Truly, when it comes to the art of Hip-Hop Poetry, J. Ivy is the 1st of his kind. He is a pioneer, a trendsetter, one who has knocked down impossible doors, taking the Art of Poetry directly to today’s mainstream music & television arenas. His motivational motto, “Dreams Don't Come True, They Are True,” has guided him from his native home Chicago to being featured on a GRAMMY Award Winning Album, as well as becoming a Peabody, Clio, and NAACP Image Award Winning Poet and Artist. From his breath taking performances for people of all ages to his appearances on countless television networks, J. Ivy’s passionate delivery always leaves spectators transfixed in a state of inspiration, and because of that he is recognized World Wide.

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J first discovered his affinity for the written art during a routine high school assignment. After hearing the talent in J’s writing, as well as in his voice, his English teacher, Ms. Paula Argue, demanded he share his gift on stage. Reluctant, but never afraid, J performed for his peers and to his surprise he received a standing ovation. Since that life changing moment, J has never stopped creating. He headed to Illinois State University, where he soon became known on campus as “The Poet,” which later led him to performing throughout Chicago.

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In no time, J. Ivy became a staple on the Chicago arts scene. Excited about his quick success, but far from satisfied, J pressed on becoming the 1st African-American Poet to represent Chicago on Russell Simmons Presents HBO Def Poetry performing his captivating poem, “I NEED To Write.” Again he received a standing ovation and was invited back for two encore appearances on the award winning show, which included his heartfelt poem “Dear Father.”

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As a seasoned performer, J. Ivy’s artistry and accomplishments have range, carrying him and allowing him to work in an array of creative outlets.

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From his work on the classic song "Never Let Me Down" with Kanye West & Jay-Z, to performing a poem for NBA Hall of Fame Legend Michael Jordan, to MC'ing and

performing at events for Deepak Chopra, to voicing openings for sporting events like the NFL’s Sunday Night Football on NBC, ESPN’s US Open, National Spelling Bee, the 2017 NBA Draft, and The Undefeated's Dear Black Athlete, to co-starring in and narrating B.E.T.'s award winning film Muhammad Ali: The People's Champ & Martin: The Legacy of a King (both directed by Coodie & Chike), to starring in a national ad for AARP, to collaborating with artists like Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Slum Village, and John Stephens, who J. Ivy renamed John Legend (featured on Oprah’s Next Chapter), J’s versatility continues to surprise and inspire all walks of life.

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Not only is he a poet, writer, and voice-over artist, who has shared stages with the likes of Prince, Sia, Doug E. Fresh, Jim Carrey, Sway in the Morning, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Lauryn Hill, Dave Chappelle, and many more, but he also collaborates his poetry with music, and is humbly a superb photographer.

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After touring with his book "HERE I AM: Then & Now," which is a follow up to his album "HERE I AM," J. Ivy released his new book "Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain," published by Beyond Words Publishing, an imprint of Atria Books & Simon and Schuster. J. Ivy has also recently released "My Daddy's Records: Songs from the book Dear Father," and the Dear Father Audio Book.

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Beyond music, television, and the touring circuit, J. continues to support community arts through The Dear Father Movement, which encourages people of all ages to explore the arts and find strength through The Power of Forgiveness by writing their own Dear Father Letter.

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J. Ivy is a modern day renaissance man magically merging art and leaving a beautiful mark for the world and the future to embrace.

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Corporate clients include: AARP, ABC, Allstate, Benjamin Moore, Brand Jordan, BET, ESPN, FedEx, Ford, HBO, Martha Stewart, McDonalds, Microsoft, Miller Lite, NBA, NBC, Nike, Nissan, & Sprite.