Poetry is vulnerability in its greatest art form! Writing has been a coping mechanism, a healing method, a self-care activity, and a way for Jakeel to express himself to the world. In 2006, he started writing poetry after watching performances on the hit television show, Def Poetry Jam. Fascinated by the wordplay, display of emotions, and connection to the audience that was shown in the episodes, a love for poetry was sparked. In 2012, Jakeel took the stage for the first time at MiraCosta College performing his art. Since then, he has been sought out to perform his poetry at various events, venues, and college campuses all throughout the United States.