AGE: 29
TALENTS: Poet, Arthur and MC
LOCATION: Long Beach, CA
Why do they call you "NERD"? Is this a nickname you chose or others chose for you?
I got the name “Nerd” in High School by one of the Seniors when I was a junior. A man who became one of my low key mentors at that age. I started exploring into freestyle rapping in 2001 and I would rap in the ciphers that he would beatbox for. I’ll never forget the reaction (one that I still get to this day) on his face like “um, what’s he bout to do?” He must have been impressed because he said, “When I see you I’m going to call you Nerd” and he did the Star Track sign of the N.E.R.D band fame. It kinda stuck with me after that and that was my stage name.
How would you describe your artistry?
Versatile. I always push myself to do something that is not like the last piece so no one can say that they have me figured out right away. I have a unique story with many sides to offer so I feel that I should introduce them to my audience in sections. That is why I just don’t do poems about love, or only poems about politics. Additionally I like to philosophize and present fresh outlooks on life. Everyone has a unique story and try my best to present mine in my creative expressions.
What topics do you usually like to write about?
I like to tell stories - my stories, your stories, anyone’s. I am introducing myself to the world at the moment so I feel like writing about myself right now is important. When I wrote my first poetry book “The Love Song of D. Nerd McDonald”, I told the story through poems of my experiences with love and relationships from my late teens to my mid-20s. These moments in time relate to people because they are either going through the same things or they have overcame those experiences. I enjoy relating to people because I feel like it’s not “just me” *laughs*.
When did you start writing poetry?
My poetry was actually branched off of from my rapping. I wanted to become a rapper before I was a poet. Then when Def Poetry Jam started airing on TV it inspired some people in my high school to start a Def Poets club and at first I just did verses without the beat but then I played around with different styles and tried to emulate the poetry I was reading in my English class. I would then go on to be a part of the Poetry Slam team in college. Poetry has been in my caliber ever since.
What poets/artists do you look up to and aspire to be like?
I’ve always enjoyed various African American poets from different periods in American History. I honestly think that some rappers are poets. I was heavily influenced by Hip Hop music being that my stepfather was a DJ and my dad collected albums. I also followed a lot of the classic recorded poets such as The Last Poets and Gil Scott Heron. Right now I look up to a poet named Paul Mabon. He has frequented Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles and I also have had the chance to perform for him before. His style is very comedic and dramatic which is the tones that I like to write my pieces in.
Where do you see spoken word/poetry in the next 5 to 10 years?
I see spoken word going into new places as far as production. Last year I saw a Los Angeles based production organization put on a poetry stage play for the first time. You have a world known play like Hamilton which uses a lot of poetic material and is enjoyable. Other than that, poetry is a classic activity like skateboarding or playing baseball, I don’t really see it doing anything but be better.
What is your favorite piece that you've written and why?
My most favorite piece to date is a poem called “Captain Save a Ho”. It’s a pretty fun piece and it came from a writing prompt about a “less than super, hero”.
I follow your Snapchat and you seem to like the topic of relationships and being single. What type of lucky lady are you looking for?
I personally believe that if you haven’t found the love of your live in high school or college, you’re screwed. *laughs* Just kidding! But dating in LA is such a hard thing to do because there is so much variety and space it can be overwhelming and in most of my cases very frustrating. Over the years though, I have gotten to figure out what I like and I want I don’t like in a potential partner and really want someone that is an affectionate friend and a leader in her community.
When is your next show?
I will be performing at The Loft on Avalon in the Compton area on February 3rd at 8 p.m. for a bi-weekly Open Mic Night. Other than that you can catch me at a weekly open mic in the Los Angeles or Long Beach area. I usually post my shows on my Instagram page @nerdraps or on Facebook under Dominic Nerd McDonald.
