this is precisely how the greatest parts of our lives come to be. There is no way around it: life is life. It will have its highs and lows, but it's all in the way you surf the waves that will make the difference. I hope that this reaches you well and uplifts your spirit and mind and allows you to look within yourself to discover the God-given light that we are all so fortunate to have. Michelle Sasha Schmitz is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and is a first-generation Jamaican-American. Currently located in Silver Spring, MD, she has a degree in Economics from Boston College and is the mother of two children.