"Southern Poetology"

Marie Grady, affectionately known in the entertainment world as LyriQ, was born, September 7, 1971, in a small town called Heerlen in the southern region of the Netherlands, but now calls South Carolina home.

LyriQ is an author, songwriter/vocalist, and spoken word performer. With about nearly 10 years of performing experience under her belt, LyriQ is still a babe in the industry, yet she strives daily to reinvent herself and to take her craft to the next level.

To LyriQ’s acclaim are two self-published books of poetry entitled, “My Piece Be With You” and “Eye of Thee…Behold Her.” She also completed her first romance novel entitled “Tomorrow Promises…” A skilled vocalist and songwriter, LyriQ has fashioned a number musical/poetic favorites to include collaborations with such artists as the phenomenal Eryk Moore, Bro Poet of Da Wonda Twinz Dub TP Productions, B.L.I.S.S. of 1224 Entertainment, Nxt Lvl and the infamous Daryl Hayott of Konfuscious Klan. These and more heartfelt creations were compiled to create LyriQ’s soon to be released first album entitled “Sole to Soul”.

Currently, LyriQ travels with a group of poets called New Danger, whose primary purpose is to provide inspiration to our youth through spoken word performances at the Department of Juvenile Justice group homes, schools and colleges, as well as a number of community developed events. A member of the Black Poetry Café, the Black Author’s Network, and co-host of the Lyrical Disciples internet radio show, LyriQ is definitely out there doing her thing in the poetic realm.

A connoisseur of eclectic verbal stylings, LyriQ remains humbled by the concept of being a vessel through which vibes of existence flow. Her mission in life…to make a positive difference in the world we lovingly refer to as home.

To visit LyriQ's website CLICK HERE

To Listen to an interview I had with LyriQ CLICK HERE

Keith Pender better known as Quiet Storm of Spoken Word, was born in the city of Wilmington, NC on February 3, 1969. He grew up in a household with both parents and a sister named Keisha. He called her "Shortcake". She was his best friend, but, God saw fit to call her Home at the age of 9.

Keith's early years were a bit awkward, but, all of that changed one day as I listened to some Gospel Records that his mom owned. Gospel sparked his love for music as he listened to the words of the songs, really paying attention to them for the first time. It changed his life from that moment onward. He soon began taking piano lessons at the age of 10, and that lasted for 8 years. Quiet Storm sang in the Chorus during his Junior and Senior High School years. During those same years he began to write, but, that ended for a period when Shortcake died. Keith's desire to write was gone, but he kept on playing the piano and singing. Just like most in that day and age he'd been through many highs and lows. During one of his lowest points about nine years ago, he began to write again and has been doing so every since.

For Quiet Storm, spoken word came along within the last couple of years. He started doing what he does today as a form of expression and therapy. He continues spreading positive and heartfelt messages, because, he feels he's a Messenger. He feels that he speaks for those that may not be able to articulate certain feelings themselves, to the point of getting people to really understand or hear them completely.

Keith says; "I Am QuietStorm Of SpokenWord. I Have Much To Say To the World!"

To visit Quiet Storm's website CLICK HERE
To listen to the interview I had with Quiet Storm CLICK HERE