The debut LP from surrealist blues poet aja monet, when the poems do what they do, picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album and came in at number 11 on KCRW’s list of the 23 Best Albums of 2023. But these accolades only scratch the surface of the multitudes monet contains. “When reading poetry on the page, the writer’s voice is more of an imagined vision,” says KCRW DJ Tyler Boudreaux of when the poems do what they do. “But when you combine the art of spoken word and jazz, it elevates poetry to a new and purely Black art form.”

More:KCRW’s Top 23 Albums of 2023

In the midst of this rapturous reception, the multi-faceted artist, activist, and thinker is making the transition from regular Morning Becomes Eclectic listener — she tunes in nearly every day via the terrestrial radio in her kitchen — to guest DJ. Her immensely powerful words lead the way as she speaks intently on activism and storytelling; and she explains what the blues mean to her in a way that feels like she’s reciting a spontaneous poem. Press the player button to your left to hear it for yourself and read on for her guest DJ selects as only she can describe them.

aja monet– “give my regards to Brooklyn”

I wrote this poem years and years… I mean, years ago. It felt very relevant to Brooklyn, like every time I would go home, when I would be there that poem is something that embodies what I felt, what I feel, and what I've had to go through and experience. It's a really good capsule of Brooklyn at a certain time, I think, a time capsule for people.

When we were making the record. I had in my mind that I would start with this, as if people don't know who I am. They don't know anything about me. This is an introduction record. So [this poem/song] didn't end up on the album, but we put it out right before [the album was released]. It was really exciting because we wanted to give people a little bit of a teaser of who I am, where I come from, and what makes me who I am.

Mamas Gun – “This Is The Day”

My grandma used to have the radio on in the kitchen all the time, so that's why it's become this thing [for me too]. You being in my living room in my house gives me some comfort. I have you there with me and I'm like, “Oh, I'm in my house, I’m cooking…” But you played this song one time [on the radio]. And [now] I listen to it all the time. It's the song that helps me when I want to get my day started, when I want to feel great about starting the day.

Thee Sacred Souls – “Easier Said Than Done”

I love old souls. There's just something about old souls. The whole band is incredible, but this singer has an incredible voice. We started following each other, and have started to collaborate.

[Delivered directly to Josh Lane of Thee Sacred Souls] It's been incredible to start to work with you, collaborate with you, and dream up the world we want to see together. Knowing artists like you that exist in the world has given me courage. So I just want to say thank you, Josh, for standing up and speaking out at this time and making an incredible, incredible record with an incredible band, Thee Sacred Souls.

This song is called “Easier Said Than Done” and ain't that always the case?

More:Thee Sacred Souls: KCRW Live From HQ