Lexus Verses and Flow, cable channel TV One’s mix of music and spoken word, will launch its fifth season on July 30. Artists slotted to perform during the upcoming season include Empire star Jussie Smollett, Charlie Wilson, Raekwon, Jazmine Sullivan, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, Sevyn Streeter, B.o.B, Leela James, Chrisette Michele, Avery Sunshine and Assassin.

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Returning as host for his second season is actor Laz Alonso, co-star of NBC’s The Mysteries of Laura. Rounding out the performance slate: 24 up-and-coming poets. The episodes were taped over a four-day span (May 19-22) at Los Angeles’ Siren Studios. Among the celebrities in attendance were Empire’s Taraji P. Henson and artists August Alsina, Trinidad James and Kenny Lattimore.

Lexus, in partnership with 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is once again accepting applications for the Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship. Two students from each institution will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship in recognition of their community leadership and academic excellence. A new Lexus Verses and Flow app is also now available at VersesAndFlow.com.