DOSSIER
(or
just a real fancy word for bio)
International Spoken Word Recording
Artist MAD doesn’t have anger
management issues.
His name is actually an acronym for Many Attitudes of Dennis. And
for those that still believe the name MAD is a reflection of Dennis’
disposition, please see Merriam-Webster’s
definition of the word “mad”; in addition to meaning “furious” and “enraged,”
it also means “carried away by enthusiasm” and “marked by wild gaiety and
merriment.” So the word “mad” itself has many attitudes, as does MAD’s poetry
(which ranges from male lesbianism, to pantyhose, to thought provoking side
splitting social commentary, to women’s issues, to baring his soul), which
makes it the perfect acronym for Dennis.
Relatively new on the scene, MAD has skyrocketed in stature in a short time. He’s already featured at The World Famous Apollo Theater, won Rolling Out National “Poet-Tree” Contest and had poem published nationally, established a formidable presence in the world of slam poetry and 1-on-1 mic fighting (Undefeated Big Mouth Bout Heavyweight). MAD has also independently released 3 CD’s: Many Attitudes of Dennis, My Amorous Dissertations and The Gospel According 2 MAD. The following comparison appeared in a post-fight analysis of a MAD Big Mouth Bout (poetic boxing match): “…an observer comments to me that MAD seems to have the voice of Lamar Hill, the humor of Flowmentalz and the metaphoric ability of Jamaal St. John neatly wrapped in one package….” (“The Problem Report” – 08/22/03) Such an endorsement serves as proof of the talent that MAD possesses. Here are just some of the impressive credentials he has amassed thus far:
2005 Nuyorican
Poets Café Grand Slam Finalist
2005 NY and
New Jersey National Slam Teams Finalist
2004 Def
Poetry Jam Urban Radio Champion
2004 Word Up! Festival Haiku Slam Champion
2003 Hottest Poets Erotic Slam Champion
Opening Act
for R&B Legend Keith Sweat
Numerous
Radio Appearances (98.7 KISS, 107.5 WBLS, WBAI)
In the tradition of the late great Richard Bartee (The “D”
Train Poet), MAD regularly tours the NYC subway; performing mainly on the “M,”
“A,” and “D” trains. He’s dubbed this endeavor the “Triplets Tour,” since all proceeds go to feeding his
3-yr-old triplets (that’s not a typo). MAD is also active in the community and
regularly performs/hosts for youth events, schools, institutions of higher
learning and houses of worship. MAD recently helped raise $8,000 for victims of
the Indian Ocean tsunami.
MAD’s charisma and
personality translate well into performance poetry. He also has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Journalism from St. John’s University, which contributes to his
strong writing skills. But enough of that! No dossier (or just a
real fancy word for bio) would be complete without the obligatory: “What made
you start doing poetry?” According to MAD, it was “to get into a woman’s
pants”; after learning she loved poetry, he promised to write her a poem a
week. He keeps that promise to this
day, but has since given up on getting in her pants. If anything, poetry winded
up getting into his pants, as well as
his heart and mind. MAD, who’s always been a restless soul says, “I’ve finally
found my niche.”
CONTACT INFO
MAD (Dennis Francis) / 116-07 Mexico
Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412
[email protected] (email) / www.geocities.com/sayhellotothemadguy (website)