From an early age, Ok Love the Poet felt a deep accountability to nurture and uplift these round her. As a baby, she gathered neighborhood children on her porch, braided their hair, and took them to the library—unknowingly strolling in her function. It wasn’t till discovering spoken phrase that she actually understood her calling. Now, as she prepares to open for legendary MC Lyte at Chicago’s Metropolis Vineyard on March 14, Ok Love displays on religion, spirituality, and divine timing in her journey.
Dwelling in function
“I didn’t understand what a present it was as an adolescent,” Ok Love explains. “At 11 years outdated, I’d have all of the 7-year-olds within the neighborhood on my porch each Saturday. I used to be combing their hair and taking them to the library.”
Her mom typically reminded her, “These aren’t your kids, little lady. You might be my baby.” However Ok Love couldn’t ignore her sense of accountability towards them.
“I knew very younger that I’d educate. I assumed I’d grow to be a faculty instructor, however poetry was the wild card that popped up. It was like, ‘You’re gonna educate, however you’re gonna use this to do it.’ I immediately knew this was my function.”
Religion as basis
Initially generally known as a Christian or gospel poet, Ok Love’s early work centered on religion and spirituality. “In more moderen days, I think about myself an artist whose basis is non secular, not essentially spiritual,” she says.
“I do really feel like this can be a God-given present, so I deal with it prefer it’s sacred. I consider I’m right here to ship a message my ancestors gave me. You gained’t see me doing foolishness with the lyrics.”
The MC Lyte alternative
The chance to open for MC Lyte got here by what Ok Love considers divine timing. After seeing MC Lyte’s submit about her tour and “The Lyft Up Cypher,” Ok Love submitted a lately viral video known as “Do a New Factor.”
“I requested my fan base to verify MC Lyte sees this. Inside 24 hours, MC Lyte herself DM’d me on Instagram saying ‘I would like your administration data.’”
Initially invited to carry out in Richmond, Virginia on February 16—the identical day as Ok Love’s annual birthday live performance—she needed to decline. “I stated I’m so sorry I’m booked, however I’d love a possibility to do it in my hometown, Chicago.”
After setting down her telephone, Ok Love returned to seek out a number of messages asking if she might carry out in Chicago on March 14 or 15. “They’re actually rocking with me,” she realized. “I stated I might do Chicago on the 14th, and it has been a date since then.”
What to anticipate
For her Metropolis Vineyard efficiency, Ok Love guarantees “the reality, vulnerability, integrity, transparency, authenticity, and love. You will get the everyday Ok Love expertise—I’m gonna carry lots of ardour and be trustworthy and true to myself.”