Drowning In The Open - Dxtr Spits & Nikki Giovanni (Spoken Word Album) marks the release of a deeply resonant spoken word project that brings together the voice of legendary poet Nikki Giovanni and acclaimed artist Jordan "Dxtr Spits" Holmes.
The album centers on Men’s Mental Health, offering an honest and culturally grounded response to the growing mental health crisis facing men across the United States. Through metaphor-driven poetry and direct address, the project speaks to men who appear steady on the surface while carrying unspoken internal weight.
At the heart of Drowning In The Open is Giovanni’s final recorded message, captured shortly before her passing in December 2024. Her words speak directly to men about wellbeing, vulnerability, and the right to be seen, pairing with Holmes’ spoken word narratives drawn from his own lived experience. The album uses the metaphor of drowning in plain sight to describe emotional isolation, reframing conversations around Mental Health and Men’s Health without asking listeners to abandon their sense of strength or identity.
Holmes, known globally as a spoken word poet and keynote speaker, created the album as part of a larger ecosystem of support that merges art with practical tools. His work through How Men Cry has centered on building language for emotional processing, especially for men navigating pressure, burnout, and silence. By grounding poetry in real-world application, the album positions Coaching and creative expression as accessible entry points into healthier emotional practices.
The release extends beyond music. Drowning In The Open functions as an intervention system that includes a nationwide touring installation, community conversations, and educational resources. The tour is designed to visit more than 15 cities, featuring large-scale portraits of men sharing their mental health stories, live spoken word performances, and facilitated dialogue. Each element reinforces the album’s core mission: to replace isolation with shared language and presence.
Supporting the album is the 5 Day Internal Gym Challenge, a guided digital experience developed through Holmes’ wellness framework. The course translates themes from the album into daily practices centered on emotional regulation, journaling, mindfulness, and reflection.
More information about the album, tour, and related programs can be found through Holmes’ official platform, which highlights speaking engagements, workshops, and creative offerings serving audiences across the United States and internationally. The site also outlines its approach to coaching, blending spoken word, trauma-informed practices, and accessible frameworks that resonate with professionals, students, creatives, and community organizations alike.
Giovanni’s involvement adds historical and cultural depth to the project. Known for her decades-long influence on American poetry and social discourse, her final contribution reinforces the album’s message that men’s inner lives deserve attention and respect. Her voice, paired with Holmes’ contemporary delivery, bridges generations and invites listeners into a shared human conversation rather than a lecture.
Readers are encouraged to explore the album, tour, and resources by visiting https://www.dxtrspits.com/.
About Drowning In The Open - Dxtr Spits & Nikki Giovanni (Spoken Word Album)
Drowning In The Open is a spoken word album by Jordan "Dxtr Spits" Holmes featuring the final recorded words of Nikki Giovanni. The project includes an album, a national tour, and digital learning experiences designed to support emotional well-being.
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Media Contact
Drowning In The Open - Dxtr Spits & Nikki Giovanni (Spoken Word Album)
United States
(914) 9439379
https://www.dxtrspits.com/
Published by: Randy Rohde