The Inspired Word is thrilled to introduce its new host, Christopher Andrew AKA Gemineye. Chris, a spoken word artist, writer, and educator, has featured on HBO Def Poetry Jam three times and for TIW twice, including on our memorable all-star anniversary night, and we absolutely love the guy. Laugh out loud funny. Totally likeable. And incredible stage presence. His debut night will be March 10. Welcome to the family, Chris.
Gemineye's Bio:
Spoken word artist, writer, and poet - Gemineye - is a “dual personality.” Born Christopher Andrew in Washington State, this poet would arrive and settle in Mount Vernon, NY. “Money Earning Mount Vernon,” as it was known, was home to rap artists Heavy D, Pete Rock, and C.L. Smooth, as well as actors and celebrities including Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington, the Legendary Dick Clark, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, and a host of others.
Christopher pursued college studies at the University at Albany (State University of New York) - where he received both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree. In his spare time, Christopher worked endlessly towards developing his talents for writing and acting. His strong stage presence would be developed through the teaching of skilled actors who organized PROPS theater group on the University at Albany campus. During his time at the University at Albany, Christopher performed poetry in many talent shows and open-mic showcases. He also starred in several major theatrical productions which were written, directed, and produced by the PROPS Theater Group.
In June of 2001, Christopher moved to New Jersey to become an administrator with the Office of Residence Life at Montclair State University. This transition proved to be one of the greatest opportunities ever presented, and Christopher took full advantage of his new surroundings. He began associating with various colleagues at Montclair State University; some of whom enjoyed attending diversified poetry readings throughout the tri-state area. Christopher would make his own way onto the poetry scene in August of 2001 at Newark, New Jersey’s Euphoria Café, which was hosted by HBO Def Poet, “Flowmentalz.” Christopher would quickly become a crowd favorite in nearly every venue he entered, and continued to hone his spoken word skills through slam competitions and open-mics.
A 2002 finalist in the world renowned “Nuyorican Poets’ Café” Grand Slam Finals in New York; a 2002 finalist at Serengeti Plains in New Jersey - he would soon hold the title of “Grand Slam Champion” in New Jersey. He was the anchor member of the 2002 New Jersey National Slam Team and competed at the 2002 National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis. Christopher would retain his title in 2003 becoming only the 1st person to win back to back Grand Slam Championships in New Jersey. He would again attend the National Poetry Slam (in Chicago) as a member of the New Jersey National Slam Team. Christopher made his third straight trip to the National Poetry Slam in 2004 where the New Jersey National Slam Team finished in sixth place (out of 67 teams); the best finish ever by a team from New Jersey. In 2006, Christopher rejoined the team for a fourth appearance at the national Poetry Slam in Austin, Texas.
Since his start, Christopher has shared the stage with a plethora of artists including poets, hip hop artists, musicians, and motivational speakers. He has performed for audiences all over the United States including celebrities such as Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons, Hip Hop Legend and the World’s Greatest Entertainer Dougie Fresh, Hip Hop Artist/Producer Sean (P.Diddy) Combs, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dr. Ben Chavis, Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Hip Hop Artist/Producer Kanye West, R&B Legend Smokey Robinson, R&B Artist Tweet, Hip-Hop Artists Ludacris and Raekwon, and several others. Christopher has published materials, both compact discs and books. He has also been broadcast live on the 98.7 KISS FM morning show in New York City and the tri-state area, which is co-hosted by celebrity comedian, and fellow Mount Vernon native, Talent. Christopher’s supercharged poetical style has earned him three consecutive appearances on HBO presents “Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry” in 2003, 2004, and 2005 (seasons 3, 4, and 5, respectfully).
In 2003, Christopher, along with three other spoken word artists from New Jersey (Flowmentalz, Rasheed Adero, and Dtheschizophrenic) formed a non-profit organization called New Jersey S.L.A.M. (Supporting, Leading, Advocating, and Mentoring) (www.njslam.org). Together, these four poets are attempting to provide a new energy and promote positive changes amongst the youth living within impoverished neighborhoods. The activities they provide range from mentorship programs and tutoring workshops, to the presentation of a full length poetry play that engages young minds and helps them understand the downfalls of things such as drug abuse, drug dealing, gang membership, unsafe sexual activity, as well as others. NJ SLAM recently became SLAM Global, and under the director of Divad Sanders (Dtheschizophrenic), President and Founder, has branched out into communities beyond Northern New Jersey.
In addition to his work NJ SLAM and SLAM Global, Christopher has assisted the efforts of the Hip Hop Action Network, working with Russell Simmons and Dr. Ben Chavis, and performing at the first annual Hip Hop Summit Action Network Awards honoring Jay - Z, P. Diddy, and Tommy Hilfiger. He has also attended and assisted with the efforts of the Hip Hop Action Network’s Financial Summit “Get Your Money Right” which was partnered with Chrysler Financial (Miami, July 2005) as well as the National Hip Hop Political Convention in Newark New Jersey in August of 2005, where he performed at a political empowerment seminar, as well as shared the main stage during a finale performance with artists such as Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Dougie Fesh, and Slick Rick.
Since first stepping foot onto the Spoken Word scene, Christopher has worked diligently to use his art form as a venue to express personal feelings about the issues of today, and life inside of urban America. His poetry often tells tales of truth pertaining to life, love, erotica, urban events, and various other aspects that people from all walks of life can relate to.
Christopher has spent the last ten years merging his worlds of spoken word and higher education. He has maintained his passion for both and has continued performing to and talking with college and high school students across the country as a poet and educator all while continuing to expand his professional aspirations. He currently works as an Associate Dean of Students at a medium sized university in New Jersey.
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