Detroit/Flint Music — A different form of American art
Detroit music, yes, looking specifically into the Flint side of this type of music. Going into this article, I will be expansive to cover as many artists as I can to fully explain this genre of music. First starting off with the older, then the new style of the form, earliest forms going as far back as late 2019, before the pandemic.
Old generation
The older generation of Detroit music, before the scam genre started its takeover, the theme was as common as rap and trap. It was more of hustler’s music, a way to be inspired to do better in life, and I feel like starting off by introducing these two songs by L.O.M. The first was released back in 2013, and the second example came around 2014. Then I will conclude this section with some songs by artist Babyface Ray.
In this beat, the synths are heard, piano, bell sounds, and the synth bass sound. In this era, the productions of Detroit beats were more smoother sounding. Its a big contrast to the harsher sounding beats by most producers that is made today.
Three more great examples by artist Babyface Ray:
This song is some of Ray’s older work, but lets pay more attention to the style of the beat. Notice the synth playing as he goes into his verses in the middle of the song in the background, the hi-hat patterns, the snare, the drum kicks, as well as some other instruments playing. Detroit beats of this era have a close sound with that of Hip-Hop beats from the mid-1980s, though very light in taste. Now for two modern examples by him:
Going into this article, I want to specifically discuss the production style over the years, not the lyrics or themes. Though I still will mention themes and lyrics by some artists, that is not the main focus. Following this post, we look into how far Ray’s style has changed overtime. From 2015-present, he has come a long way. And the way the production form has changed as well, some beats of today may simply get laid over a sample soul or r&b song. Others can be originally created, It can vary producer to producer, I personally like either type.
Following these examples, it is clear how one differs when compared with the other. This is how most songs of the era sounded like with the beats, it was more calmer, like you can “think to yourself” type of music. Since then it has evolved into a new form, as more participated in these “trends” it gave rise to some prominent artists, now lets hop into our first, which will be “scam rap” and how it changed overtime.
Scam Genre
This form of Detroit music was around for a while, and the style has evolved to newer forms. I’ll make two comparisons here, two examples by artists Kasher Quon, and TeeJayx6:
A common characteristic of these style of beats is either a slow or fast tempo beat, almost like a 80s style synths, added with steel drum snares, cowbell, and fast or slow hi-hats. The common theme around this type of music is scamming people, which “Jugg” means. Now to show the slightly new form of scam rap. Keep in mind Kasher does NOT rap like this anymore and has an entirely new form. Now before moving on I want to show two more examples of this style, first by WizGotBeats, and the other produced by RichRo.
In this song, the theme is very much the same, just in a different style, with a smoother, crisp sounding uptempo beat. Most of the time, these beats have a dark melody, added with low note piano key strokes, or synths/pads. This style of beats would continue on for a while, until a man by the name of Enrgy Beats would completely re-invent the Detroit sound with pinnacle works. Before we move on, I do want to share one last example from this genre, by well known artist, Babytron, a member of the Shittyboyz rap group:
Pandemic Era (2020-present)
Enrgy Beats changed the Detroit style of music with his iconic and hard-hitting beats. Here are some prime examples I’ve decided to showcase here, one by artist Krispylife Kidd, and some beats of his own:
Krispylife Kidd debuted his “Story of a Young Goat” album in November of 2019. Songs by him produced by Enrgy would showcase a new sound in the style of Detroit music. Do take note that various artists from Flint also used these style of beats.
The artist Rio Da Yung OG used a variety of these style of beats before getting locked up. The common and iconic sound for these Detroit beats are fast hi hats, hard-hitting 808s, and snappy snares, as well as a sinister melody accompanied with an harmonious piano riff. These beats are used for rap, but from another view, they can also be used in a “story-telling” like manner as well.
Now I will show an iconic song by Rio Da Yung OG, that was produced by Enrgy Beats himself, which will go into depth about this new style of Detroit/Flint music:
As an artist, Rio is known for his ill and hardcore verses/rhymes, which flows smoothly and well with the beat. Its a fantastic showcase into the new form of music. Over the years, many artists have made their humble beginnings, but not many have caught the attention like Rio did. Now continuing on, I will include some few more examples of the style, as well as the other subgenre of the music. But before continuing on, I would like to say FREE Rio! Hoping for some great music when he gets released!
Notable Examples
A song by AK Bandamont, I do warn you this type of music may throw you off at first, but listen to the whole thing!
Now having heard this song, what are your initial thoughts? I personally mess it, it goes hard! Again, produced by Enrgy Beats, even into the pandemic, he did not let a virus hinder his artistic form! Neither did AK! This style of Detroit/Flint music mostly is based by AK Bandamont himself, however, I believe that Ysr Gramz would have been the first to use these types of beats in this particular style of rap. AK has a very aggressive approach in his lyricism and delivery, its hardcore, not like he’s “yelling” but like he wants you to HEAR what he’s saying. I have a hard time trying to find who else can come close in sounding similar to him.
This is the other form of Detroit music, it almost takes on a “gangster” approach to rap, but in a newer form, its refined and punchier. I do want to conclude this section and move onto my last point of the article, covering the other subgenre, but not without making a mention. Since this style of Detroit beats, other producers have since adopted and almost re “shaped” the style into their own way. Not in a “copying and paste” way, but in a “taking a recipe and making a new type menu item” kind of way. I’ll include a final example to showcase a different form of a Detroit beat, but more chill, almost groovy:
As you can hear, the beat is very punchy and snappy. These types of beats aren’t very common in this style, but not unheard of. It has all the characteristics, produced by Babyonthetrack.
R&B Style era (2022-present)
Now what exactly do I mean by a “R&B” style of Detroit music if most of it has dark tones? Well, I will showcase not one, but TWO prime examples of what I mean, by artist Bandgang Lonnie Bands. Here is the first so you can get an idea of what I mean by this section:
This right here, is a prime example of EXACTLY what I mean. In this form of music, I wouldn’t even call it rap, but more of “storytelling”. If you go through the whole song in itself, it's almost like he’s telling a tale of a past event that happened in his life. This type of production style took form by the producer Rx Wanny. Another producer, by the name of Universe10K, also has a similar style like Wanny’s. I don't know any other producer so far that has a similar style to the two.
Going on into further examples, the composition of the next example isn’t too different either. I also want to show one more example before I conclude the article, which highlights the form in a reputable light. Its almost the same beat, but with a twist and different melody, a new producer by the name of BigJuonthebeat crafted this track for BandGang Lonnie:
The theme is almost similar, not really “storytelling” but about someone. Who it may be? I don’t know, but the track is very soothing, I hope more artists from Detroit and Flint adopt this style of rap more! So far since 2022, lately the artists from both regions have maintained this status in the rap industry. For the next examples, also produced by BigJu, these are recent and by the artist Ysr Gramz. Such tracks are very rare to see, him using this type of style than the hardcore persona he usually raps with:
Even though Ysr Gramz is from Beecher, and not Flint or Detroit, the examples still show how far the genre has come to change into the new year of 2023. Other artists are now adopting or have taken to make some “softer” forms of music, using these style of beats. If anything it's a very interesting change going forward, and I hope to see more are enthusiastic in using these types of beats.
“313 Mafia” Collective
The “313 Mafia” is a collective of producers who share similar styles and sounds in production. It is made up of many producers, some from Detroit, and even some from Milwaukee. Altogether they have modernized that “sound” that is present in a plethora Detroit/Flint type of beats, no longer retaining that “sinister” or “menacing” identity that can be heard from older producers from long before, but a more progressive and meaningful way of production.
Another point in popularizing this style of Detroit beats are two producers: Tae Huncho and ByeKyle beats. They both share similar styles, so I will present two examples by them:
Before I end off this part of the article, again I do want to include one more example. I think you guys will like it! So enjoy:
The artist Wanskii has made many similar tracks like this, however we are looking more towards the composition of the beat, and how it accompanies the lyrics made by him. I think I’ve made my point, so I will make a last reference before I go off, covering beats by the two previously mentioned producers.
Inspiration/Influences
Listen to the beat. Now don't take note for just the 808s, but the sound itself, the synths, pads, hi-hat patterns, as well as the sound effects, the way its all put together. If you think about it, the composition sounds like a theme soundtrack, its ominous. I don’t wanna say that the inspiration IS taken directly, but I do say that the way these beats are made, its almost like they’ve come from a iconic film. I believe you know which film I’m talking about in particular.
I’ve seen other few producers start to drift towards this style of production since 2022, such as TommyGotbeats, CeeStackz, and Jakesands, however Tommy has seemed to take a brand “new” approach to his style. It's a blend of 1980s-inspired production, mixed with the modern Detroit rhythm.
Very reminiscent to certain soundtrack osts from the original Scarface film, note not just the synth and lead instruments, but the composition and dark/menacing melodies. I’ll make the comparison with two examples, one by the original composer, Giorgio Moroder, and this beat by producer JakeSand:
The sound is a more modern rendition, with softer instruments, but the theme is almost similar. Its done in a perspective that is almost, again, in the manner of storytelling, I like to see it as “movie” like.
See the slight similarity? Now I will show you one more beat from Universe10K, which directly highlights my point. Once you listen to it, you’ll understand what I’m saying.
The beat posted was not even released in 2020 or to this present day, which shows how far the inception has come for this style of beats. Common themes for these type of beats in particular would vary from a dark-sounding melody, to something a little less off-putting. Fast paced hi-hats, as well as the 808s and snares/claps being a lot softer than the more common and punchier ones used by Enrgy Beats or other producers.
This beat is more of a groovy-sounding production, and features the well known distortion sound effect commonly heard in older Detroit scam beats.
Back in 2019, these types of beats weren’t exactly mainstream, but as a piece of Detroit music, it serves as an example as to what the beats sounded like during this era. Its sinister, and uses a lot of small percussion sounds/fx.
As for this type of beat, it's a rare type of production, but an earlier look at the beginnings of Rio’s career. And we can see how his style changes later on in 2019 to 2020.
This one having came out in late 2019 shows how much of an impact Detroit music has had on other artists from other states. Its incredible! The impact has reached far beyond America, to where artists in other countries have taken a shot/experimented with the beats. I’ve seen many Milwaukee artists take to using the Detroit style beats in their music. I can’t blame em either, because the beats are addicting! And Milwaukee is just 250 miles west of Detroit! So no surprise that they’ve come to adopt the form.
Some artists from Florida as well have adopted some Detroit sounds into the beats as well, though we have already made our own genre (Fast Music) the new generation has come to make beats that feature some sounds commonly used in Detroit music.
Conclusion and honorary examples
What else can I honestly say? Much respect to all the artists who’ve put their city on the map, and most especially the producers, who made it all happen in the first place! I’m deuce!
