Just a Humble Messenger Speaking Out of Love; Lyricist and Spoken Word Poet Shedrick S.H.E.D. Barnett’s Works Are the True Definition of Powerful!

If you love yourself just know that you’ll never be alone and if you love enormous potency then know you are right where you are supposed to be! This is a calm word that engulfs its subjects by creating a safe haven and is assiduous in pointing out everything that surrounds us; its author and creator happens to have evolved from Athens, Georgia and has carried with him this gigantic responsibility of influencing the world through his poetic wizardry for as long as he can remember. Not all heroes wear capes and to me, Shedrick S.HE.D. Barnett epitomizes a superhero with the way he is able to touch on heavy and deep subjects in a poetically lyrical fashion that touches a listener all the way to the deeply caged heart. He has been writing poetry since his childhood but he started writing and reciting in his early thirties. He is also an author of two magnificent books, “Finally out of the Bedroom” and “Poetic Storytelling”

With the herculean grace in the potency behind his poetically crafted words are some really moving tracks which we are going to review and in no particular order; “Praise Him” featuring Julia Craft is one of those vividly powerful and expressive pieces of art that will galvanize your mind starting with the striking violin at its core and the glamorously rich vocals of Julia Craft on that chorus. Trials and tribulations make it hard for us to praise God; there are endless troubles that already make an unbearable life even worse such as the high cost of living which has exacerbated destitution,  but even then Barnett reminds us to never lose hope, “But don’t be ashamed of weak moments, because in our weakness, He is the strongest, and I know we have bright days and dark ones, but the dark ones seem the longest, just remember there’s nothing wrong with rock bottom because even at the bottom, he’s still your rock”.

“The Devil’s Workshop” reminds us to preserve our minds and keep them unblemished and in the right place. An idle mind and brain is the devil’s worship and according to Barnett, “The mind is a terrible thing to waste and I don’t mind can be a terrible place” -the flawless organic instrument, the hauntingly piano melody, modest bass and life-drawing drums complement the deep message staggeringly well. Evil thoughts become evil plans and graduate to evil acts. We owe it to ourselves to keep our thoughts pure and seek God’s refuge and follow his commands at all times.

“Let’s stay Together” reminds us the power in unity either as friends, family, lovers, or even a country. Its theme is divergent and those swirling organs, the punchy drums, invitingly alluring piano and the nostalgic R&B vibe that emanates from this stunningly innovated sound give a listener a chance to glimpse a universe born of togetherness. “Separated we’ll do fine and survive, but why do fine and survive when we can do better together…Let’s stay together”. This track is a timely reminder that alone we are smart but together we are brilliant! And true friends stick together like super glue no matter what!

“Thank God for Poetry” featuring Mista Lee is a track for gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for and in this moment, we just do that- thank God for his everlasting grace, love and blessings upon our sometimes undeserving souls. Mista Lee’s gloriously stunning male vocals heighten the chorus and Barnett’s poetic wizardry drives the point home. The charming guitars transport you to a heaven near you.

The last track “Don’t Shoot” which he featured reggae artist Farin is a deep and sensitive topic that has always been making headlines in America and all over the world; the unwarranted killings of young people especially the people of color by the law enforcement officers who ironically are the ones supposed to protect them. This is a poetic outcry for all those concerned to please cease the aimless and targeted killings of innocent and harmless people whose only crime was to be born in a cruel world. Complemented by the quintessential Caribbean type of reggae beats, the vocal impact of Farin in his Jamaican accent gives this track a timeless feel.

By now, I hope you at least feel the towering depth that is the poet Shedrick S.H.E.D. Barnett is a virtuosic wordsmith who is just scaling the heights of spoken words in the most imaginative ways possible. Attached are some of his works, make sure to follow him, stream them, save them and tell your friend about the poetic genius Barnett!

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