Sean Avery Medlin: Hip-Hop Nerd, Gamer, and Provocative Wordsmith
Sean Avery Medlin (he/they) is an innovative poet, playwright, and cultural advocate based in Arizona. A self-described gamer and hip-hop nerd, Medlin’s work boldly questions the limits of Black masculinity, media misrepresentation, and personal narrative. With a dream to create rap, poetry, prose, and performance full-time, they channel their passions into art that is as provocative as it is deeply personal.
A Unique Voice in Contemporary Culture
Medlin’s creative journey is defined by a distinct perspective that fuses elements of hip-hop culture, gaming, and speculative fiction. Their only wish in this world is to watch an unproblematic Black sci-fi TV show—a desire that humorously encapsulates the challenges and contradictions of contemporary media representation. This blend of cultural critique and self-aware humor fuels their work, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar narratives through a fresh, critical lens.
Literary and Performance Achievements
Sean Avery Medlin’s work spans multiple genres and platforms. As a performance poet and playwright, they have been a vibrant presence on stages across Arizona and beyond. Their thought-provoking pieces have graced prominent platforms and festivals, including the 2020 Tucson Poetry Festival and the 2018-2019 Chicago Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Their dynamic presence in the literary world has also led to features in notable publications such as the Phoenix New Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Review of Books, Teen Vogue, Afropunk, and Blavity.
Medlin’s artistic output includes a hip-hop play and album titled “skinnyblk,” available online at superseanavery.com, and their debut collection of essays and poetry, “808s & Otherworlds: Memories, Remixes, & Mythologies,” published by Two Dollar Radio. This collection is available in audio, digital, and print formats throughout the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, solidifying their reputation as a multifaceted and boundary-pushing artist.
Educator and Cultural Leader
In addition to their creative work, Sean Avery Medlin is committed to nurturing the next generation of writers and cultural activists. They teach creative writing on the side, sharing their passion for language and storytelling with students and emerging artists alike. Medlin also guides artistic and cultural work for various organizations across Arizona, helping to shape a more inclusive and dynamic arts community.
Their work in education is not just about imparting technical skills; it’s about inspiring a deeper understanding of identity and empowering others to question dominant narratives. Through their teaching, Medlin encourages students to explore the intersections of race, gender, and media representation, fostering critical thinking and creative expression.
A Vision for the Future
Sean Avery Medlin’s ambitions extend far beyond the classroom and stage. With a clear vision to create and perform full-time, they continue to push the boundaries of what poetry and performance can be. Their work is a call to action—a reminder that art is a powerful tool for challenging societal norms and advocating for change. Medlin’s unique voice, which melds hip-hop, gaming culture, and incisive social commentary, is paving the way for a new era of artistic expression in Arizona and across the globe.
