Michigan rap

Michigan rap is a regional subgenre of hip-hop in the United States, including Detroit rap, a style characterized by its "underdog spirit". Pivotal figures in the emergence of Michigan and Midwestern hip-hop scene include MC Breed.

Interactive map, Flint and Detroit points

In 2023, Rolling Stone described Michigan rap as "the regional style of intense punchlines and goofy music videos".

Background

While Michigan has historically trailed behind New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in terms of the infrastructure and resources available to rap musicians, in recent years, Detroit and Flint have emerged as "havens" for a vibrant and diverse music scene.

The presence of established veterans and a burgeoning community of rising artists further contributes to the state's dynamic and innovative musical landscape.

Characteristics

Michigan rap is divided into Flint rap and Detroit rap, which prioritizes driving drum beats, brooding low piano chords, and narratives in their lyrics.

The element of drum beats was popularized by J Dilla who used beat drum programming with live improvisation instruments. Dilla's style was hard to replicate, but the drum beats became a part of Detroit's style. The piano cords became a staple of Detroit hip-hop from Helluva with ominous piano cords that paired with the narratives in lyrics. Many artists used narratives for their songs and albums. Two main styles of Detroit lyricism are storytelling and street. Eminem created music with hyper-lyrical storytelling, while artists like Eastside Chedda Boyz and the Street Lord'z had a straightforward street style more indicative of the Detroit's identity.

Flint's version of street rap is powered by rough production, often including thudding basslines and piano loops, and a dark satire, devil-may-care approach to lyrics, similar to the Detroit movement. The style of Flint rap did not gain traction within Michigan until Rio Da Yung OG appeared on the local scene. Flint rap is an upcoming scene that has a symbiotic relationship with Detroit, where Flint uses their platform and resources to expand, while Detroit hones and harnesses the talent to boost the scene. The basslines and piano loops of Flint are inspired by Detroit, which incorporates elements of drum beats and piano chords. The approach to Flint's lyrics is replicated from Rio Da Yung Og with their balance of humorous and menacing raps.

History/Evolution

The 1980s

Hip-hop in Michigan emerged from the underground in the 1980s, gaining momentum alongside the city's vibrant music scene, which included funk, soul, and electronic music. The 1980s marked a pivotal era for hip hop in Michigan, as the genre emerged from the underground and began to gain mainstream recognition. While Detroit is often credited as the birthplace of techno music, it also played a significant role in shaping the early sound of hip-hop.

Dance played a pivotal role in the genre's early development, with breakdancing becoming synonymous with hip-hop culture. It was a driving force behind the early development of hip-hop in Michigan. The acrobatic and energetic style of breakdancing resonated with the rebellious spirit of hip-hop, providing a creative outlet for self-expression and community building. DJs like Jonzun and The Electrifying Mojo incorporated hip-hop elements into their sets, introducing the genre to Detroit's diverse musical landscape. Breakdancing crews like the Zulu Nation and the Rock Steady Crew gained prominence in Detroit's vibrant dance scene, showcasing their skills at local events and competitions. Their performances not only entertained but also served as a form of cultural expression, challenging societal norms and asserting the identity of the hip-hop community.

The 1980s witnessed a surge in hip-hop activity in Michigan, fueled by independent record labels like Inner City Records and a grassroots movement of artists and producers. The Hip Hop Shop, a Detroit record store, became a hub for the scene, providing a platform for local talent and fostering a sense of community. Prominent artists like Esham, Esham Aarabia, and Rodney O & Joe Cooley emerged during this era, bringing their unique styles and perspectives to the genre. They often addressed social and political issues facing their communities, giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of Detroit's residents.

Despite limited mainstream exposure, Michigan's underground hip-hop scene thrived, with artists creating and distributing their music through cassettes and mixtapes. This DIY culture nurtured creativity and innovation, allowing artists to experiment with different sounds and styles. They created and distributed their music through cassettes and mixtapes, bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers. The DIY culture fostered a sense of independence and creativity, allowing artists to experiment with different sounds and styles without the constraints of commercial expectations. It also encouraged collaboration and community building, as artists shared resources, knowledge, and support.

The 1980s laid the foundation for Michigan hip hop's continued success, with the influence of early pioneers and the DIY spirit of the underground scene shaping contemporary artists. Michigan hip-hop established itself as a powerful voice for self-expression and social commentary, with its contributions resonating today and shaping the global hip-hop landscape.

The 1990s

The 1990s marked a transformative era for hip hop in Michigan, as the genre transcended its underground roots and emerged as a dominant force on the national stage. Michigan hip-hop artists, emboldened by the DIY spirit of the previous decade, continued to push boundaries and redefine the genre's sonic landscape, solidifying the state's position as a cornerstone of hip-hop culture.

For example, J Dilla, a Detroit-born producer, emerged as a pivotal figure in the 1990s, revolutionizing hip-hop production with his soulful, sample-based beats. His innovative approach, characterized by chopped-up samples, unconventional arrangements, and a penchant for jazz and funk influences, transformed the genre's sonic palette and laid the groundwork for future generations of producers. Dilla's production work with artists like Slum Village, Q-Tip, and Janet Jackson catapulted Michigan hip-hop to a wider audience, showcasing the state's unique sound and production prowess. His influence extended beyond the production realm, inspiring a generation of artists to break free from conventional hip-hop production techniques and embrace experimentation.

Slum Village, a trio of Detroit rappers and producers, embodied the soulful and innovative sound of Michigan hip-hop in the 1990s. Their music, infused with J Dilla's signature production, blended smooth melodies, introspective lyrics, and a laid-back vibe, setting them apart from the more aggressive and confrontational sounds that dominated mainstream hip-hop at the time. Slum Village's albums, "Fan-Tasmagoria" (1997) and "Fantastic 2" (2000), garnered critical acclaim, showcasing their ability to craft sophisticated and nuanced hip hop that resonated with audiences seeking a more introspective and musically rich experience. Their music became synonymous with the Michigan hip-hop sound, influencing countless artists and solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential groups of the era. 

Eminem, a Detroit-raised rapper, catapulted Michigan hip-hop to global prominence in the late 1990s. His debut album, "Slim Shady LP" (1999), broke sales records and garnered critical acclaim, establishing him as a controversial yet celebrated figure in the hip-hop landscape. Eminem's music, characterized by its dark humor, confessional lyrics, and technical rapping skills, resonated with a generation of listeners seeking a more edgy and unapologetic form of hip-hop. His success not only brought recognition to Michigan hip-hop but also challenged stereotypes and expanded the genre's reach to a broader audience.

Michigan hip-hop in the 1990s played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's trajectory and expanding its global reach. The contributions of artists like J Dilla, Slum Village, and Eminem solidified Michigan's position as a hub for hip-hop innovation and creativity. The state's unique sound, characterized by soulful production, introspective lyrics, and a blend of influences, left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring a generation of artists and shaping the landscape of hip-hop in the 2000s and beyond.

Early 2000s

The early 2000s was coined as a very important era for hip-hop in Michigan, as it became a flourishing state for new upcoming talent. Detroit specifically, played a pivotal role in molding the sound and style of Michigan hip-hop during this period. Artists such as Eminem recognized globally, brought attention to Detroit's rich hip-hop culture. This put a spotlight on Detroit's vibrant hip-hop culture. Eminem's lyrically creative narratives highlight the hardships and perseverance of urban life, resonating with audiences everywhere. Detroit has emerged as a vessel for innovative music that permanently marked its place in the history of hip-hop.

Detroit's hip-hop scene saw the emergence of other influential artists, apart from Eminem such as Obie Trice and D12, who contributed to the city's diverse musical landscape. The early 2000s also witnessed the city's underground rap scene flourishing, with artists like Slum Village and J Dilla gaining recognition for their innovative beats and thought-provoking lyrics. We also see well known breakthrough artists such as Big Sean who in the 2010s was recognized on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music roster at 105.9 WDMK. Overall, Michigan's hip-hop in the early 2000s played a crucial role in expanding the genre's boundaries, showcasing a range of talents and perspectives from the Midwest. Each artist contributed their unique style to the 2000s and the evolution of Detroit Hip-Hop.

Impact

The impactful contributions of women in Michigan's hip-hop management, represented by leaders such as Chanel Domonique, Lauren 'Lo' McGrier, and Darylynn 'DeDe' Mumphord, have been instrumental in catapulting local talents like Icewear Vezzo and Baby Money to global recognition. Channeling strategic vision, Domonique identifies and develops promising artists, while McGrier facilitates collaborations with major labels through her expertise in artist management and promotion. Mumphord's emphasis on artist development and industry connections has created opportunities beyond regional boundaries. Thanks to the collective efforts of these women, Icewear Vezzo and Baby Money have not only thrived locally but have also made impactful strides on the international hip-hop stage, exemplifying the crucial role played by women in shaping the success narratives of Michigan's hip-hop artists.

Soon after, Hip-Hop producer J Dilla emerged, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with his distinctive soulful-based sound. Renowned for his innovative production style, J Dilla collaborated with iconic artists such as Erykah Badu and Slum Village, contributing significantly to their acclaimed projects. Recognized as one of the forefathers of soulful Hip-Hop beats, J Dilla's impact extends far beyond his collaborations; he played a pivotal role in shaping the broader hip-hop landscape. His unique approach to production, characterized by intricate drum patterns, soulful samples, and a keen sense of musicality, has influenced artists across multiple generations. J Dilla's legacy endures as a beacon of creativity and originality, his contributions resonating in the work of contemporary artists who continue to draw inspiration from his groundbreaking work in the realm of soul-infused hip-hop.

In 1996, Eminem, a major figure in Hip-Hop, rose to prominence following J Dilla. Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers, played a crucial role in shaping Michigan rap by addressing real-life issues in his lyrics. Hailing from Detroit, he became a source of pride for the city, using his raw and honest storytelling to connect with audiences worldwide. Eminem's impact extends beyond personal success; he helped put Michigan's rap scene on the global stage and gave Detroit a distinctive voice in the broader Hip-Hop landscape.

The contributions of women in Michigan Hip-Hop management, including Chanel Domonique, Lauren ‘Lo’ McGrier, and Darylynn ‘DeDe’ Mumphord, have elevated local Michigan artists such as Icewear Vezzo and Baby Money to international recognition through collaborations with major record labels. Detroit's hip-hop history, rooted in breakdancing and techno/funk music from the 80s, saw the emergence of iconic spaces like the "Hip-Hop Shop," providing platforms for talents like J Dilla and Eminem.

The impact of Michigan Hip-Hop is evident within recent years with the collaborative efforts between producer Enrgy Beats and GlockBoyz in crafting hit song "Wack Jumper," with over seven million views on Youtube, facilitating the widespread adoption of Michigan's signature sounds, featuring "blown out 808s'' and "high-pitched snares." Contemporary Detroit artists like BabyFace Ray, Baby Tron, Tee Grizzley, and 42 Dugg are revitalizing the city's unique hip-hop sound. Their contributions include authentic storytelling, energetic deliveries, and collaborations that have garnered national attention. These artists represent a new wave in hip-hop, blending Detroit's rich musical traditions with modern influences. Their success not only enhances Detroit's hip-hop legacy but also positions the city as a significant force in shaping the broader hip-hop landscape on a national scale.

Figures

Eminem

Eminem performing with D12 in May 2009

Marshall "Eminem" Mathers is an influential artist in the world of hip-hop who came from humble roots. His father left him and his mother at an early age, leaving his family to move between multiple public housing systems in Kansas City, Missouri and Detroit. He dropped out of high school and regularly worked, wrote, and performed to make a living. His career grew, but it was not enough to pay the bills until his EP "Slim Shady" landed him in Dr. Dre's eyes, who tracked him down and mentored him.

Eminem started to star in "8 Mile", about a young Detroit rapper attempting to break into the music world in his harsh neighborhood. The movie played his song "Lose Yourself" which became popular because of its narrative of only having "one shot" at something. Eminem has been a prolific personality because of their controversial lyrics and career, especially in his song "We As Americans" in Encore.

Although he is a controversial figure, Eminem's journey is a powerful story and a testament to the power of his unique voice and talent in music.

Big Sean

Sean Micheal Leonard Anderson, known as "Big Sean," is a rapper born on March 25, 1988, in Santa Monica, California. When he was three years old, his family moved to Detroit. When Big Sean was in high school, he participated in rap battles organized by local hip-hop stations.

After high school, he was in an interview with 102.7 FM and Kanye West in 2005, where he demonstrated his freestyle skills. Big Sean later signed with the music label G.O.O.D Music by Kanye West in 2007. Even though he was on Kanye's label, it did not bring instant success to Big Sean. He released his first mixtape called Finally Famous: The Mixtape in 2007, which gained some traction because of the single Get’cha Some.

After releasing several mixtapes from 2007 to 2011, Big Sean released his debut album, Finally Famous in 2011, which charted number 3 on the Billboard list. Big Sean would make several mixtapes and albums like "Detroit" and "Dark Sky Paradise" and collaborated with many artists like Kanye West, Ty Dolla Sign, and Drake.

J Dilla

James Dewitt Yancey, professionally known as J Dilla or Jay Dee, was a multifaceted American artist whose impact reverberated across the hip-hop and music landscape. Born on February 7, 1974, he rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as a vital member of the Underground hip hop scene in Detroit, notably contributing to the acclaimed group Slum Village. Beyond his individual prowess, J Dilla became a key collaborator in the Soulquarians, a musical collective that shaped the soundscape of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Unfortunately, J Dilla's life was cut short at the age of 32 when he succumbed to a combination of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and Lupus on February 10, 2006. Despite his relatively brief time in the spotlight.

J Dilla's musical genius lay in his ability to elevate hip-hop production to new heights. J Dilla was pushing instrumental hip-hop into unexplored, musically complex realms. His innovative drum programming, characterized by a loose and "drunk" style that experimented with unconventional quantization, left an indelible mark, influencing subsequent generations of Producers and drummers.

His impact extended beyond just his own compositions; J Dilla's work as a producer for artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Common (rapper), and Erykah Badu further solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

J Dilla's legacy lives on through the countless artists who continue to draw inspiration from his innovative Soundscape. His contribution to the evolution of hip-hop and music production remains a testament to his enduring influence, ensuring that his name is forever etched in the annals of musical history.

KidRock

Kid Rock performing in Melbourne Dec 2013

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, is a versatile American musician known for his transition from the Detroit hip hop scene to mainstream success in Rap rock and later Country rock. As a self-taught musician, he plays every instrument in his band and oversees most of his album production. Starting with his debut Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast (1990), he evolved his style through independent releases like The Polyfuze Method (1993) and Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp (1996). The breakthrough came with Devil Without a Cause (1998) and Cocky (2001), blending hip hop, country, and rock. Notably, Cowboy (1999) pioneered the Country rap genre. His best-selling singles include Picture (2002) and All Summer Long (2008). Kid Rock shifted to Country rock from Rock n Roll Jesus (2007) onward. Politically, he supports the U.S. Republican Party, holding conservative views on fiscal and foreign policy while being more moderate on social issues.

YN Jay

Jaylien Arthur-Henry Cantrell, professionally known as YN Jay, is an American rapper born on July 23, 1999. He gained recognition with the release of his debut mixtape, MVP, in 2019. In 2020, his track "Coochie" gained widespread popularity on social media. YN Jay's first two studio albums, Ninja Warrior and Coochie Chronicles were launched in 2021 under Alamo Records.

Growing up in Beecher, Michigan, YN Jay was influenced by his older brother, Gabe, who inspired him to pursue rap from a young age. After his brother's death, Jay dedicated himself to a rap career, recording eight to ten songs daily during his teenage years.

Rio da Yung OG

Damario Donshay Horne-McCullough, born on May 11, 1994, is an American rapper and songwriter hailing from Flint, Michigan. He goes by the stage name Rio da Yung OG and is signed with #Boyz Entertainment LLC.

During his teenage years, Rio da Yung OG, began creating music using a karaoke machine for enjoyment among friends. It wasn't until his idol, Team Eastside Peezy, motivated him to take rap seriously by showcasing its lucrative potential. During an interview with No Jumper, Rio's commitment to rap deepened after the financial success Peezy achieved from rapping.

Rio's music career soared in late 2019 with the release of his hit single "Legendary," which garnered millions of streams and firmly established his presence in the Michigan rap scene.

Collaborating frequently with fellow Michigan artists such as KrispyLife Kidd, RMC Mike, Louie Ray, YN Jay, GrindHard E, and Georgia rapper Lil Yachty, Rio da Yung OG has expanded his musical network.

MC Breed

Born in Flint, Michigan, on June 12, 1971 MC Breed is seen as the start of the Flint Rap scene, becoming one of the first nationally successful rappers from the area. Initially, he gained recognition with his debut album, "MC Breed & DFC," released under independent record label SDEG Records. His solo journey commenced with the 1992 album "20 Below," followed by 1993's "The New Breed."

Throughout his extensive career, Breed navigated various rap scenes, aligning himself with groups like DFC in the Midwest during his early years. Later, he embraced a West Coast influence, adopting a G-funk sound and collaborating with artists like Too Short. Notably, the 1994 album "Funkafied" reached No. 106 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest-charting success. Breed's musical evolution continued as he explored the dirty south sound with 1995's "Big Baller." His contractual obligations led to two more releases with Wrap Records, namely 1996's "To Da Beat Ch'all" and 1997's "Flatline." A shift to Power Records in 1998 resulted in the album "It's All Good" in 1999, followed by the compilation "2 for the Show."

In 2000, Breed ventured into acting with the straight-to-video film "Dollar" and its accompanying soundtrack featuring the hit "Ain't No Future in Yo' Frontin'." The same year saw the release of "The Thugz, Vol. 1," his final collaboration with Power Records. In 2001, Breed released "The Fharmacist" under Fharmacy Records, an independent label based in Detroit. Despite featuring notable tracks like "Let's Go To The Club," the anticipated projects advertised in the album liner notes did not materialize, and Fharmacy Records faced challenges.

A resurgence occurred in 2004 when Breed signed with Urban Music Zone Entertainment, a subsidiary of Psychopathic Records, releasing "The New Prescription" in August. Despite limited promotion, the album featured collaborations, including one with Esham.

The Dayton Family

The Dayton Family is a rap group rooted in the city of Flint, Michigan, and traces its origins back to the collaborative efforts of Ira "Bootleg" Doorsey and Raheen "Shoestring" Peterson. The genesis of this musical partnership occurred in 1993 when the duo, brought together by their younger siblings, promptly embarked on their musical journey, debuting with the track "Dope Dayton Ave." Notably, the group derives its name from one of Flint's notorious streets, Dayton Avenue, emblematic of the city's hustling spirit. The formation of The Dayton Family gained further momentum with the inclusion of Matt "Backstabba" Hinkle and local producer Steve Pitts, culminating in the official establishment of the group. Subsequently, they inked a deal with Po’ Broke, releasing their inaugural studio album, "What’s on My Mind," on January 1, 1994. This milestone marked the inception of a prolific career peaking at 38 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. The group's second album, "FBI (Fuck Being Indicted)," materialized in 1996, achieving significant success by attaining gold status. Notably, it ascended to the 45th position on the Billboard 200 albums chart and secured the 7th spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. However, this period was not without challenges, as Backstabba found himself incarcerated between the releases of "What’s on My Mind" and "FBI," leading to his replacement by Bootleg's younger brother, Ghetto E. Following the legal tribulations faced by members of The Dayton Family, namely Bootleg and Shoestring, the duo still released music, with each artist recording and releasing solo albums in 1999, titled "Death Before Dishonesty" and "Representin’ Till The World Ends," respectively.

In 2001, Ghetto E, Shoestring, and Bootleg collectively signed with Detroit rapper Esham's Overcore label. A hiatus ensued, interspersed with solo endeavors and a 2002 group album, "Welcome to the Dopehouse." After a three-year hiatus, the group was trimmed down to Ira and Peterson and they released Family Feud through Fast Life Records which had peaked 86 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. The following year, The Dayton Family signed with U Be U Records and released Back on Dayton Ave. The duo added new member Jake the Flake later that same year and released Return to Dayton Ave. in October. Following Hinkle's release from prison, the group returned to their original lineup of Ira, Peterson, and Hinkle. In 2009, they released The Return: The Right to Remain Silent under DDA Records/Paypa Boi Entertainment LLC.On July 14, 2010, The Dayton Family signed with Insane Clown Posse's subsidiary label Hatchet House. The group released the EP Psycho on February 1, 2011, and a music video was released for the song "Cocaine" on 28 March Their seventh album, Charges of Indictment, was released on June 28.

Tee Grizzley

Tee Grizzley at Icebox in 2019

Tee Grizzley also known as Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr is an American rapper who is well-recognized for songs such as "No Effort" “First Day Out" and other hit singles. He grew up in Detroit mostly raised by his grandmother during his early life due to his mother and father being in and out of jail. His spark for music first formed in middle school, leading to the creation of the group " All Stars Ball Hard Along" with three other friends who upload music on YouTube. Tee's mother was later sentenced to 20 years in prison, and his father died. He was the first person to attend college in his family attending Michigan State University where he stole about 20,000 dollars worth of items from students and was sentenced for the robbery in September 2015 and was later released in October 2016.

While he was in prison it motivated him to take his craft more seriously and was able to develop a mixtape during his sentence. After his release his single "First Day Out" dropped which garnered over 2 million views, and he officially used the name Tee Grizzley.

42 Dugg in the music video for "Narcos" by Mitch PNF.

42 Dugg

42 Dugg born Dion Marquise Hayes is an American rapper well known for making collaborations with Lil Baby on hit songs such as "We Paid" and "4 Da Gang" with Roddy Ricch. He grew up on the Eastside of Detroit and attended high school, but soon dropped out. The number 42 in his name marks a reference to a Crip set that went by the name of "Hustle Boys". He grew up listening to Yo Gotti and was later signed to Yo Gotti's record label "Collective Music Group".

42 Dugg first gained attention for songs like "Stfu" and "The Streets". His features on Lil Baby's "We Paid" and " 4 Da Gang" were both trending on the Hot 100's Billboard, at top 10 and 48. His success continued with features with other artists such as Meek Mill, Blac Youngsta, Big Sean, Lil Keed, Tory Lanez, etc.

BabyTron

Babytron performing at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on April 19, 2022

James Edward Johnson IV, also known by his stage name BabyTron, was born on June 6, 2000. Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, BabyTron is most notable for his lyrical abilities and punchlines, as well his unorthodox samples which feature genres such as Rhythm and blues. His musical career officially started around age 17 as he along with two other friends, TrDee and StanWill were able to establish their rap trio under the alias "ShittyBoyz". Through his mixtapes and songs, he would gain major popularity as a Michigan artist working with big artists such as Lil Yachty and also being recognized nationally.

BabyFace Ray

Babyface Ray in June 2022

Marcellus Rayvon Register, also known as Babyface Ray, is another Michigan born artist born on February 7, 1991. As a Detroit rapper, it is noted that Ray with another Michigan artist, Peezy, joined a group named Team Eastside which would lead to further recognition as an artist. His first EP project, "Unfuckwitable" gained a lot of attention as it was able to be featured at number 128 on the Billboard 200 charts. The EP had features from huge artists around the nation such as EST Gee from Louisville, Kentucky and Moneybagg Yo from Memphis, Tennessee. He would continue to release projects with other popular artists and even get his album "Face" to place No. 31 on the Billboard chart.