I sat down with friend and poet, David “Detyme” Tolliver, to discuss his recent poetry tour to the UAE and to get his thoughts on the experience.
Dorian: Where were you born, and how has that impacted your life?
Detyme: I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and that’s where my entire journey to art began. I was influenced by 90’s R&B and rhythmic fast-paced, Midwest, USA rap and lyricism. Funny enough, I first began performing with a trombone. I had many artistic endeavors between drawing, acting, and band, but when I found poetry, it helped me tell my story. Being inspired by certain genres allowed me to explore my lyricism in many creative ways.
Dorian: What a small world! I was born there too!
Detyme: I was fifteen when I wrote my first poem. Every one told me they could hear a natural rhythm, and I’m glad I finally listened. I explored Hip Hop over instrumentals when I met Cambatta in Tampa Florida, and that was around age eighteen. Before then, I was fully committed to writing poetry only, even though it was still very Hip Hop based.
Dorian: Are you sure we’re not related? I also started doing Hip Hop at fifteen and poetry at eighteen! How did you first make a name for yourself?
Detyme: Well, I’m named after my cousin Dave Tolliver from a popular R&B group, Men at Large. When I first attended a poetry event in Cleveland, I signed up with my birth name, so the emcee gave me a grand introduction to the mic because they thought they were calling him up to sing. I never wanted to be confused again, so I made sure that I created an original stage name and constantly fought to be just as dynamic as that first intro promised I’d be. I soon got into competitive slam poetry and met many talented artists along the way who have helped me step up my game.
Dorian: What made you decide to take the trip across the world to Abu Dhabi to share your poetry?
Detyme: Since I started performing seriously, I’ve been fortunate enough to become like family with a few good fellows like Matthew Cuban in Jacksonville, Asia Samson and Made Son in South Florida, Keboi in Tallahassee and you and Shadow in Atlanta. Knowing this circle of people through Southern Fried Regional Slam and the collective of Black on Black Rhyme events in Florida and Georgia, I was very in tune with all of the new opportunities arising in Abu Dhabi.
Dorian: You stand out as one of my all-around favourite poets for your technical craftsmanship, word play, and delivery, and concepts. Who are some of your major influences?
Detyme: In Cleveland, I first came across One Truth and Q Nice at the Kamikaze, forever at the core of my influence for hilarious, engaging performances with awesome writing behind every piece. Up North, we love punchlines, delivery, and all new writing is always encouraged. Other big influences on my craft have been Archie the Messenger who I met after witnessing my first poetry slam, Taalam Acey who I first saw perform after moving to Jacksonville, Florida, Matthew Cuban who was my first brother in poetry. Also, Reggie Eldridge, my partner in poetics from Tampa, Florida and a few more I met in Florida at various shows are you, Keboi, Asia Samson, Made Son, Moses West and the new youngblood generation Gucci Base Philips, Jawayne, Ephraim Rigs, and too many more to name.
Dorian: A definite honour to be on that list. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Detyme: In two years’ time, I’ll be thirty. By then, I want to be fully out of debt and financially free. By thirty-three, I want to be world-traveled and meet more people who will never forget our moments and challenge me to create more. I am concentrating more on vibes then tangible measures of success imposed upon us by societal norms. Of course I would love to be a stable rock for my daughter and never go backwards in this life.
Dorian: What’s the secret for making a poem that resonates with people?
Detyme: Tell the truth. Tell your truth. Speak it to be heard, write it to be read, think it to be better.
I like to write poems that offer solutions for phases of my life that are problematic or stressful. I like to hear the words in my head over and over before I write them down. I’m giving away the game with this next one, but I write my poems like an essay mixed with a short story and I use writing techniques they teach you in school to present your topic and thoughts. Key in on intro, transitions, content, and add setting, characters, conflict, climax and wrap it up nicely with a dynamic conclusion.
Dorian: Good advice, indeed. What are your thoughts about the UAE?
Detyme: Awesome place! I wish more people from the US could see how nice and friendly people of the world are to each other. I have had so many unforgettable moments in just such a short time. I saw the tallest building in the world. I went to the bottom of the Etihad Towers where the car fell in Fast and Furious 7. I saw the beautiful Shaikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, and met so many beautiful people. I heard many people tell how the royalty loved poetry and saw a growing nation leave a lasting impression on a foreigner. I just want more people to see what I saw.
Dorian: How can people stay in contact with you on Social Media?
Detyme: @DeTymePOET on all social networks. I’m most active on IG and Facebook and can’t wait to interact with new friends and fans around the world. Other than that, please view more info on DeTymePOET.com and find other ways to interact!
Dorian: Great! Well, um… this has been a fun conversation. Do you mind interacting with this bill so we can get out of here?
Detyme: *Stares blankly*
By Dorian “Paul D” Rogers | @pauldtheripy
