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The lead single from ‘Ultrasound’. Album available exclusively @ www.indi-arts.com. Enjoy.Directed by David Brown/ Justin Miller/ Apascoe. Special thanks to Julio DeBurgose Staff/ Students, and every one else that made this video possible. Good look.
LISTEN & PURCHASE YOUR COPY NOW!!!
Bearing it all
“Yo dawg, I’m sayin’ though…why you got the jawn in her draws and what not? What’s really good with that?”
Relax, there’s a logical explanation.
On Ultrasound, I tried to urge my comrades to dig in and really reflect on the process of making records. What are we doing here, why are we doing it and more importantly, why would people really care? My objective was to dispel these and other inquiries by taking the listener on a journey through sound that would entertain as well as intrigue even the most jaded hip-hop listener claiming to be thirsting for goodness. I guess the magic question is how can this feat be accomplished? After hours of meditation and pondering I came to the realization that in order to achieve something real I had to be prepared to let it go. Crafting this project forced me to let go of a lot of reservations in regards to what we could and should speak on in the music. People that know me are well aware that I’m the last one to curtail my speech, but there were times that I even questioned myself while working on some of the more provocative selections on the album. “Are people ready for this?”….. The answer to that question remains to be seen.
“My art is a liberating experience.” I’ve heard it from artists of all walks of life in regards to their process of creating. In my opinion you can only be liberated if you have the option of showing your ass. Thus it is only right that the album cover captures our resilient heroine scantily clad in the face of adversity. This is simply a testament of just how intimate of a portrayal this recording is. This image is the depiction of a young woman finally getting the opportunity to let her guard down in her sanctuary (her bedroom), far away from a world that she is convinced has turned on her. The inner most thoughts and desires of Khalo Leftwich are on display for all to see (hear) in Ultrasound. To effectively create her world, we as lyricists had to streak on the microphone despite momentary instances of discomfort. I believe that in the process of making this album, we’ve created an engaging portrait of life that few have attempted to illustrate within the confines of hip-hop music. I hope the listener finds the view to be enjoyable.
-Drematic of ((Stereo))type
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REVIEW
In his 2006 release, rapper Nasir Jones proclaims, “Hip-Hop is dead!” but I protest that hip-hop is alive and well. Unfortunately, hip-hop and consciousness have taken a collective journey underground while materialism and superficiality remain in clear view. So, if your ear is drawn to tales of money and status to mask pain and disempowerment, your hunger will be satisfied. Yet, if your yearning is for a more visionary narrative, one that holds a mirror to society and challenges its contradictions, you must follow hip-hop and consciousness into one of its safe spaces underground. “Ultrasound” is one of those safe spaces.
In “Ultrasound”, ((Stereo))type takes us on a voyeuristic journey into the life of a confused young woman who despite violation and objectification continues to radiate maternal love for her unexpected child. Lyricists Drematic and Dalmar Verite masterfully chronicle this urban tragedy. Like Common and Lauren Hill in “Retrospect for Life,” they assert the complexities of abortion and the beauty of life never questioning that consequences and reciprocity are real.
“My rhetoric’s the heartbeat of this sh** called hip-hop,” Dre asserts. And his words are never wasted as he co-narrates this authentic account of thug life, rape, single parenthood and the quest for values and meaning. Understanding that “wordsmiths get worshipped,” they compel us to create a new reality through art and action.
Dre and Dalmar perfectly blend contemporary beats and realities with old school style and sensibilities. Like R&B and Hennessey, their respective tenor and bass voices seamlessly accompany each other.
Like Ursula Rucker and Jean Grae complement the Roots crew, Allison Meadows adds the ideal balance to this ensemble. Her smooth delivery, poetic cadence, and profound understanding of the character she portrays harmoniously complete this compilation. Her voice gives meaning to the lives of many Black women who feel they carry the world on their shoulders and are forced to make difficult decisions daily.
Hip-hop is the 21st century voice of the youth. If hip-hop is dead, then the voices of the youth are dead. Although many youth may be concerned with individualism and materialism with little concern for community, others are clear that the fight for freedom, justice and equality still continues. ((Stereo))type understands that music and art are meant to inspire, empower and change. They plainly acknowledge that “every song that we get up on is a freedom song.” So, they “go on and rock to it.”
Lailah L. Dunbar
Adjunct Faculty
Temple University
Department of African American Studies
View ((Stereo))type’s Electronic Press Kit
PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF ULTRASOUND TODAY!
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Take a look at footage from INDI-ARTS.COM Launch Party
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INDIfferent ways of thinking
OUR MISSION…
In this ever-evolving world of uncertainty, one aspect of life that will always remain constant amongst human beings is the desire for personal expression. The impact of the creation of text that documents our social landscape is immeasurable. The films we watch, books we read, and the songs that we hold most dear define who we are and shape the lives we lead.
As a company, artistic collective, and media entity, INDIfferent will take an uncompromised stance as not only a platform for the highest caliber of creative expression, but also as a driving force to promote progressive thought and social responsibility among the collective. Through the seamless merger of music, film, literature, visual arts and fashion, together we will create an individual voice that will be independent, progressive and beautifully INDIfferent.