Problems

The Negro Problem was formed in the early 1990s by Mark Lamar Stewart, known as Stew, in Los Angeles. This four-piece band combined elements of rock with socially conscious lyrics, reflecting Stew's background and perspectives as a Black artist. Their early work includes a box set collection of singles released in 1995, featuring unique tracks like a cover of "MacArthur Park" and a multi-part pop operetta, "Miss Jones." This period marked the band's emergence into the alternative music scene with a bold and eclectic style.

In 1997, The Negro Problem released their album 'Post Minstrel Syndrome,' which further established their presence in the indie music world. The album showcased the band's blend of genres and lyrical depth, addressing cultural and social themes. This release helped cement their reputation for innovative and thought-provoking music that challenged traditional narratives.

Continuing their musical exploration, The Negro Problem released 'Joys & Concerns' in 1999. This album continued to expand on their unique sound, blending rock, soul, and funk with insightful songwriting. The work reflected the band's ongoing dedication to addressing personal and societal issues through music, gaining a dedicated following within the indie and alternative scenes.

In 2000, Stew released his solo album titled 'Guest Host.' This album was widely acclaimed and named Album of the Year by Entertainment Weekly. 'Guest Host' showcased Stew's songwriting prowess and individual artistry, helping him gain recognition beyond the band. This success highlighted Stew's ability to engage listeners with deeply personal and innovative music.

The year 2002 was significant for both The Negro Problem and Stew individually. The Negro Problem released 'Welcome Black,' further emphasizing their commitment to addressing Black identity and social issues through music. Likewise, Stew's solo album 'The Naked Dutch Painter and Other Songs' received critical acclaim, matching the success of his earlier solo work by again being named Album of the Year by Entertainment Weekly.

In 2003, The Negro Problem released the album 'Blackboot,' which continued their tradition of blending insightful social commentary with eclectic musical styles. Meanwhile, Stew expanded his career by touring in support of Arthur Lee of the band Love, which broadened his exposure and experience in the music industry. These activities contributed to maintaining momentum in their music careers during the early 2000s.

Starting in 2004, Stew collaborated with Heidi Rodewald to write the semi-autobiographical rock musical 'Passing Strange.' Supported by the Sundance Institute and The Public Theater, the musical debuted with successful runs at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2006 and off-Broadway at The Public Theater in 2007. It later opened on Broadway in 2008 to critical acclaim, garnering seven Tony Award nominations and winning the Tony for Best Book. This work marked a major crossover success for Stew, blending theatrical storytelling with his musical talents, and was later adapted into a feature film by Spike Lee.

The Negro Problem continued their musical journey with the release of 'Making It' in 2012. This album reflected the band's evolution and persistent engagement with themes of identity and artistic expression. It served to reconnect with their audience and demonstrate their sustained relevance in the indie music scene.

In 2018, The Negro Problem released two significant albums: 'Total Bent' and 'Notes of a Native Song.' The latter was accompanied by a live show inspired by the writings of James Baldwin, showcasing the band's continued commitment to addressing cultural and social issues through art. This period underscored their ongoing vitality and connection to important cultural dialogues, combining music with literature and live performance.