Professional rap artists Desdamona and Carnage performed for Whalin-Fiskum, Robinson, and Birsch’s English students in the black box on Monday. The duo gave a clean presentation of a new era art form that includes poetry with an upbeat tempo.
The up and coming group has been gaining more recognition for their work recently, but it wasn’t always that way. Carnage, whose real name is Terrell Woods, grew up in an abusive, drug-surrounded home. He spent his childhood stealing clothes and food, while his mother neglected him.
“But I’ll go and steal a sandwich and some pop and some chips so that I can eat while I’m out today, you know while my mom’s at home shooting up,” said Carnage. “I knew what I needed to do to survive, and I learned it early on. But I also knew that there was consequences for my actions, so I would only take it so far.” (Full interview by MPR here)
After many years of practicing beat-boxing, Carnage has teamed up with rapper and singer, Desdamona, and the two spend their time traveling around the country to perform in various venues as an opening act.
Returning to their home state of Minnesota, ILL Chemistry performed and interacted with BHS students to convey an uplifting message using poetry. The 10th grade English department has spent weeks learning about different styles of poetry, ending with a private show by Carnage and Desdamona.
“It was a great experience just being able to hear the different noises and rhymes they made using poetry,” said Sophomore Mariah Brings. “They used a different, unique, way to express themselves through music.”
