Jamaal “Mr. Root” Collier

Pronouns: he/him

Jamaal Collier—or “Mr. Root”—is a dedicated and versatile professional Hip Hop artist with more than a decade of experience facilitating workshops and live performances in the Mid-Atlantic region. By incorporating rapping, vocal percussion, and dynamic stage presence, Jamaal articulates his passionate appreciation for his artistry every time he teaches and performs. Jamaal was named the Mic-ology Spoken Word Slam Champion in 2007.

Artist Statement:

Artist Statement

I tap into younger versions of myself to create art that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of everyday life. My work is a reflection of my experiences and the experiences of those around me. Through my music, poetry, and beatboxing, I aim to inspire and uplift my audience, to create a sense of community and connection. I am constantly learning from my mistakes and the wisdom of others to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday. My style is a blend of Hip Hop, spoken word, and soulful melodies. I believe in the power of storytelling, and my lyrics are often deeply personal, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and social justice. I am committed to using my platform to amplify the voices of our children and to promote positive change through my art.

In addition to being on our K-12 teaching artist roster, Jamaal “Mr. Root” Collier is also a Maryland Wolf Trap Early Childhood teaching artist. Learn more about our Early Childhood programs.