10 Detroit House Music Artists You Need to Know

If you’re not already familiar with Detroit house music, it’s time to get acquainted with the genre’s pioneers and innovators.

DJ Godfather

DJ Godfather, AKA Ashaki Porter, is a house music pioneer from Detroit. He’s been spinning records since the early ’80s, and he’s one of the most respected DJs in the city. His style is a unique blend of house, techno, and hip-hop, and he’s known for his ability to get a crowd moving.

Godfather got his start DJing at parties and clubs around Detroit, and he soon began producing his own music. He’s released several albums and EPs over the years, and his tracks have been played by some of the biggest names in house music. He’s also well-known for his work as a remixer, and he’s done remixes for artists like Juan Atkins, Carl Craig, and Moodymann.

Godfather is one of the founders of the Detroit-based record label Smokin’house Records, and he’s also a member of the DJ collective known as The Soul Skate Society. In addition to DJing and producing music, he also works as a talent scout and A&R rep for several record labels. If you’re looking for some new Detroit house music to check out, DJ Godfather is a great place to start.

DJ Assault

DJ Assault is one of the most well-known house music artists from Detroit. He is known for his high-energy live sets and his unique style of mixing. His tracks often contain sexually explicit lyrics, which have earned him a large following among clubgoers.

DJ Housecat

DJ Housecat, also known as Catizzle, is a house music producer and DJ from Detroit. She has been spinning records for over 20 years and is a well-respected figure in the Detroit house music scene. Her style is a unique blend of old-school house and techno, with a heavy emphasis on beats and bass. She is a regular at the city’s top clubs and has played at some of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world.

Theo Parrish

Theo Parrish is a Detroit-based house music producer and DJ who is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the genre. He is known for his unique and innovative production style, which combines elements of soul, jazz, and techno. Parrish has released numerous critically acclaimed albums and singles, and he is a popular DJ who regularly headlines events around the world.

Moodymann

Moodymann, AKA Kenny Dixon Jr., is a house music legend. He’s been making music since the early ’90s, and his unique take on the genre has influenced countless other artists. Moodymann is known for his deeply soulful and spiritual approach to house music, and his tracks are often laced with samples of classic R&B and gospel records. If you’re looking for a deep, spiritual house sound, Moodymann is definitely an artist you need to check out.

Marcellus Pittman

Marcellus Pittman is a house music producer and DJ from Detroit. He is one of the founders of the record label Unirhythm and has released several albums on the label, including three albums under his own name. Pittman is known for his deep, soulful style of house music and has been praised by critics for his skills as a DJ and producer.

Rick Wilhite

Rick Wilhite is one of the veterans of the Detroit house music scene. He was a member of the group Three Chairs, along with Malik Alston and Omar-S, and he’s been a solo artist and producer for many years. His style is deep and spiritual, with a focus on hypnotic grooves. He’s release records on some of the top house music labels, including rush hour, Kompakt, and his own V Mad props.

K-HAND

K-HAND is a legendary house music producer and DJ from Detroit. She is a co-founder of the record label Submerge, which has been integral in promoting and releasing cutting-edge Detroit house music since the early 1990s. K-HAND’s own productions are deep and soulful, with a spiritual quality that is uplifting and life-affirming. She is a master of groove, and her DJ sets are always packed with dancers who are eager to get down.

Kenny Dixon Jr.

Kenny Dixon Jr., also known as Moodymann, is a Detroit house music producer and DJ who is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the genre. His unique style combines elements of soul, funk, and disco with modern electronic production, and his records are highly sought-after by fans and collectors worldwide. Dixon’s first album, “Moodymann,” was released in 1998 on the seminal techno label KMS Records, and he has since gone on to release several more critically acclaimed albums and EPs. He is also a regular headliner at major international music festivals such as DEMF ( Detroit Electronic Music Festival) and Sónar.

Jay Dee/J Dilla

Jay Dee, also known as J Dilla, was an iconic figure in Detroit’s house music scene. He was a founding member of the group Slum Village, and went on to produce tracks for a number of well-known artists including A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, The Roots, and Common. Jay Dee’s unique style – which blended elements of hip-hop, jazz, and soul – helped to shape the sound of contemporary house music, and he continues to be an influence on producers and DJs worldwide.