DX News Bits: Necro, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Audible Treats x SXSW

From sampling theme songs of horror movies like Zombi 2 and City of the Living Dead to directing the video for his break-out single “I Need Drugs,” Necro’s career has been a testament to his love of the cinematic arts. Now, the Brooklyn rapper opens up about his first acting role in last year’s horror film The Super.

Directed by Evan Makrogiannis and Brian Weaver, The Super follows a troubled Queens apartment building superintendent who deals with his depraved tenants in a variety of gruesome ways. Necro, who plays the crooked Det. Sardusky who helps the film’s protagonist dispose of his victim’s bodies, told AllHipHop.com that he trained at the legendary Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute while preparing for the role.

“I had a fun time filming this movie because the directors let me do a lot of improv and that opens the door to classic lines and realistic scenes,” he explained. “This is just the start of my acting career, I have been pushing for the last 2 years paying dues, from Monologue Slams to NYFA student films, to cable TV shows and now small feature films, in 5-plus years you will see me in some big major films, right now I’m paying my dues.”

A scene from the film can be found below.

In other news, a documentary about dub-reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry is set for a spring 2011 release. Directed by acclaimed documentarians Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough, The Upsetter: The Life & Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry is slated for a March 25 premiere at The Downtown Independent movie theater in Los Angeles, CA.

With its title taken from Perry’s revolution label and 1969 debut, The Upsetter follows the musical legend’s 70 year career as one of Jamaica’s leading reggae and dub producers. Filmed at his Switzerland hideout in 2006, The Upsetter features exclusive in-depth interviews with Perry and vintage footage and photographs from his raggae heyday.

“This film uncovers the genius of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry,” said director Ethan Higbee. “He’s stubborn, magical, hilariously crude yet the most spiritually driven person I’ve ever come across. For the first time, you get to see what lies behind the man who many consider to be the greatest music producer of all time.”

“With the blessing of the legendary Lee Scratch Perry, Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough’s The Upsetter opens a window intothe little-known story of one of the geniuses of Reggae music and, for that matter, of any kind of music,” said Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, the film’s narrator. “The Upsetter is a testament to the unique career of a true snow leopard. Yah, mon.”

The Upsetter: The Life & Music of Lee “Scratch” Perry debuted in 2008 at the SXSW Film Festival, and has garnered critical acclaim from a variety of critics, including Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. The film is also slated to screen in a variety of locations across the States. More information about screenings can be found at the film’s website. 

Finally, Audible Treats announced that it will presenting two artist showcases at this year’s SXSW Festival in Austin, TX. 

March 17 will mark the company’s 2nd Annual Official SXSW Hip-Hop Showcase at the Scoot Inn. Artists slated to appear include Talib Kweli, Casual, Pep Love and Opio of the Hieroglyphics, Nottz, Black Milk, Strong Arm Steady, Derek 32Zero, DJ Toure, Moe Green, TRUTHLiVE, Kokayi, The Niceguys, DaVinci, Erk Tha Jerk, Roach Gigz, League510, and Kyle Rapps, with producer IMAKEMADBEATS serving as the showcase’s DJ.

The following night will find Audible Treats collaborating with PreFixMag.com for a showcase that will feature J*Davey, Acrylics, Moe Green, Poirier, Roach Gigz, DaVinci and the Headless Horseman. 

“Partnering with PrefixMag to curate an event that exhibits some of the best talent in electronic and hip-hop music for Friday night is a welcome development,” said Audible Treats co-founder Michelle McDevitt. “We’re also very excited to work with Blacksmith Music this year to help bring out Talib Kweli and Strong Arm Steady for our hip-hop showcase on Thursday night. Both alliances will allow us to create more amazing shows that will be long remembered.”

Fliers for both nights’ event can be found below.