Death of an Indie Label

Death of An Indie Label
Starring Esham
James Smith
Mastamind
Music by Esham
Studio Reel Life
Release date(s) July 27, 2011 (2011-07-27)
Country United States
Language English

Death of An Indie Label is a documentary about the independent record label Reel Life Productions, founded by James H. Smith and his younger brother, rapper Esham, in Detroit in 1990. The film, which was uploaded onto the label's YouTube channel, features appearances by James Smith, Esham and Mastamind.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Contents

Summary

James Smith and his younger brother, Esham, a rapper, found the independent record label Reel Life Productions in 1988.[7] In 1989, Esham records his debut album, Boomin' Words from Hell in one day.[4] In 1992, Esham founds a group, Natas, who release their debut album, Life After Death on Reel Life. Natas and Reel Life Productions are the subject of much controversy when a 17-year-old fan killed himself while smoking cannabis and playing Russian roulette while listening to Life After Death.[3] Esham goes on to influence local artists Kid Rock and Insane Clown Posse. James Smith, the CEO of Reel Life Productions, is diagnosed with schizophrenia following a prison sentence. Smith's deteriorating mental state is depicted. Due to the poor living conditions of his apartment, James is evicted by his landlady, and moves in with Esham.[7]

Reception

The Metro Times describes the film as "compelling viewing".[1]

Soundtrack

Death of an Indie Label
Mixtape by Esham
Released September 1, 2011 (2011-09-01)
Genre Midwest hip hop
Label Reel Life
Esham chronology
Hellaween: Pure Horror
(2009)		 Death of an Indie Label
(2011)		 —

Death of an Indie Label is the third mixtape by Esham. Released in 2011, it is the soundtrack to the documentary film of the same name.[8]

No. Title Length
1. "Comatose"    
2. "Denouement"    
3. "Reignin"    
4. "Odd Future"    
5. "Orgy Orange"    
6. "Priceless Blessings"    
7. "Cheddaphile" (feat. Seven the General)  
8. "Time Machine"    
9. "Sayonara"    
10. "U Aint Got Nuthin On Me" (feat. Poe Whosaine)  
11. "Serious Business"    
12. "House 4 Rent"    
13. "Daniel Jordan Skit"    
14. "Beautiful Girl"    
15. "Let The System Bump"    
16. "Another Flight"    
17. "Death Of An Indie Label"    
18. "Amy Winehouse"    
19. "Indubitably"    
20. "Big Thangs"    

References

  1. ^ a b http://blogs.metrotimes.com/index.php/2011/08/city-slang-eshams-death-of-an-indie-label/
  2. ^ http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/6/prweb8588346.htm
  3. ^ a b http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4O8STbLqnc&feature=youtu.be
  4. ^ a b http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6E_PopquqA&feature=related
  5. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUsuiWmN6FI&feature=related
  6. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAKvcZACRj4&feature=related
  7. ^ a b c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgluS6YP478&feature=related
  8. ^ http://www.hellavastore.com/shop/?p=450

External links

Esham
Solo albums
EPs
Erotic Poetry · Homey Don't Play · Hellterskkkelter · Maggot Brain Theory · Lamb Chopz · I Ain't Cha Homey · Secret Society Circus · Holy Black Mamba
Compilations
Mixtapes
The Butcher Shop · Hellaween: Pure Horror · Death of an Indie Label
Related articles
Reel Life Productions · Discography · Soopa Villainz · Natas · Death of an Indie Label