In 1991, A Tribe Called Quest released 'The Low End Theory.' Though the RIAA certified platinum album boasted standout records like "Jazz (We've Got)", and "Scenario," it was the project's anti-label lead single "Check The Rhime" that took the LP to the next level by flagrantly calling out music executives for their unethical business practices. Unfortunately, 25 years later "record company people are still shady" and don't show any signs of turning over a new leaf.
Looking to showcase the harsh realities of the music and entertainment industry in a creative yet captivating way, Baltimore resident DJ Tony Drake is creating a 2D animated series appropriately titled "The Indies." The pilot episode, produced as a short, will give viewers a glimpse of what they can expect from the Anime & Hip-Hop infused cartoon ahead of its television debut, while proving to Hollywood it can be a major player alongside popular shows of the same caliber. An original Hip-Hop score, recorded at Grammy award winning House Studios DC, will accompany the short as well as all of the forthcoming episodes in the series, fueling each action sequence and setting the mood.
During a recent interview with AFROPUNK Tony shares, “I saw that there currently wasn't an animation that spoke directly to the Hip-Hop community without trying to exploit the culture. We've had shows like The Boondocks and Afro Samurai, but when those went off the air they left a huge void. We're now trying to fill that void with The Indies."
On August 28th, Tony launched a crowdfunding campaign in efforts to raise funds to complete and present the short to networks, production companies and potential investors in Los Angeles. In less than 24 hours, they raised over $4,000. You can support the cause and help him reach his goal of $50K by making a donation on the official KICKSTARTER page HERE.
Summary of The Indies:
Set in a futuristic dystopian society, The Indies follows an up and coming rapper named Slick. Born into a well-to-do family living on Earth's Moon, he longs for the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a famous recording artist. With a burning desire to make his dreams come true by any means necessary, Slick has a chance meeting with DJ Chops, one of Hip-Hop's biggest DJs and record executives. Slick is offered what seems to be an amazing recording contract, which Slick hastily signs without reading the fine print. Slick soon finds out that not only did he sign up to pursue his dream of being a famous artist, but he also signed up for something much more sinister. You see, what Slick failed to realize is that not only are record labels home to some of the universe’s biggest music stars; they also serve as fronts for hitmen for hire services of nefarious crime lords. In order to free himself from his contract, Slick must now work with his new label mates to release his debut album while simultaneously executing dangerous hit jobs. Through these missions, the label mates will explore morality, loyalty, human nature, and discover who they really are at their core.
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The Indies: An Animated Short | Kickstarter Promo Video Link: https://youtu.be/Fn6LUcS-IF0
