FocusATL – Where Poetry, Music & Spirit Converge
“Where the Spirit Speaks in Rhythm”
FocusATL – Poet | MC | Promoter | Project Manager
FocusATL, also known as The Manager, has spent decades weaving art, music, and community into a singular creative journey. A Poet, MC, Promoter, and full-time Project Manager/Consultant, he began his artistic path in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, writing short stories and song lyrics during his senior year of high school. It was there that he discovered his gift for lyrical improvisation and began honing his craft as a Spoken Word Artist.
In 2005, he debuted Zoned Out The Box—a live, experimental poetry-and-jazz performance recorded at Atlanta’s legendary Ketch-a-Vibe jam sessions. His first full-length CD, The F.O.C Experience, followed in 2011. Today, he is promoting his latest release, A Better Tomorrow, soon to be accompanied by his first published collection of poetry, song lyrics, and short stories.
Over the past 20+ years, FocusATL has captivated audiences nationwide, sharing stages with cultural icons such as The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron, Jill Scott, Roy Ayers, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Rachelle Ferrell, India Arie, Ledisi, Avery Sunshine, Anthony David, Silk, Joey Sommerville, Howard Hewett, Donnie, Julie Dexter, Algebra Blessett, Vinx, Brian “Beano” O’Neal, The Chronicle, Cody Chestnutt, William Green, Kipper Jones, Bob Baldwin, Ken Ford, Rhonda Thomas, The Harper Family, and many more.
His love for music was planted early. “My family’s love of music planted the seed in me,” he recalls. “At my grandmother’s house, relatives and friends would gather, and soul music played day and night. I saw how it transformed people—their energy, their spirit. That same wave moves me when I perform live. It’s like a spiritual call.”
Rooted in live performance with bands, FocusATL describes his process as deeply spiritual and improvisational: “I let my soul flow with the music, explore the vibe, and transform the feeling into words. It’s not just music—it’s a lyrical experience meant to inspire positivity, good vibes, and a mindset you can live by. Every performance is unique because I let the spirit guide me.”
Balancing his artistry with his work as a project manager and consultant, FocusATL remains committed to creating work that uplifts communities worldwide. His mission is clear: to inspire growth, let the spirit move people, and share the joy of music and poetry wherever his journey takes him.
“Building Bridges Through Beats & Words”
Listen to ‘The Underground Lounge’ with Brother Focus Radio Show
Sundays from 11:00am – 1:00pm EST
Performance Now On EMVAD TV (Free Preview)