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Clas A. Poet Leads the Youth in Regaining Hip-Hop Culture Through Poetic Music

Clas A. Poet champions the return to the roots of hip-hop culture. His music explores themes of change and justice, inviting listeners to consider points of view beyond their own.

Crishawn Washington, better known by his stage name Clas A. Poet, is a hip-hop artist and advocate. His early exposure to music and the challenges he faced because of his faith tradition shaped his journey to self-discovery. The artist demonstrated a musical inclination at a young age. Being the only child for 15 years, Clas A. enjoyed a strong bond with his mother and her taste in music. His passion for singing and dancing developed while listening to The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and Michael Jackson. 

Clas A. Poet stood out in school because of the religion he practiced. He experienced being teased, bullied, and increasingly feeling isolated. Clas A’s faith tradition also discouraged him from listening to hip-hop. However, a combination of familial influence and life events soon led him to rap music. Listening to Drake on the radio was especially helpful for young Crishawn to process negative experiences and build his self-esteem. When he finally started writing music, he became increasingly drawn to the wordplay of Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Eminem, and other artists. Slowly, Clas A developed his skills and lyrical ability.   

The artist, who started as a casual listener, is now a fully-fledged student of hip-hop culture. Through his music, Clas A. Poet provides a variety of styles and thought-provoking concepts. Clas A. believes that the rap genre should welcome all people. Listeners detect the unmistakable heart and inspiration in his poetic songs.

Out of his recognition of the youth’s power to lead the future, Clas A. Poet created RAP Society. Founding the platform and community for rap artists is his direct reaction against the devolution of hip-hop culture. For years, Clas A. witnessed how capitalism has transformed hip-hop into nothing more than a celebration of materialism. He started the RAP Society movement to direct the next generation’s sights into the roots of their art. By sharing his insights, Clas A. hopes to regain the wide range of emotions and creativity that should characterize hip-hop.

“I want to unite people who just want to hear real music. We’ve compromised our values, and I want them back,” explains Clas A. Poet. The hip-hop artist gives voice to the underdogs and the unfortunate; his life experiences allow him to empathize with his audience deeply. Clas A. engages with his listeners in a way that encourages them to expand their perspectives in life.

Due to his deliberate stance against conforming to the mainstream, Clas A. Poet has received intense hatred and opposition. At times, these experiences have left him feeling discouraged. However, Clas A. views these challenges within the larger context of the ongoing spiritual war between the Black community and oppression. The artist remains optimistic by pursuing a higher purpose in his vocation while remembering to have fun through music. Clas A. maintains the use of hip-hop to express triumph and overcome tribulations. He embodies versatility, thoughtfulness, and style.

For more information, you may follow Clas A. Poet on Instagram.

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