Music of Indiana - The Birth of Indianapolis Hip Hop/Soul

The Birth of Indianapolis Hip Hop/Soul

Hip Hop/ Soul is what they are calling it. With a style brought from New York, Texas, New Orleans,and Chicago the Indiana hip hop scene has birthed some of the bravest talent in music. In 2008, we were introduced to two new anthems of hope in The Symphonic Band's "Commencement", which blazed with soulful vocals by Brendon L. Garrett, and heart pounding poetry by John "Juan Blanco" White and the ever present "Dream Again", which also featured Garrett and White with production by ManDog Productions. The Symphonics met at the Broad Ripple High School for Performing Arts, and finished their first recording in less than two days. It had been the first multi-racial recording group out of the Broad Ripple High School for Performing Arts ever. Many locals are still playing the cd although the band is no longer together. ManDog Productions is still actively producing local and national talent, White is still performing on the underground circuit, and Garrett became a local minister and activist. Other artists related to ManDog Productions include BPN, Black Box Entertainment., Ku-Dos the Kid, Z00 Krew Band, Trip Trae; and Calvin Crabtree with his South Central Indiana style of rap.

(We are currently compiling a list of all, majorly known, urban artists out of Indianapolis. We will post those after we verify the authenticy of the submitted bands and artists.)