KNICKIE D

So.....

My original desire to interview Knickie D was because of her very "real" personality, and what seemed to be an innate ability to speak  whatever's on her mind. While my assumption about her "real" was quite accurate, it turns out that Knickie is quite an introvert. It was not until four years ago when she started performing at her Alma Matte Buffalo State University that she began to break out of her shell. The admitted nerd, who has been writing since 6 years of age hadn't yet discovered her performance voice, let alone be in the company of those whom she later realized, desperately wanted to hear her because of her "real" perspective. With the latter assumption proven to be wrong, I asked Knickie why is it that so many people think you speak your mind, to which Knickie replied "I'm just blunt,"which often can be mistaken as being rude. Knickie the person is shy (so she says). She lives by the old credo "don't ask, don't tell." But dare you be bold enough to ask, and you will understand why she's so often mistaken for a rude bitch!

Knickie D the poet is not afraid to show her vulnerable side. If she needs to be loved, she's not afraid to express it. If she doesn't like you or your pathetic excuse for poetry, she'll express it (artisticlly). On the other hand, if she loves your work, she'll be your cheerleader to the end (It wasn't until interviewing her that I found out I was her favorite underground emcee!) But in true West Indian form, Knickie will tell you off if she doesn't agree with you.....just read the rant at the end of her 1st poetry book "The Not-So-Hostile-Take-Over" where she dedicates the entire last page of her book to talking about how she will not "fix her face" just because YOU think her disposition suggests she has a problem.

 

Knickie like many artist is a conundrum. But what separates her from any other woman that I PERSONALLY could speak about is the reality of the situations she's gone through in her 20 plus years; the lack of understanding and support from her family with regards to her multi artistic abilities (she's a poet, a short story writer, and an illustrator amongst other things). She used to be a cutter. She just recently overcame a near death experience. Somehow Knickie always overcomes. If you ask her, it is through the power of therapeutic poetry that she was, and still is able to understand her value to the world around her. This understanding has allowed her to not only give of herself through sharing her personal experiences, but she's now able to balance that with a stark perception of the world around her. 

So why did I choose Knickie D to be the 1st woman I honored for woman's month? There's something about her pain and perseverance that is inspiring not only to women, but to me amongst other men. Not to mention, I like understanding misunderstood people! Knickie is a "weirdo," Which is something she honors. But if I've learned anything, the more weird the individual, the better the quality of their life's work (usually). And I can personally say that Knickie has Just begun to realize her potential.

Shout's to the homey Epiphany Blue for the YouTube footage.

-Soon