
J. Ivy
Award Winning Poet, Recording Artist, Songwriter, Actor & Author
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…
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Full Bio
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 becoming a Grammy Award Winning 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.
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 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.?
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 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.”
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. From his work with Kanye West & Jay-Z, to MCing and performing at events for Deepak Chopra, to voicing openings for sporting events like the NFL’s Sunday Night Football on NBC and ESPN’s US Open, to writing a rap for Martha Stewart, to collaborating with singers like John Stephens, who J. Ivy renamed John Legend (featured on Oprah’s Next Chapter, The Howard Stern Show, and in The Ebony/Jet & Vogue Magazine), to being awarded a Gold Clio Award for his National AD Campaign with Verizon, to voice-over commercials for Benjamin Moore Paint and Nissan, J’s versatility continues to surprise and inspire all walks of life. Not only is he a poet, writer, and voice-over artist, but he also collaborates his poetry with music, acts, and is humbly a superb photographer.
After touring with his book “HERE I AM: Then & Now,” which is a follow up to his album “HERE I AM,” J. Ivy recently inked a book deal with Beyond Words Publishing, an imprint of Atria Books & Simon and Schuster, for the January 27, 2015 release of his new book “Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain.” With an undying fortitude to create, J. Ivy is also in the process of releasing Volume 1 of his music collective “Diggin’ In The Papes” and completing his next album “LIFE after Life.”
Beyond music, television, and the touring circuit, J. continues to support community arts through his Write To Live Academy Workshop & The Dear Father Initiative, which encourages young people to explore the arts.
J. Ivy is a modern day Renaissance man magically merging art and leaving a beautiful mark for the world and the future to embrace.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
The Power of Forgiveness
Finding your voice
Fatherhood/Fatherlessness
Breaking Cycles of Pain
Videos
Never Let Me Down By J. Ivy on HBO Def Poetry
Turning MY PAIN into MY POWER: J. Ivy at TEDxAshburn
Sway in Chicago: J Ivy Performs Spoken Word and Talks New Projects
Books
News
Testimonials
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