The Indiestry

De La Soul’s Plug 1 & Plug 2 – The Work (2&4 Remix)

The Indiestry Execs — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:23:41 GMT

Plug 1 & Plug 2 are back! Together they drop the first of four remixes from the Deluxe Edition of their First Serve LP, which is available now.

Sha Stimuli – Praying For Aliens (prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)

The Indiestry Execs — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:57:10 GMT

Art By Shake

The Indiestry apologizes for the lack of updates, but we're back now! New Sha Stimuli! His third installment to the "Rent" series, The March, is out now!

Weekend Best Bet: “For Colored Men”-A Play

The Indiestry Execs — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:12:54 GMT

For Colored Men: A play presented by the New Era student organization and SGA

Sun 04/08/2012 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: MLK Bldg Myers Auditorium

We’ve all heard of the Ntozake Shange’s Broadway choreopoem turned Tyler Perry play “For Colored Girls . . .” But have you ever wondered about the black male perspective?

Well, if you’re able to get to the DMV area this weekend, Bowie State University is presenting “For Colored Men.”

The play depicts the struggles of 8 black men in today's society and how they cope and survive.

The play is written and directed by Bowie State University alum Kirk Pressley. The play is produced by SGA and New Era. New Era is a student organization on campus that promotes the growth the men.

This is a free event but donations will be accepted.

Editorial: The Black “Hoodie” Stereotype Rap

The Indiestry Execs — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:13:30 GMT

By Kofi Amankwaa Jr.

NOTE: the opinions expressed in this article are solely based from the author and in no way represents the Indiestry

Humans can be an extremely lazy bunch.

That’s what I kept telling my mother a couple days ago when we were discussing Geraldo Rivera’s comments on the nature of African Americans and Hispanics wearing hoodie sweatshirts. She agreed with me that Trayvon Martin’s death had nothing to do with him wearing a hoodie. It more than likely played a small part, but it was not the sole reason he was killed.

She stated that he was killed because of a negative stereotype that has haunted Black people for years; the stereotype that they could do harm to society unless they are stopped. It’s a sad perception, especially knowing the fact that it’s 2012 and we have a Black president currently in office. Yet, nobody wants to acknowledge this, thereby letting their own fear and ignorance blind their judgment and accept a false standard without exploring depths.

So why is that?

Let’s start from the beginning. Hoodies first took off in the 1970s as a popular fashion worn by the hip hop culture in urban communities, predominately filled with Blacks and Hispanics. It represented anonymity, a means of individuals not wanting to be identified or judged by society. Unfortunately, this statement also pertained to criminals who used it as a means of concealing their identity so they wouldn’t be traced by the police. This negative connotation would be carried over for years and often times it would be associated with individuals who were going to perform criminal intent.

The hoodie later evolved in the 1990s as a means of showcasing academic or team spirit. Once the hip hop culture became more popular and marketable, the hoodie became more mainstream and the fashion was streamlined by the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. Despite its ascendance to mainstream, the hoodie was still worn and represented by criminals. It got worse when it became cross-referenced in gangsta rap music (hence the term “black hoodie rap”). So even though a lot of people wore hoodies as part of the pop culture commodity, it still carried a negative context towards Blacks and Hispanics despite the changes in the communities.

Rivera’s comments about the hoodie isn’t too far from the truth. Because of the negative factors associated with it, Blacks and Hispanics who were hoodies will often be seen as criminals. It wouldn’t matter if the hoodie was an official NY Yankees’ sporting wear. That’s the type of society we live in.

So how can this perception change? The reality is that it can’t. No matter how badly a lot of us would like these stereotypes to die down, they won’t unless people change the way they live their lives. For humans, it’s our nature to allow our insecurities and fears cloud any possibility of maintaining an open-minded view of the world. Each of us have a certain perception of how the world is and we refuse to accept the chance that our perceptions are flawed or misconstrued. We live in this arrested development state because this is the life we know and a possibility of being wrong shows imperfection. No one wants to be viewed as a erroneous or awry. It showcases weakness; vulnerability; fragility.

Trayvon Martin was murdered because of a stereotype that haunted his race for years. Zimmerman reacted based on a perception he’s familiar with in regards to Black people. No one knows exactly how this confrontation played out but if anyone learned anything from that recorded 911 message that was released on the Internet, Trayvon was crying for help and clearly was not a threat to Zimmerman. It pains me with the knowledge that his life ended based on a stereotype that so many Black people have to deal with on a day to day basis. President Obama asked for “change” four years ago in his campaign for presidency. A lot of us thought he was referring to change in Washington, D.C. politics. Perhaps, it’s time for a REAL change. I want a change in human interaction. I don’t want us to be so judgmental and capricious. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life wearing a Penn State hoodie and be often viewed as someone who plans on robbing a person or selling drugs. I don’t want my nephews or my future sons to be gunned down on a mere suspicion that they are up to no good. I want people to not only support the Trayvon Martin family in their time of struggle, but also to make a REAL effort to put an end to this. Negative connotations can’t end unless people learn to be more open-minded and make an effort to change. Unless something is done, expect to see more Trayvon Martins in the future.

Ro Ransom – Limousine (prod. brandUn DeShay)

The Indiestry Execs — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:08:39 GMT

Ransomania mixtape will drop later this year. Shout outs to illRoots and 2DBZ

Actual Proof – Black Boy Radio: Extended Airplay (Album)

The Indiestry Execs — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:50:51 GMT

Download

Bambu – Sad Life (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:26:48 GMT

This is a new set of visuals from Bambu and DJ Phatrick! Something before New York City’s SOB’s show on March 27th (with Akir, Hydroponikz and Hasan Salaam) and the Homecoming Tour to the Philippines in April! JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN!

E-40 – They Point f. 2 Chainz & Juicy J (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:44:54 GMT

40 Water returns! The Block Brochure drops March 26.

Trayvon Martin.....

The Indiestry Execs — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:16:30 GMT

Trayvon Martin, 17, was fatally shot by neighborhood watch leader George Zimmerman. (ABC News; Orange County Jail)

Every now and then, the Indiestry brings a serious issue to light that needs public attention. While we focus solely on independent arts, we also bring to light current events. Check out the news story below:

By MATT GUTMAN (@mattgutmanABC) , JASON RYAN (@JasonRyanABC) , BRADLEY BLACKBURN, SENI TIENABESO (@senijr_abc) and DEAN SCHABNER

March 19, 2012

The FBI, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida will investigate the killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old Florida high school student, who was shot by a self-appointed neighborhood watchman.

"The department will conduct a thorough and independent review of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation," a statement released by the Justice Department this evening said. "The department also is providing assistance to and cooperating with the state officials in their investigation into the incident."

George Zimmerman, who claimed self-defense in shooting Martin, has not been charged with any crime in the fatal shooting of the teenager on Feb. 26.

Outrage over the incident has only grown, as irregularities in the police investigation have been uncovered and 911 tapes released last week showed Zimmerman ignored a dispatcher's directive not to pursue the teen.

Zimmerman also blatantly violated major principles of the Neighborhood Watch manual, ABC News has learned.

The manual, from the National Neighborhood Watch Program, states: "It should be emphasized to members that they do not possess police powers, and they shall not carry weapons or pursue vehicles. They should also be cautioned to alert police or deputies when encountering strange activity. Members should never confront suspicious persons who could be armed and dangerous."

Yet Zimmerman made a nonemergency call to police and pursued him anyway, even though 911 dispatcher told him not to, before fatally shooting the teenager.

The Sanford, Fla., Police Department, relenting to massive public pressure, released parts of these 911 tapes pertaining to the shooting.

On the tapes, Zimmerman, claiming Martin looked intoxicated, says he saw the teenager cut through from the main street in the tidy Retreat at Twin Lakes, onto a path between two blocks of townhouses, and decided to gave chase. Zimmerman told a police dispatcher, "These a**holes, they always get away"

Dispatcher: "Are you following him?"

Zimmerman: "Yes."

Dispatcher: "OK, we don't need you to do that."

Zimmerman didn't stop and ultimately confronted Martin, who was carrying a package of Skittles and a bottle of iced tea. The two allegedly scuffled. In a series of seven 911 calls, eyewitnesses reported that they heard a sort of howling. One caller said, "they're wrestling right in the back of my porch, one man is yelling help."

Then a gun shot rang out. The howling and yelling stopped.

Zimmerman wasn't arrested at the time, and ABC News has learned he was not given a drug or alcohol test that night -- standard in most homicide investigations.

Law enforcement expert Rod Wheeler, who listened to the tapes, told ABC News that Zimmerman, not Martin, sounded intoxicated in the police recordings of the 911 calls.

"When I listened to the 911 tape, the first thing that came to my mind is this guy sounds intoxicated. Notice how he's slurring his words. We as trained law enforcement officers, we know how to listen for that right away, and I think that's going to be an important element of this entire investigation," Wheeler said.

According to Chris Tutko, the director of the National Neighborhood Watch Program, there are about 22,000 registered watch groups nationwide, and Zimmerman was not part of a registered group -- another fact the police were not aware of at the time of the incident.

Link to news story

Link to "The Curious Case of Trayvon Martin" by Charles M. Blow

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Debate: Are Old Rappers Crashing The Young Man’s Party? (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:54:13 GMT

So with SXSW 2012 just passed, the biggest gripe among the indie scene was why have established artists suddenly invaded the music conference. SXSW is meant to showcase new upcoming talent but this year appearances from Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent and Eminem caused a stir. The Friday Hip Hop Report Lounge discuss.

Warren G – This Is Dedicated To You (Nate Dogg Tribute) f. Latoiya Williams

The Indiestry Execs — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:22:40 GMT

Warren G dedicates this joint to the late great soul man of G-Funk. RIP Nate Dogg

TreaZon – Too High f. Dasanto (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:18:36 GMT

King I Divine & ScienZe – Divine ScienZe (Mixtape)

The Indiestry Execs — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:44:09 GMT

From the (2) Dopehouse, King I Divine and ScienZe drop a brand new mixtape for us to enjoy. Tracklisting and download link below:

Download

Obie Trice – Watch the Chrome (Mixtape)

The Indiestry Execs — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:38:48 GMT

Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, Detroit's finest gets down and gritty on his interpretation of Watch The Throne. Tracklisting and download link below. Enjoy!

1. Hood is Wild
2. What You Need
3. Black B****
4. New Day
5. Any More
6. Eminem Skit
7. Dum
8. Proof Skit
9. Big Proof Back
10. Tease Me/ Love Me
11. Makin Dough
12. Terrell Owens Can’t Get In Club Obie Skit
13. Popped Off
14. Hustle [Detroit Remix]
15. No Hands
16. Lovin No More
17. She See Murder

Download

Weekend Hangover

The Indiestry Execs — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 02:02:33 GMT

BALTIMORE

Casting Call: EMP Collective is holding auditions for their upcoming show, A Brief Narrative of an Extraordinary Birth of Rabbits by playwright C. Denby Swanson, directed by Elissa Goetschius. This Sunday-Tuesday, 6-8:30 p.m. There is a breakdown here: http://empcollective.org/2012/03/02/audition-for-our-next-show/

The Chick Files—Saturday, March 10, 7-10pm at Strand Theater Company, 1823 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. A staged reading of The Chick Files (or Therapeutic Stylings on Female Troubles for Curious Audiences) by Sharon Goldner; directed by Miriam Bazensky. FREE.

PHILADELPHIA

LAB TEST: Charlotte Ford—Saturday, March 10 & Sunday, March 11, 7-9 p.m. at Live Arts Studio, 919 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. FREE. Click here for tickets.

Jump into Production Resident Charlotte Ford’s latest work, Bang (formerly known as Animal). This all-female clowning piece will be sure to make you laugh while simultaneously hitting on some major themes including female identity, sexual freedom, and desire. The theatrical clown has a vulnerable and innocent spirit; they invite us into their silly world, asking us to play, even for just a short while.

Yasiin Bey - Sunshine Screwface (prod. J Dilla)

The Indiestry Execs — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:22:49 GMT

The artist formerly known as Mos Def channels a brand new joint produce by the late great Dilla on a Paris radio station. Check it out!

Aloe Blacc – You Make Me Smile (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:48:42 GMT

Saigon – Where To Find Me f. Quan (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:43:06 GMT

New video from Saigon! Off of Warning Shots 3

Weekend Hangover (March 3-4, 2012)

The Indiestry Execs — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 02:59:28 GMT

Life in Motion: A Trio of Perspectives—Sunday, March 4, 4:30-5:30 pm at Lang Theatre in Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Three modern dance ensembles present multi-media pieces that compellingly respond to issues of our time. 60 minutes. For ages 12 & up. $20, $15 student/senior/military. For tickets: www.intersectionsdc.org; 202.399-7993, ext 2.

Interpretations Sundays kickoff—Sunday, March 4 at The Eubie Blake Center, 847 N. Howard Street, Baltimore, MD. This is a monthly open mic event with a visual art twist. Poets YOU write to the exhibits! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Writing begins at 7 p.m. Reading begins at 8 p.m. Hosted by Hollywood Infinite. $5 b4 7:30p.m./$10 after. Participating poets who bring a guest get in free (guest pays regular admission).

Drink Til We’re Funny— Sunday, March 4, 9-11:30 p.m. at Hightopps Backstage Grille, 2306 York Road, Cockeysville, MD. Feat. Eric Frost.

Promoter description . . .“It's been 377 days since his last appearance at DTWF. I know this because there's a crazy stalker chick that reminds me every week. It's always good to have fans. Eric will have you crying about religion, politics and people's names all while doing an occasional impression of Captain Jack Sparrow. It's ok, he doesn't know he does it. Laughs are still free, Beers still $2, Republicans? Fucking idiots. I always like to find out who is actually reading this crap.”

Chance the Rapper – 22 Offs (Video)

The Indiestry Execs — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:41:18 GMT