Subgenre of rap music
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 Interactive map, Flint and Detroit points
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.
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 &amp; 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