Saul Williams

What to expect

The description presents Saul Williams (1972) as a musician, activist, poet and actor with a unique place in black American culture, across music, literature and film.

It says he studied acting at New York University, began as a slam poet in 1995, sees art as a transformative force, and combines an uncompromising view with political activism.

• Influenced by old-school hiphop, West African griot tradition.
• Debut album Amethyst Rock Star (2001).
• Produced by Rick Rubin.
• Mix of rock, hip-hop and spoken word.
• Album Saul Williams released in 2004.
• Serj Tankian and Zack de la Rocha contributed.
• The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! (2007).
• Produced by Trent Reznor.
• Worked with Nas, The Fugees, De La Soul.
• Also worked with Erykah Badu and Bono.
• Also worked with Allen Ginsberg and Sonia Sanchez.
• Horror film Sinners (2025); 16 Oscar nominations.
• Co-wrote and starred in SLAM.
• SLAM won at Sundance and Cannes.
• Directed Neptune Frost.
• Released albums, books and multidisciplinary works.
• Leap Life released in August 2026.
• First solo album in seven years.
• Built on voice, rhythm and intuition.
• Blends jazz, hip-hop, ambient and spoken word.
• Contributors: Carlos Niño, Moor Mother, Kamasi Washington.
• Also Georgia Anne Muldrow and Gonjasufi.
• Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack) contributed.