Saul Williams Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Rap artist Saul Williams has been making music. At the same time, he has used his talents as a poet, actor, and author.

Childhood and Early Life

Saul Williams was born on February 29, 1972, in Newburgh, New York. His father was a Baptist preacher. His mother was a teacher.

Education

Saul Williams graduated from Newburgh Free Academy. He attended Morehouse College where he earned his degree in acting and philosophy.  Williams graduated from New York University's Tisch School of Arts with a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Rise To Stardom

Saul Williams got his start to fame for his poetry. In 1996, he won the “Grand Slam Championship” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. 

His acting, however, put him into a larger spotlight. While he had a few roles in some films, it was when he was the lead actor in the 1998 film Slam.  

Career

At the same time that Slam was released, Saul Williams was also working as an artist with others such as Christian Alvarez, Erykah Badu, Blackalicious, and Sonia Sanchez of the Black Arts Movement.  Saul Williams released his LP in 2001. Amethyst Rock Star was his first studio album in the genre of experimental hip-hop. It received mixed reviews from critics. He released Saul Williams in 2004 with greater success. Saul Williams toured with other groups and reached a broader audience.  He went on the 2005 European tour with Nine Inch Nails and performed at Lollapalooza. He also collaborated with Nine Inch Nail's Trent Reznor on his 2007 album The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!. 

At first, the album was only available via the Internet as a digital download. Willilams appeared in Nine Inch Nail's Year Zero album that criticized contemporary U.S. Politics. Along with releasing albums, touring the world, and acting in various television, film, and theater roles, Williams continues to write and publish poetry.  The vocal reading of NGH WHT – The Dead Emcee Scrolls with the Arditti Quartet was released in 2009.  The Arditti String Quartet conducted by Thomas Kessler is also on the album.

Personal Life and Legacy

Saul Williams had a relationship with artist Marcia Jones. They had a daughter. Williams married Persia White in 2008. The couple divorced after a year together.

Philanthropic Works / Humanitarian Work

Saul Williams is a critic of the War on Terrorism, in particular, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also signed the Occupy Movement to take a stand against social and economic inequality.

Awards and Achievements

For his portrayal of a young poet, he was nominated for the Best Debut Performance for the Independent Spirit Award and won the Breakthrough Award from Gotham Awards.

Summary of Major Works

Film

Slam (1998), King of the Korner (2000), Today (2012)

Theater

Holler if Ya Hear Me (2014)

Television

Girlfriends (2003), Lackawanna Blues TV movie (2005)

Albums

Saul Williams (2004), The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! (2007), NGH WHT – The Dead Emcee Scrolls with The Arditti Quartet (2009), Volcanic Sunlight (2011)

Poetry Collections

The Seventh Octave (1998), She (1999), Said the Shotgun to the Head (2003), The Dead Emcee Scrolls (2006)' Chorus (2012)' US (2015)