Slam

(1998)Directed by Marc Levin104 min · RDrama
Words make sense of a world that won't.

Raymond Joshua, a young black performance poet, is arrested and imprisoned for a petty marijuana charge in a Washington, D.C. jail. Although the confining prison walls do little to shield him from danger, it is within those walls that Raymond establishes his identity, strength, and voice and meets a prison gang leader and a prison writing teacher, Lauren Bell. Bell inspires Raymond to use the power of creative expression to free himself from the struggles and demise of the Black male as another victim of the judicial system.

Saul Williamsas Ray Joshua
Sonja Sohnas Lauren Bell
Bonz Maloneas Hopha
Lawrence Wilsonas Big Mike
Beau Siaas Jimmy Huang
Andre Tayloras China
Momolu Stewartas Bay (Jail Rapper)
Ron Jonesas Do Wop Cop
Reamer Shedrickas Do Wop Cop
Allan E. Lucasas Chief C.O.
Jerome Goldmanas Jail Class Poet 'Why'
DJ Renegadeas Party Poet 'Diminuendo in Blue'
Liza Jessie Petersonas Slam Poet 'Ice Cream'
Taylor Malias Slam Poet 'Like'
Bob Holmanas Slam MC
Rhozier T. Brownas Public Defender
Richard Strattonas Prosecutor
Marion Barryas Judge
Weusi Barakaas Weed Buyer
Eddie Blackas Dodge City Crew
Harry Campbellas Dodge City Crew
Robert Philsonas Dodge City Crew
Daniel M. Favorsas Jail C.O.