Tommy Bottoms campaigns for spoken word nomination after Def Poetry Jam breakthrough performance

Twenty years after his poem “Basic Economics” captivated television audiences on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam, Peru, Indiana native Tommy Bottoms is back in the spotlight – this time with his sights set on Grammy gold.

The spoken word artist is currently touring the country as a part of his For Your Consideration campaign, hoping to secure a nomination for his latest album, “The Art of Intelligence,” before the Sept. 30 deadline.

On Sept. 19, Bottoms brought that campaign home to Indiana, headlining the 13th anniversary of “The Green House Affect” open mic at PharmFree Life Dispensary & Cafe. The energy in the room was palpable as poets, comedians, rappers and singers gathered to celebrat

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