Lemon Andersen

Lemon Andersen is a Tony Award-winning poet, playwright, television writer, and brand creative. He first gained significant recognition in the arts with his involvement in "Def Poetry Jam" on Broadway, which was produced by Russell Simmons in 2002 and successfully won a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event. This involvement not only brought Andersen a Drama Desk nomination for his writing but also extended to him appearing in eight episodes of HBO's series adaptation of "Def Poetry."

Andersen has also made notable contributions to television and theater post his initial successes. He wrote and produced an episode for Spike Lee’s "She’s Gotta Have it" on Netflix, uniquely set in Puerto Rico. His play "ToasT," which was commissioned by the Public Theater in New York City and the Sundance Institute, debuted in April 2015. Likewise, Andersen's presence extends into educational and inspirational speaking; he has performed and led workshops at prestigious venues and institutions, including the University of Wisconsin, Syracuse University, UC Berkeley, and Harvard.

Aside from his artistic endeavors, Andersen has adeptly intertwined his talent with commercial brand projects. He has collaborated with major brands and athletes such as Nike, Red Bull, Boost Mobile, and Absolut, and athletes like LeBron James, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and the late Kobe Bryant. Noteworthy is his contribution to the launch of the LeBron James XIII "Akronite" an Elite Basketball shoe and Apparel line in fall 2015, and his creation of an original poem for Wieden+Kennedy encapsulating their vision for LeBron James and Nike Basketball. Moreover, Andersen has been interviewed and profiled by reputable media outlets including National Public Radio, The New York Times, NBC TV, and The Wall Street Journal, and his literary prowess is showcased in his books "Straightrazor" and "County of Kings."