We were lucky to catch up with Jason Abbitt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project that I have worked on would have to have been my first solo EP, “Beware of the Poet”- Volume 1. This is meaningful because it allowed me to experience poems I’ve written and performed over the years in a brand-new light. It also allowed me to share my work in in a previously unexplored streaming market. Th ultimate goal was not necessarily fame or fortune, but to contribute to a thriving and robust Houston poetry culture.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Originally born in Los Angeles, CA, I moved to Houston in 2012. Known on the Houston poetry scene as Sincere529, I wrote my first poem for my father’s funeral service. Despite the somber beginnings for my writing, my style of writing has morphed into intricate storytelling, meant to keep my reader or listener completely captivated. It was the 1997 film “Love Jones” that inspired me to pursue performing my spoken word pieces on stage. Hours and hours of practice has allowed for me to cultivate a style that is performative, yet conversational.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn in life was that no one was coming to save me in this life. From a mystical, benevolent entity to the people who are close to me and love me most, no one is coming to save me. If I want anything out of this life, it will be strictly from hard work and a little luck. To avoid placing blame or making excuses for shortcomings I may experience in life, I chose to take full responsibility for my life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I will be 44 years old in in February of 2024. In my 44 years of living, I have been without my mother for 30 years and my father for 26 years. I lost both of my parents before I reached the age of 20 to various forms of cancer. This life setting made me an extremely fearful young man entering adulthood. I was afraid to take risks and make mistakes because I knew I didn’t have a safety net in my parents. I am grateful for the many great influences than took turns guiding me and teaching me life lessons on the fly. My resilience stems from losing the two biggest staples in my life early, and still managing to become a productive member of society.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sincere529.com
• Instagram: @bewareofthepoet
• Twitter: @sincere529
• Youtube: @sincere529

Image Credits
Cynthia Johnson