Reg E. Gaines

Reg E. Gaines is an American poet, lyricist, playwright, and spoken-word artist best known as the Tony-nominated lyricist and co-creator of the hit Broadway musical Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk. With a background in performance poetry and slam poetry, Gaines has made a significant impact on American theatre and literature by infusing his work with rhythmic power, cultural commentary, and unapologetic social consciousness.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Gaines emerged in the 1990s as a leading figure in the national poetry slam movement. His dynamic performance style and incisive writing earned him a wide following, and he published several acclaimed poetry collections, including Please Don’t Take My Air Jordans, which showcased his ability to merge personal narrative with larger themes of race, identity, and urban life.

Gaines achieved widespread acclaim in 1996 when he wrote the lyrics for Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk, a groundbreaking musical conceived by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Savion Glover. The show blended tap dance, hip-hop, funk, and spoken word to tell the history of Black America through rhythm and movement. Gaines’s bold, poetic lyrics played a central role in the show’s innovative voice, earning him a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical and helping to redefine what musical theatre could be.

Beyond Broadway, Gaines has continued to perform, write, and mentor young artists. He has served as artistic director of the Tony-winning TheatreWorks USA and has curated spoken-word events across the country. His influence can be seen in the growing intersection of poetry and theatre, and in the increasing inclusion of hip-hop and spoken word in mainstream stage productions.

Reg E. Gaines remains a vital voice in American arts—celebrated for bringing street poetry to the stage and for using language as a tool of resistance, rhythm, and revelation.