The Best of Detroit Hip Hop Music

A look at the best Detroit hip hop music and the artists that make it.

The History of Detroit Hip Hop

Detroit has been a hotbed for hip hop music since the early 1980s. The city’s East Side was home to the legendary hip hop group the Fat Boys, who were discovered by rapper Kurtis Blow. Detroit was also the birthplace of techno music, and many of the city’s hip hop artists have been influenced by this genre.

The 1990s saw the rise of Detroit’s underground hip hop scene, with artists such as J Dilla, Slum Village, and Eminem gaining national attention. The 2000s saw a resurgence of mainstream interest in Detroit hip hop, with artists such as 50 Cent, Obie Trice, and Royce da 5’9″ becoming superstars.

Today, Detroit is home to a new generation of hip hop artists who are keeping the city’s musical legacy alive.

The Pioneers of Detroit Hip Hop

The first hip hop song recorded in Detroit was “Electro Funk Rock-Rap” by the disco group Liquid Gold, which was released on their 1981 album Star Cruiser. While not an explicitly rap song, it is considered to be the first hip hop recording to come out of Detroit. The first rap song to come out of Detroit that was actually billed as rap was “Rappin’ Drummer Man” by the group Hot Ice, which was released on their 1982 album of the same name.

Hot Ice was not the only group making rap music in Detroit in the early 1980s; other groups such as Mt. Peace and Streeters were also putting out rap songs. However, it wasn’t until 1986 that a Detroit rapper would release an album that would be considered seminal in the history of Detroit hip hop. That album was titled There’s a Way by police officer and rapper Asher D, who released it independently on his own label. There’s a Way is significant not only because it is considered one of the first true hip hop albums to come out of Detroit, but also because it is one of the first albums by a police officer turned rapper.

While Asher D’s album There’s a Way is considered one of the first hip hop albums to come out of Detroit, another artist by the name of Esham releases his debut album Boomin’ Words from Hell just one month later in 1987. Esham’s brand of horrorcore would go on to inspire future generations of Detroit rappers such as Kid Rock and Eminem.

The Sound of Detroit Hip Hop

From the early days of hip hop to the present, Detroit has been a hotbed for the genre, with many legendary artists and groups hailing from the city. While the sound of Detroit hip hop has changed over the years, it has always maintained its own unique flavor.

In the early days of hip hop, Detroit artists were heavily influenced by the music of New York City. However, as the genre developed, Detroit artists began to experiment with their own sound, incorporating elements of soul and Motown into their music. This resulted in a more mellow and laid-back sound that was different from anything else that was being made at the time.

As time went on, Detroit hip hop continued to evolve, with artists like Eminem and D12 bringing a more aggressive sound to the forefront. Meanwhile, other artists like J Dilla and Slum Village moved away from traditional hip hop sounds and experimented with more experimental and alternative styles.

Today, there is no one sound that defines Detroit hip hop. Instead, there is a diverse range of styles being made by a new generation of artists who are taking the sound in even more directions. Whether you’re looking for old-school classics or new wave bangers, there’s sure to be something for you in Detroit hip hop.

The Future of Detroit Hip Hop

There is no doubt that Detroit hip hop is on the rise. With a new generation of rappers, producers, and DJs, the future of Detroit hip hop looks bright. There are a number of young artists who are making a name for themselves in the local scene and beyond.

One of the most promising up-and-comers is J. Cole, who released his debut album “The Come Up” in 2007. Cole’s album received critical acclaim and helped to put Detroit hip hop on the map. Another artist to watch is Big Sean, who was signed to Kanye West’s record label GOOD Music in 2007. Sean has released two mixtapes and is working on his debut album.

Other artists who are making waves in Detroit hip hop include Elzhi, Royce da 5’9″, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Marv Won, and Miz Korona. These artists are all bringing something unique to the table and are helping to shape the future of Detroit hip hop.