Teenage Torture?

I first read about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers where I discover a lot of new music, Bust magazine. It’s a hip, art, crafts, and beauty magazine for those of us who still think feminism has value, but also like to wear lipstick and cute outfits. The last issue had a review of Ray’s new album Teenage and Torture which was released earlier this month.  When I went to check out their website and buy the album, I discovered that not only were they from Brooklyn, but also that they were playing that Friday at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg.  But who could I drag to a concert on short notice to see a relatively obscure indie band?  And Shilpa Ray? She’s raw, edgy, and loud rock ‘n roll. I must admit, it’s not what most of my thirty and forty-something pals listen to these days.

Not Ya Mama's Mixtape

Over the past month I downloaded three new mixtapes, given away by the artists or DJs who created them.  One from Sri Lankan rapper/producer M.I.A. (ViCKi LEEKX) and another from Kid Sister, a Chicago-based rapper (KissKissKiss). The third, a ‘proper’ mixtape full of various artists, Who’s Ya Best Emcee? from Femcees is on heavy rotation in my apartment and on my iPod.  These mixtapes are not ones that you and I remember. They are not the cassette tape kind, where you spliced together your favorite songs for either a party mix or to give to that special someone.  (If you don’t know what a cassette tape is, you’re probably too young to be reading this blog). No. These mixtapes, likely the ones your teenagers are listening to, are a significant part of the hip-hop industry and a critical part of promotion.  But they do originate with those cassette tapes from back in the day.