Written by : Stacy James (@officialstacyjames)
When you look at the landscape of America Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are
considered the cultural meccas. Don’t get me wrong this is well warranted but Detroit should be mentioned up there with the rest, and it used to be. In the 1960’s Motown redefined popular music and set a new precedent for the rest of the world. The Beatles themselves credit Motown artists as their biggest inspirations and the biggest contributors to modern music. Much like Henry Ford did with cars before him Barry Gordy masterminded an assembly line for music, churning out an impossible workload without ever compromising quality.
Detroit has helped shape modern America as a whole both in terms of industrialism and the
arts. However, due to a plethora of reasons somewhere along the way it lost its prestige in the public eye. But this is a blue collar town full of fighters and all this time we’ve been building to something new, a renaissance if you will. Today we look at some of the key pieces moving forward and a show they put on all by themselves:Up The Ante at Detroit’s Trumbull Plex
WHITEROSEMOXIE
Moxie is the most successful so far already being signed to 300 Entertainment, releasing
multiple albums and EPs, and going on tours, including a set at Rolling Loud Miami in 2022. In fact, he’s embarking on his first European tour as I write this. Always coming with a signature sound but always willing to experiment, moxie has grown a cult-like fanbase that shows up for every project and every performance. He’s currently gearing up for his next album “Human Behavior”, checkout the videos for “Call Me When You Hear This” and “Flavors” out on YouTube now.
Ademar Locke
Ademar was the true mastermind of the night, doing most of the planning and getting everyone together. I recently reviewed his new Album “Nomad” that perfectly encapsulates his artistry. Since then it’s accumulated thousands of plays and his followers have begun to skyrocket. Having already laid all the groundwork and building a solid following, Ademar is more than ready to capitalize on his newfound success.
Ace
Also referred to as “Ace Three Times”, Ace has been putting in the work for a while now,
developing a fanbase in both Atlanta and Detroit. His recently released album “Year of The 7” is a sterling example of the diversity the city has to offer. Containing 15 songs he somehow manages to make every single one feel different and purposeful as he touches on a vast array of topics in a multitude of styles. Standout tracks include:”Not U”, “Palm Trees and Bad Bitches”, “10 Times Outta 10”, and “Fake Love”.
DaBoat
Everyone in this article has held long ties together but Boat and Ace go hand in hand. Both
building a following here and in Atlanta and both recently releasing 15 song albums. However, Boat uses his unique personality and approach to song making to stand out. Always having fun but never scared to touch on those deeper topics and harsher feelings. Before this project, he had a hard drive stolen containing an entire album and countless singles, but this only motivated him to go harder and he has definitely held himself to that standard. Checkout “Da Biggest Boat” now with standout tracks such as:”God Take The Wheel”, “2001”, “Deep end” and the heartfelt outro “thank you”.
Esei
Everyone had fans there and everyone put on a great performance, but I’d be lying if I said Esei didn’t have the most engagement. That’s usually the case though as his music caters to a live crowd and he never fails to bring the energy on stage. Being a true emcee with incredible presence, Esei is prone to capture your attention and hold it until he decides not to. Being accompanied by K.M.O for their track “Gunsmoke”, the two created a crescendo of hype with the audience. Checkout his newest single “TBH Freestyle” now.
FullBodyDurag
Full Body was the Dj for the event and Dj’s all over the city. Possessing an uncanny ability to get in tune with the crowd he kept engagement and energy up all through the night. He is also a performing artist and producer who just released a new 8 song project entitled “Hello” on Bandcamp. The project is full of features from fellow Detroit rising stars.
The event was a success for every artist involved and every fan present. Free pre rolls were
handed out to ensure a great time and the admission fee was pay what you can, and the city
definitely showed love. Overall it was a great experience but more importantly a glimpse of the future. That one night is going to be life for everyone involved soon enough. Detroit is rising again, fueled by passionate artists and hardworking people. The renaissance is here and “Wang” (a collective including everyone above and then some) is a major reason why. I’d say stay tuned but you don’t have to anymore, just keep your ears open and you’ll hear the city.