J. Ivy is a trailblazer in the realm of Hip-Hop Poetry, breaking barriers and bringing the art form into mainstream music and television. A pioneer and trendsetter, he embodies the spirit of his motivational motto, “Dreams Don't Come True, They Are True,” famously quoted by Oprah Winfrey. This mantra has propelled him from his roots in Chicago to becoming a three-time GRAMMY®, Peabody, Clio, Telly, and NAACP Image Award-winning poet and artist. In February 2023, J. Ivy achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a GRAMMY® for his album, THE POET WHO SAT BY THE DOOR, making history as the first poet to win in the new Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category. He is also the first poet to receive a GRAMMY® since the legendary Dr. Maya Angelou. Additionally, he won a GRAMMY® for his contribution to the
Tennessee State Marching Band’s The Urban Hymnal in the Best Gospel Roots category.
Following this success, he released his seventh album, THE LIGHT INSIDE, in September 2023,
and secured another GRAMMY® in 2024. J. Ivy's impressive career includes collaborations on iconic tracks like “Never Let Me Down" with Kanye West and Jay-Z, performing for NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, and hosting events for
figures such as Deepak Chopra. He has lent his voice to high-profile sporting events, including NFL’s Sunday Night Football and ESPN’s US Open, and co-starred in B.E.T.'s acclaimed film Muhammad Ali: The People's Champ. He was the lead writer and voice director of Netflix's Emmy Nominated Kanye West documentary. His versatility shines through national campaigns for brands like the Jordan Brand, AARP, and Bulleit Whiskey, as well as writing and narrating
Beyoncé’s promo for Black Is King during the 2020 NBA Return. His collaborations extend to artists like Ray Charles, Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, Slick Rick, Yolanda Adams, PJ Morton, Ledisi, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Dave Chappelle, Tarrey Torae, Gary Bartz, Estelle, Black Thought, Marsha Ambrosius, Slum Village, Adam Blackstone,
and EGOT Winner John Stephens, who J. Ivy renamed John Legend. All of which has showcased
his ability to captivate, uplift, entertain, and inspire a diverse audience.
A modern renaissance man, J. Ivy seamlessly blends art and inspiration, leaving an enduring impact on the world. From appearances on The View, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and the Today Show to passionate performances at Madison Square Garden, the GRAMMYs® Premiere Ceremony, the United Nations, and The White House, J. Ivy has touched some of the world’s largest platforms and stages, earning him recognition across the globe.
