Via Pen and Sword Political Pirates Blog

Video / Info Graphic by Frank Chimero for Good Magazine visualizing some of the horrifying stats about U.S. prisons

Jamarhl Crawford on the Black Panther series from Marvel.. (Via the Blackstonian)

I am a huge fan of Comic Books and Super Heroes, particularly Marvel Comics and the variety of Black Super Heroes they have in the Marvel Universe. Of all the Black Super Heroes, Black Panther aka T'Challa, King of Wakanda, has got to be one of the best and in-depth characters created. Aside from Stan Lee's attempts to include Black characters which often still embodied stereotypes ie: released from prison, former drug dealer, son of a drug fiend, etc., the Black Panther represented Politics, Spirituality, History and Nobility, much of which was previously unseen in comics and other forms of media like tv, radio and film...

Read the full article and watch episodes from the series on Blackstonian.com

System of a Down's Serj Tankian sits down with Tavis Smiley to discuss art, activism, and Tankian's new solo project, Imperfect Melodies..

(Via HWP) #Shoutout to @Duatron from @BadRabbitsBand ..This song and video is a well put together work of art... Plus it incorporates one of the most underrated childhood games of all time.



And for my art and film people..

I bought my first piece of visual art today. The colors and the design stood out to me so I thought, why not? Not bad huh?

Back in the ancient days of primitive social networking and myspace, I once came across an artist with visually stunning work and a very unique and memorable name.. Alfie Numeric, the beautiful and multi-talented artist from Los Angeles, California describes herself as a "modern day urban warrior." At 17, while trying to achieve stardom by posting videos and music on my page, I think I thought I was in love.. Fast-forward to the future world of blogs and tweets and I (grown now of course..) found Ms. Numeric once again.. To my extreme delight she agreed to do an interview for the blog. She has not agreed to go on a date with me yet, but I am working on it...

Catch Wreck: So, for those unfamiliar, what is it that you do?

Alfie Numeric: I have two equal jobs ... my career is artist/graphic designer/curator/event producer..that's my spirit. My day job is working at the Writers Guild of America, the union for Hollywood writers.

CW: So you're an artist of many talents..When did you find your calling and what medium did you start out with? Do you have a preference when it comes to the different types of art you do?

AN: I think it’s safe to say that my calling found me! I’ve been drawing since I can pick up a pencil. I used to get in trouble as a child drawing in my mom’s medical books, on the walls, on the sidewalk. I’ve always wanted to be an artist but as a kid, I didn’t think I could make money from it. But art chased me down in my college years and tackled me by the time I graduated.

My first medium was graphite. There is no mixing involved. No storing paints. No crazy clean up. Just you and the pencil, pushing and pulling on the paper. From there exploration is needed in growth so eventually I started toying with other mediums. Right now, I am playing with acrylic paints, glitter, wood, some clay. My exploration has not stopped.

I don’t have a solitary preference. I believe it all depends on the project and what is the best way to convey that project in the best light possible. I am learning that I am a better drawer than painter. Often time my sketches get lost in translation when I put paint on it. Because of that, I prefer working on natural pine canvases. The paint behaves more like a pencil and is more fluid.

CW: I know exactly what you mean. I gave up on painting years ago..I hope this next question isn't too cliche.. But where do you draw from for inspiration?
  
AN: I believe it is safe to say that I draw inspiration directly from life. Every piece is auto-biographical. You can say that each piece is like a page out of my mental diary. People have their own ways on how to process life. Mine happens to be visual at the moment. It is even brought to my attention that the women I paint look like me. I can only paint what I know so subconsciously, I do paint women that look more like me.

CW: So its not intentional?

AN: Nope, I don’t feel that it is. I just draw and paint. I don’t use models unless I need someone to strike a pose for reference. I have been thinking of using models to diversify the subjects but when I paint, I don’t plan it out. I just dive in.

CW: Well if you'd like, I'd be more than happy to model for you..

AN: Very funny..

CW: So do you have anything in the works that people should know about?

AN: Aaah, yes.. Well, we have the closing of “Portraits of the Proletariat” on July 24th. That was a group art show with my crew, the Beatrock Artist Kollective. Special musical guests are Bambu and Rhythm Natives. That’s in Long Beach CA at Dream Jungle Tattoos.


Then on the 31st of July, I am double-booked… Earlier in the day, I will be in Chinatown LA for the Make it Funky Music and Art Fest. Then in the evening I will be live painting at the JACCC for the TN Party in Little Tokyo. Outdoor concert, live art, vendors, and gourmet food trucks.

In September, I will be part of the 19th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture, the largest Pilipino arts festival in Southern California. I will be painting a mural there with the Beatrock Artists Kollective.

CW: I will be sure to pass that info on to our readers. Its been more than a pleasure building with you..

For more on Alfie Numeric be sure to check out her website featuring the Beatrock Artist Collective as well as her Profile on Artslant.

 

Volume 4. I know, I know, at this rate I probably should've called it "wait for it" but what can I say? I'm learning very quickly how difficult it is to maintain a consistent blog. That being said, let me waist no more time.

This edition focuses specifically on the bubbling Hip Hop scene out in Milwaukee, WI. If you don't know, now you know: Cats is gettin it in out there. For example:

16.

Name: Oye
Age: 20
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Genre: Hip Hop

After solid beats and dope lyrics, what more do you need to stand out as a Hip Hop artist? A little style never hurt. And my dude right here got it. Just 20 years old and already making major moves linkin up with the homies at Inkred Clothing to put out his debut project, the In my Mind EP. The joint is bangin, Dont believe me go log onto oye414.com and see for yourself. Also check his interview out on Crayon Beats.

17.

Name: R-Tystic
Age: 21
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Genre: Hip Hop

Part of the team of Hip Hop superheroes known as SAFS crew, R-Tystic is just one of many nasty lyricists holdin it down for Milwaukee. Featured prominently on Dukalion's The Boiling Point sampler, R-Tystic sets himself apart from many of his fellow MCs with a unique laid-back style.


18.

Name: Dukalion
Age: 20
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Genre: Hip Hop

"and can't nobody put it down like..." Dukalion, reppin the SAFS crew. If you got volume 1 of "#Nowplaying" then you know that Duke is definitely NOT playing. When I threw on the Boiling Point Sampler for the first time, I had no idea what to expect.. Coming from a city known for haters like Boston, I was fully prepared to criticize the hell out of the project before I heard it.. But after listening, I must say, the joint bangs start to finish and I can't wait to hear what my dude got in the works next. We'll be watchin for it...


19.

Name: Sunny Daze
Age: 19
Hometown: Milwaukee WI
Genre: Hip Hop

And for the fans of Kid Cudi (and things of that nature), be sure to check for this guy right here. Once again, SAFS crew is to blame. Sunny Daze is on his own sh*t. Space Alien.. not of this world you dig!? My dude said, "All I know is spaceships and fly chicks" Do i smell a Ghostface collab?? #letmestop.


But seriosly, jokes aside, yall really do need to stop sleeping. I'm not doing this to promote these artists. They don't need my help. I'm trying to put you on to what is about to take over the music industry. If you are keeping up, you cannot say nobody gave you the heads up. To quote a famous rapper who just put an album out, "Thank me Later."

For more on the Milwaukee Hip Hop scene, I recommend this blog:
milwaukeeup.wordpress.com

And since this is my sh*t and I can do what I want, I'm only postin four today, and 6 next time. You don't like it?? Sue me..or get your own blog! I do what I feel like. What!?

Wake up and smell the talent. I know I'm behind on this, but here we are, Day 3 of the 25 hottest artists under 25. Lets get right to it..

11.

Name: Elidee Notes
Age: 15
Hometown: Dorchester, MA
Genre: Soul / Indy Rock / Eclectic

The youngest to be featured on this list so far, Elidee Notes is definitely a problem. Able to sing, write poetry, and play multiple instruments, she has quite a bit to offer as far as talent goes. If you check out some of her stuff on Youtube and Reverbnation, you'll notice she not only has an amazing voice, but also a versatility to what she does that so many seem to be lacking in this current music industry. I can't wait to hear more. Follow her on twitter.

12.
Hometown: Chicago, IL / Milwaukee, WI / Madison, WI
Genre: Hip Hop

Super, Hyper, Mega, Cool, my dude JDante out of the Midwest let you know exactly what to expect from him on his debut EP. Another member of University of Wisconsin's First Wave click, J is definitely someone to watch for. He recently released the "Whole New World" EP along with producer Man Mantus of World Around Records. The project is getting crazy buzz overseas and will hopefully catch on here in the states real soon. In the meantime, watch for it.

13.
Age: 20
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Genre: Hip Hop

Its no surprise Smoov Da Great of PEMG (Petroleum Empire Media Group) is killin it right now. Son of the legendary NYOIL (formerly Cool Kim of the UMCs) its clear Smoov has been exposed to Hip Hop from a young age. His new video "IDGAF" along with Lyrics of BFAM, is a real nice reflective joint with a humorous touch in the video. Don't get caught sleeping..



14.


 

Chico contacted me for some music for the final cut of the movie which will be aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network and had me open up his premiere with a performance of my song "A Love" from the upcoming mixtape the Young and the Restless.

 

If you will be in the Boston area tomorrow evening, be sure to come through to the Independent Film Festival of Boston's screening of Chico Colvard's documentary, Family Affair. I will be opening up the screening of the film with a live performance the song "A Love" which will be featured on the telivision version. You'll hear more about that later. There are still tickets left for tomorrow's screening of the film so don't miss out on this.

 

Number 6.

Name: Illiam Savant
Age: 20
Hometown: Boston, MA
Genre: Hip Hop

Illy Sav, I been rollin with this dude since middle school. The die-hards in the Bean (Boston) will probably remember him from the Reality Click when my dude went by Tres. For the past month, myself, Ray Leon, and Ill, been at work on our different projects and we will be taking over for the Summer. Don't say nobody told you though.. Check for him on his myspace, twitter, and facebook.

7.

OTO (Overtime Often) of the Prime Suspects is from the same neighborhood as me (Roxbury, Eggy all day!!). Him and the PS click been doin it in the Bean for at least a few years and were some of the first young cats I saw doing music videos courtesy of Mr. Dante Luna. With not only raw lyrics and crafty delivery but a grind and work ethic that hasn't been seen in quite a while, I'm certain you'll be hearing from O and PS sooner rather than later. Give this gutter anthem, "Good Guys Neva Win" a listen, and watch for my cameo..



8.

Name: Chilla Jones
Age: 24
Hometown: Dorchester, MA
Genre: Hip Hop

Another street-savy wordsmith with some things to say, Chilla and I got acquainted, once again, through, Sofia Snow and also Uno the Prophet. As much as MCs (especially in this city) love to hate on one another, I can't front on dude right here. The mixtape, Timebomb is solid and definitely somethin to check for. Him and I also been gettin consistent airtime on the Tito and Talib show at Emerson, hosted by somebody else that I listed here, (see if you can guess who).

One thing I feel obliged to make mention of here, despite the reputation my city has of artists not supporting, is that the next generation of artist to come up will, in fact, support, acknowledge and promote one another's work. Lets get to the next artist.. #watchforit

So for the next 5 days, I will be sharing with you all 25 artists under the age of 25 that you need to know about. With the release of the Young & the Restless just around the corner, I figure now's a good time to highlight a little bit of the work some of my peers are putting in. Lets get into it...

First up...

Hometown: Boston, MA
Genre: Hip-Hop

Already a war veteran at only 19, Rey Leon, has quite a story to tell. His debut EP, "The Pledge", dropping this Spring, will offer listeners a glimpse of some of that story. The first single, "I Still Love Her" borrows the instrumental from the classic Common Sense record.



2.
Though we were both featured on George Watsky's album, and I had heard things about this artist here and there, I must admit I've been sleeping. It wasn't until just last week that I gave his album, Monster (click to download), a serious listen. I'm sure glad I did though. I'm rarely moved by an entire project but this one deserves it. Fire all the way through. Giant is a song any man who's been in a disfunctional relationship should have no trouble relating to. What you think?



Name: Blizz Cartel
Age: 22
Hometown: Roxbury, MA
Genre: Hip Hop

One of the nastiest producers in the Boston area. When it comes to fire, Blizz Cartel got more to offer than a little bit. Currently at work on his debut project, Blizz has provided beats for the likes of myself, Illiam Savant (Tres), J. Nolan, Gridlock Entertainment and many others for years. Listen to the tracks he got up on soundclick as well some of the blazing sh*t we've worked together on (Hotter, A Love, Fight Back...and a whole bunch more on this Young & The Restless. ya heard?)

4.
Check out her blog

Name: Rene Dongo
Age: 21
Hometown: Roslindale, MA
Genre: Film

Rene Dongo is the director I work exclusively with for all my joints. He did the one you see above for Rey Leon as well as countless others. I got connected to him through Sofia Snow, who you'll read about later, but when you watch this man's Demo real, pay close attention to his eye for dope visuals...


Demo Reel from Rene Dongo on Vimeo.

Join me tomorrow when I give you the next 5 to watch 4...
Holla Black!!