Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Tour Celebrates National Poetry Month in Atlanta

City Winery Atlanta hosts star-studded show featuring Queen Sheba, Malik Yusef, and Jessica Care Moore.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:30pm

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A striking black and white abstract illustration featuring a bold, jagged silhouette shape that symbolizes the fusion of poetry and hip-hop, conceptually representing the energy and artistry of the Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show.The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show celebrates the powerful connection between spoken word and hip-hop, bringing together acclaimed artists for an unforgettable National Poetry Month event.Atlanta Today

City Winery Atlanta is hosting the Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show National Poetry Month Tour on Wednesday, April 15th at 6:30pm. The event features a powerful lineup of acclaimed spoken word poets and hip-hop artists, including three-time Grammy-nominated poet Queen Sheba, Grammy-winning poet Malik Yusef, and Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore. The evening will also include an open mic, a lyrical battle between poets and MCs, and a performance by rising star vocalist Yoshihanna.

Why it matters

The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop tour celebrates the deep connections between spoken word poetry and hip-hop, showcasing some of the most influential voices in these intertwined art forms. The event provides a platform for independent artists to perform and compete, while also delivering an unforgettable live experience for the Atlanta community during National Poetry Month.

The details

The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show will open with a short open mic segment, giving local poets a chance to perform. The main event features headlining sets from Queen Sheba, Malik Yusef, and Jessica Care Moore, who will each share their powerful, genre-blending work. The evening culminates in a lyrical battle between poets and MCs, with the audience deciding the winner. Rising vocalist Yoshihanna will also take the stage, showcasing the versatility of her soulful, R&B-influenced sound.

  • The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6:30pm.
  • The event is part of the National Poetry Month Tour, which is visiting cities across the country.

The players

Queen Sheba

A three-time Grammy-nominated spoken word poet, TEDx speaker, and founder of the Poetry vs. Hip-Hop tour.

Malik Yusef

A Grammy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated spoken word poet, songwriter, and collaborator with artists like Kanye West and Beyoncé.

Jessica Care Moore

The Poet Laureate of Detroit, founder of Black Women Rock! and Moore Black Press, and an internationally celebrated poet, recording artist, and publisher.

Yoshihanna

A powerhouse vocalist and rising star who was the runner-up on The Voice in 2025, known for her rich tone, emotional delivery, and genre-blending style.

Abyss Graham

A spoken word poet who holds the rare distinction of being the only poet ever featured on a Prince album, known for his hypnotic stage presence and masterful lyricism.

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What they’re saying

“National Poetry Month comes alive in Atlanta as the nationally touring Poetry vs. Hip-Hop® show returns to City Winery Atlanta for a powerful night of Spoken Word, Hip-Hop, live music, and the battle for cash & prizes — and YOU the audience, gets to decide the winner!”

— City Winery Atlanta

What’s next

The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop Live Show National Poetry Month Tour will continue to other cities after the Atlanta event on April 15th.

The takeaway

The Poetry vs. Hip-Hop tour celebrates the deep artistic connections between spoken word poetry and hip-hop, providing a platform for independent artists to showcase their talents and engage with diverse audiences during National Poetry Month.