He became an open mic poet in 1995. In 1998 he played Ray Joshua, the main character in the movie "Slam". He also helped write the script. In 2001 he released his first album "Amethyst Rock Star". His second album "Saul Williams" was released in 2004. His third album "The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!" was released on November 1, 2007. It was produced by Trent Reznor.