Spoken Word brings back poetry to its oral traditions and frees poetry and language from its conventions. Most often, it expresses the urban concerns of its artists. Contrary to Rap, a form of oral poetry composed according to rhythms in the music, Spoken Word is never dictated by it. Instead, it pushes the musicality of words in their own right.

We will define Spoken Word by exploring Shafiq's lyrical use of language and physical expression in the context of his performance. Visual interpretation will support and give life to the themes inherent in his work.
"Shafiq incorporates movement, linguistic nuances and voice manipulations into his poetry that makes his performance an event not to be missed." Jill Battson, Much Music/Virgin Records Word Up project.