J. Ivy appears on “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” on Feb. 28, 2024. (WTTW News)

J. Ivy is one of the most high-profile poets on the planet. He has worked with A-list artists including Jay-Z and Beyoncé. He even gave John Legend his “Legend” name. Ivy’s spoken word album “The Light Inside” just earned him a third Grammy.

Chicago poet J. Ivy talks about his new book Dear Father: Breaking the Cycle of Pain, what it's like to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West, John Legend and Jay Z, and why he feels compelled to write.