Contrast The Poet’s (James Walden) unique style sets him apart as a contemporary story teller who fuses spoken word with UK hip hop to create a refreshing new style of Lyricist. Born and bread in Brighton, UK; his life’s twists and turns gave him the resilience to make it through major life challenges on both sides of the Atlantic. His raw narrative often leads to explosive tracks such as Moment of Silence, Final Warning, and Hidden Contracts, set to release in the final part of 2026 on all major platforms.

As a conscious rapper and poet Contrast The Poet regularly performs at venues across Brighton (where he calls home) including Off The Chest at The Komedia during Brighton Fringe Festival 2025, West Pier Recordings - Rising Stars at Artista, Hammer & Tong Poetry Slam/Jam, Afori Books - Off The Page, and at many more local live music venues around Brighton.

2026 is a big year with studio time, a solo show during the Brighton Fringe Festival, and an EP launching in the summer!

In May 2024 Contrast The Poet (James Walden) was walking alone on Liverpool St In central London. After suddenly becoming light headed, he passed out during which time he saw visions of the universe and the name Contrast was whispered to him by an inner voice. After spending the night in hospital he was released the next day with a clean bill of health; only now he could think in poetry.

From that day on Contrast The Poet has shot onto the UK Spoken Word scene as an explosive story teller, performing original contemporary compositions which fuse hip hop beats with lyrical stories about spirituality, personal experiences, and world events to powerful effect.

Passionate about mental health, veterans support, homelessness, neurodivergence, and the raising of the collective consciousness - Please reach out using the contact form to request charity event performances you think are a good fit!