The Virghost Poet

R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 2: Evolutionary is The Virghost Poet's second official mixtape and his first mixtape under his new home Point Blank Entertainment. It is to be release December 15, 200...

R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 2: Evolutionary is The Virghost Poet's second official mixtape and his first mixtape under his new home Point Blank Entertainment. It is to be release December 15, 200...

Durand James Somerville, better known by his stage name, “The Virghost Poet,” is a Spoken Word Artist/ Rapper/Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Promoter based in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the Co-CEO of promotion team and record label Point Blank Entertainment. His stage name ...has a double meaning, with the “Virgo” being his zodiac sign and the “Ghost,” representing him living eternally through his words. He draws inspiration from the likes of Gil Scott-Heron, Nas, Marvin Gaye, and Lauryn Hill. He is best known for his powerful stage presence and how he demands and grabs the attention of the crowd during his breathtaking performances. He is also known for his brilliant studio mind using his creativeness to produce many classic underground hits. He has a unique ability to merge the rhythm of Hip-Hop music with the poetics of the Neo-Soul genre, displaying thought-provoking lyricism and composing beautiful pieces of written and spoken art. Virghost began rapping in the fall of 2008 after recording a poem entitled “Food for Thought” for his cousin and fellow rap artist Knowledge Nick’s mixtape “The Appetite for Knowledge.” There he met Producer 901, CEO of Memphis Boy Productions. After hearing the poem 901 allowed Virghost to return and rap on a second track for Knowledge Nick’s mixtape. Inspired by fellow Memphis Boy and HypeLife artist Quake, he went home and composed his first rap. Impressed by the lyrical content of Virghost, 901 immediately signed him to the label. Thus, he began working on his first mixtape “R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 1,” an underground classic on the Memphis Hip-Hop and Spoken Word scene. His first Spoken Word performance came at a Starbucks Open Mic hosted by a local Memphis marketing group by the name of HypeLife. There he met the founder and C.E.O. of HypeLife, Darius “Phatmak” Clayton who saw his potential and later recruited him to join the company. After joining the group he began performing weekly at various venues throughout Memphis such as Euphoria, Steppin’ Up Salon and Barber, Occasions, The Boys and Girls Club, the Red Apple, and the House of Matenzi. He credits HypeLife for introducing him to the Spoken Word scene and developing him as an artist. After only performing for a short period of time he has already gained a substantial fan base in the city of Memphis. He has already been the headline feature for four shows in Memphis and one in Indianapolis. He was also invited to perform at the 2009 Charlie Christian International Jazz Festival in Oklahoma City. He along with his good friend and fellow artist, Sleepy P, have also appeared on Memphis Comcast Ch.17’s “Issues of Life” where he was interviewed and asked to perform two of his poems. He completed his first mixtape in the Spring 2009 entitled “R.A.P (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 1” selling over 400 copies independently with no distribution deal. He is currently working on his second mixtape entitled “R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 2: Evolutionary” this time under his new label Point Blank Entertainment. The highly anticipated CD is to be released December 4, 2009 and is executively produced by PBE CEO Denario “Yayo” Dodson. He hopes to one day bring PBE to the forefront of the music industry. He also plans to start a Spoken Word School for the Youth in the future. Through his hard work and dedication, The Virghost Poet is destined for future greatness. He hopes that through his words he can touch the heart, mind, and soul of one person and inspire them to do perform positive works in society to make our world a better place. Featured Shows • Lyric Paradise @ Steppin’ Up Salon and Barber Shop- Memphis, TN • Lyrical Haiku- Memphis, TN’ • The Virghost Poet Live @ Club Euphoria- Memphis, TN • Art and Soul @ Café Soul- Memphis, TN • Bently’s Bar and Grill- Indianapolis, IN Discography • R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 1 (2009) • R.A.P. (Rhythm and Poetry), Vol. 2: Evolutionary (2010) • Point Blank Artistry: The Conglomerate (2010)