Is He Ready to Take the National Stage?

Cincinnati, OH — Def Poets Society (DPS) may have just added a game-changing member to its ranks. Brince Etter, a three-time Duwaup Poetry Slam Champion , has been spotted in recent conversations that hint at big changes ahead for the rising star. Etter, who recently featured at DPS’s Poetic Vogue event to a packed house, has been one of the most talked-about poets in the city, and now, there are whispers that he may be gearing up to join DPS for 2025.

The Poetic Vogue event was nothing short of electric. Brince Etter took the stage to raucous applause, showcasing his dynamic wordplay and captivating stage presence that has earned him accolades in Cincinnati’s poetry scene. But it wasn’t just his performance that had people talking—it was the hushed conversations and strategic glances that caught the attention of those in the know.

Multiple sources report seeing Etter engaged in quiet talks with Just Dave Oxner, DPS’s newest member and creative powerhouse, during the event. What was being discussed in those intimate moments? The speculation runs high.

“Brince has been on the radar for a while,” said Oxner, when approached about the rumors. “He’s got something that’s undeniable. We’ve been in talks about the future and where he fits into the vision of DPS. Let’s just say, we’re excited about what’s to come.”

For those who follow the poetry scene closely, it’s clear that Etter is no stranger to the stage. As a three-time Duwaup Poetry Slam Champion, his accomplishments speak for themselves. His work has earned him a loyal fanbase and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what poetry can be.

But while Etter is known in the poetry world, his ties to Locness, a prominent hip-hop group in Cincinnati, have kept him rooted in the music scene. His loyalty to his group is unquestioned, but many are wondering if the call to the national poetry scene will be too strong to ignore.

Could this be the year Brince Etter fully commits to the poetry world and joins DPS as they head into Southern Fried Poetry Slam (SoFri) and the competitive circuit at large?

One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential move is Etter’s growing connection to the Def Poets Society team. Rumors have been swirling that DPS is eyeing the talented poet to join them for the 2025 season. The timing is significant, with DPS planning to make waves in the poetry world with their new slam team and a robust calendar of events, including their bid to take the national stage at Southern Fried Poetry Slam in Knoxville.

For many, the question remains: can Brince Etter balance his commitment to Locness with a potential move into the competitive poetry scene with DPS? The poet’s loyalty to his roots is well known, but could the support and opportunities provided by DPS be enough to pull him in?

“Brince’s potential is limitless,” said Nick “Fury” Blackburn, co-founder of DPS. “We’ve seen what he can do on the stage, and we believe he’s ready to make a real impact on the national poetry scene. We’re all about supporting poets who want to grow and push boundaries—and Brince has that hunger.”

If Etter does join DPS in 2025, it would mark a significant shift for both him and the team. With DPS’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in Cincinnati’s poetry scene and its sights set on taking the national stage, having a poet of Etter’s caliber on the roster would add even more firepower to their already impressive lineup.

For now, the story remains one of speculation and excitement. Will Brince Etter make the leap to DPS, or will his loyalty to Locness keep him grounded in the music scene? Only time will tell.

But one thing’s for sure: the world is watching, and poetry lovers across the city—and the country—are eagerly awaiting what comes next for this rising star.