There aren’t many like Boldy James right now. The cutthroat Detroit rapper has been just that toward his competition all year long, dropping single after project after feature. He’s for sure one of the most consistent and hard-working MCs in the game and the depth of his catalog alone proves that. It’s become that much more expansive in 2024, as he put out now five projects and a whole bunch of loosies and collabs. This week, we are going to focus on the bodies of work, because he’s here with a new one, Hidden in Plain Sight.
Like 80 percent of his endeavors over this 12-month span, Bo is collaborating with a producer from start to finish. So far, he’s teamed up with Canadian beat maker Nicholas Craven for Penalty of Leadership. Boldy James then tapped in with Conductor Williams in June for Across The Tracks. Following that would be the November link-up with Harry Fraud called The Bricktionary. All of those efforts we just listed are over 10 tracks, but Hidden in Plain Sight is under that mark. It stands at seven cuts and is a breezy 18 minutes. Also differentiating this tape from the others is the producer. Meet whothehelliscarlo, also a Detroit native who doesn’t have as much standing in hip-hop as the others Boldy’s worked with. But he’s been developing some chemistry with a lot of the acts from Motown like 42 Dugg, Zelooperz, and more. Now, he’s getting a chance with one of the stalwarts from his hometown. See what they cooked up below.
Detroit has been shining for years thanks to the likes of major players Eminem, Danny Brown, Boldy James, Big Sean, and more. However, while they are still leading the way out in the Midwest, there are a lot of newcomers waiting their turn to carry the torch. Artists like Veeze, BabyTron, Bfb Da Packman, and Talibando are update the sound to be more understated yet hard-hitting at the same time. The raspy and hard-to-decipher flows and skittering beats make up this new era of Detroit hip-hop and fans have been messing with it. This weekend, we are taking a closer listen to one of those few bright stars we mentioned and for the first time.
Using process of elimination, we are talking about Talibando and his new mixtape, ART OF WAR. He’s been doing his thing under the radar for a few years. But lately, he’s been popping up on bigger platforms such as On The Radar. He’s also getting co-signs from some of his Detroit superiors, so he’s got all of the backing to emerge as one of the faces of the region. Helping that cause is ART OF WAR, which is Talibando’s first LP of 2024. It’s led by four singles, including “S680” featuring Veeze. See what one of the “Wavy Navy” members has to offer up to you with the links below.
Payroll Giovanni seems to have a constant obsession with getting money and chasing dreams. In the first third of the year, the Detroit rapper was all about feeling good about himself in terms of his success. He was extremely confident that he worked hard for his wealth. This mentality gave him the standing to call out others who may be phonies when it comes to their money. Overall, Have Money Have Heart was a braggadocious EP that aimed to put his competition on blast.
However, the tune sort of changes to a degree on Payroll Giovanni’s newest offering, Hustle Muzik. On his first LP since his collaborative project with HBK back in September 2023, he’s playing the role of helpful mentor. Giovanni wants to see his listeners and friends believe in themselves and shoot for the stars. One track that really hits home is one of the album’s promotional singles, “Boss Affirmations.” He does rap in first person across it, talking about he never quits and that he’s always thinking big. But reciting the lyrics to yourself gives you a sense of empowerment and it makes you want to go after what you want in life. Giovanni definitely made this tape with the fans in mind, and it shows in the best ways.
Babyface Ray might not be a rapper that’s on everyone’s radar, but to us, he’s really making a nice statement with The Kid That Did. This is the Detroit, Michigan native’s latest project and it comes on the heels of 2023’s Summer’s Mine. In terms of singles, it was led by quite a few. The roll out began back in March with “Money On My Mind” and “Shy Kid”. Then, things would continue a couple of months later with a July two-pack of “Ghetto Boyz” and “Rubberband Man”.
Finally, Babyface Ray would wrap things up with “Count Money” and then Wavy Navy University on Monday. Overall, we feel that the laid-back veteran is sounding perhaps better than he ever has. Throughout the 20 songs here, he’s dropping some simple yet effective lyrical gems, keeping things real with the listener. Furthermore, the production is excellent and that helps when you have stars like Boi-1da, DJ ESCO, and Pooh Beatz in the fold. It’s wavy and crisp and it also feels kind of fresh while also paying some respects to the sounds that have been created in the blue-collar city. There’s a lot of standout tracks, with some our favorites being the Veeze-assisted “Wavy Navy University” and “Watching My Page”.
Payroll Giovanni may be one of Detroit, Michigan‘s unsung heroes. The man has been releasing music for just over a decade and has delivered plenty of projects of quality. For those unaware, he has also been in the studio with some of hip-hop’s best and brightest. From Jeezy, BabyTron, Big Sean to Tee Grizzley, he has most likely worked with your favorite rapper. Over the weekend, Payroll Giovanni decided to drop by for a quick moment to leave off a new EP Have Money Have Heart.
This project follows up on his September 2023 collaborative record Kid & Pay. Payroll and HBK worked together for a short 12-song, 30-minute endeavor. That was one of two LPs, with the stacked Ghost Mode coming before it. Leading up to Have Money Have Heart, Payroll only dropped one single, that being the opening cut Rose Anniversary.
Listen To Have Money Have Heart By Payroll Giovanni
This EP means business right from the jump, as the 36-year-old spits with fervor and honesty. Across this project Payroll conveys a mentality you better be able to back up the money by standing on business. On “600 Benz,” he raps, “You see this face on the watch (Boy), haters takin’ shots / We on yachts takin’ shots, it’s a big difference… Damn, it feel good to be legit, n****.”
What are your thoughts on this brand-new EP Have Money Have Heart by Payroll Giovanni? Which songs are you gravitating toward the most right now? Do you think features were needed for this tape, why or why not? Is this one of his best projects of his career, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Payroll Giovanni. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
2020 was the last year for a brand-new Courtney Bell project, but this weekend changed that with Microdose. The ultra-talented lyricist from Detroit, Michigan has been stirring up a lot of interest in this mixtape over the last few months. Most people were unaware that this tape’s rollout began back in late January with the now lead single “Westside.” It featured a fellow Motown legend Royce Da 5’9″ and most would reason that he was going to be just a feature.
However, the frequent Eminem collaborator has turned to have a much larger hand in this endeavor. If fact, this is listed as a joint project between Courtney and Royce. The latter has another three appearances across the 14-song tracklist. He can also be heard on “Bang,” “Get Em High” (another promo track), and “BANZ.”
Listen To Microdose By Courtney Bell & Royce Da 5’9″
Speaking of promo cuts, Courtney put forth four in total. We were able to take a listen to “Word II Conway” which does indeed feature Conway the Machine. Bell spoke with Audible Treats a few months ago about “Westside” and the sound he was wanting to bring to the modern era. “This record for me is a statement, not only for myself but for the Westside of my city of Detroit and everyone that comes from it. I was inspired to create something sonically that hasn’t really been heard of for my generation.” However, we would argue that Bell puts on for the city across the tape.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album Microdose by Courtney Bell and Royce Da 5’9″? Which songs are you gravitating toward the most right now? Where do you rank this project amongst the rest in his discography? What song do you think is the best and why? Who had the strongest feature on the tape? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Courtney Bell and Royce Da 5’9″. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Microdose Tracklist:
For All We Know
Westside with Royce Da 5’9″
Microdose
Issues with Mishon with Katt Rockell
Feeling You with Ariel J
Motion
BANZ with Royce Da 5’9″
Get Em High with LaRussell, HitBoy, Royce Da 5’9″, Symba, Sol ChYld
Skilla Baby has quickly become one of the prominent voices out of the gritty, blue-collar city of Detroit. Even though he has been on the grind since 2015, he has been really growing over the last couple of years. With songs like “Gorgeous,” “Bae,” and “Icky Vicky Vibes,” being some of his standouts, the hardcore/trap rapper is looking to expand what he can do as an artist. That is what Skilla Baby was telling AllHipHop in a recent interview about his new tape The Coldest.
“The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous. But fun at the same time,” Skilla said. That is certainly the mindset of a lot of climbers in the hip-hop industry. It feels like fans nowadays put a lot of the onus on the artist to blow them away.
But Skilla Baby certainly lived up to expectations on The Coldest. He partially did so by bringing on a lot of big names. Rob49, Moneybagg Yo, Flo Milli, G Herbo, DaBaby, and Polo G are just a few to name. Across the record you will hear a lot of what makes Skilla Baby, Skilla Baby. Hard-hitting, trap bangers with rage-worthy energy.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album The Coldest by Skilla Baby? Which songs are you gravitating toward right now and why? Who had the strongest guest performance on the record? Is he one of the best rappers out of Detroit right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Skilla Baby. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
ZelooperZ is a perfect example of crazy done right. The Detroit rapper is one to not do things normal compared to the rest of the talent from the blue-collar city. He emits the same energy as a Danny Brown for example. If you like his approach to hip-hop then you will certainly jive with him as well. The veteran ZelooperZ is back with his first solo single release since 2021 with “Smearious.”
Last year, the 30-year-old MC was pretty active in 2023. After not dropping an album since 2021, ZelooperZ went on a rampage delivering a solo tape Microphone Fiend, and Quazel, a collaboration with Quadie Diesel. He also delivered a ton of features as well. Some of his most notable include his contributions to the Valee and MVW team tape with the track “Pistachio.”
“Smearious” is a banger at its core with trunk-knocking production coming from Dilip. What adds a little extra zing and pizzaz to the song is the saxophone bits that transition nicely into some killer horn sections. ZelooperZ brings the energy you come to expect and it is a perfect mix. Be sure to check it out with the link above.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Smearious,” by ZeeloperZ? Is this one of his best performances on a track as of late, why or why not? What was your favorite element of the song and why? Is he one of the most entertaining voices in hip-hop right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding ZeeloperZ. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
B****, this smear too serious These b*****s way too curious Boston to Georgia, I smuggle it in through the interior Stuck in the matrix, all I see is green like Venetta Who me? N**** barkin’ up the wrong tree like Old Yeller Yemen Cafe, no Saudi Arabia
Icewear Vezzo is a certified hitmaker with a truckload of impressive songs under his belt. With groundwork going as far back as the late ‘10s, he’s part of the major wave of Detroit Hip Hop artists bringing Michigan to the charts. From his debut mixtape, The Clarity, until now, he has managed to carve a niche for his flows and has collaborated with several notable names. Moreover, he brings the heat every time with gritty, aggressive Michigan-style lyrics, coupled with a fast tempo and punchy baseline.
Icewear Vezzo is signed to Atlanta’s Quality Control Music label. As a result, this has helped him propel deeper into the mainstream. Nonetheless, he has continued to maintain his core, dedicated fanbase. Want to get a closer look at Icewear Vezzo’s songs you must add to your playlist? Then the following list is the way to go.
“Champions” With Babyface Ray
One of the smoothest songs of 2019, Icewear Vezzo and Babyface Ray engage in a friendly rivalry on “Champions.” Despite their collaboration, there’s a subtle competition as they exchange verses, almost in a bid to outshine the other. While Babyface Ray’s lines are somewhat arrogant, he remains casual and confident. Icewear Vezzo, on the other hand, brings vigor to the battle, issuing precise threats, and once again referencing his heavy dollar stash. The dynamic exchange in their verses showcases a playful competition, adding a lively touch to their musical collaboration.
4. “Sippin” With Babyface Ray
“Sippin” is definitely one of the songs to better understand Icewear Vezzo and growing up in the Michigan area. In the song, he takes a deep look into his earlier years, referencing the roles he had to play over a smooth Three 6 Mafia sample. Also featuring Babyface Ray, the selling point of this song is the lyricism. It is reflective, yet deliberate. Furthermore, in his reflections, he paints a vivid picture of his upbringing in Section 8 housing. By emphasizing how his surroundings played a role in shaping the person he is now, Icewear Vezzo showcases vulnerability, not often seen in his other songs.
3. “Mudd Baby”
In “Mudd Baby,” Icewear Vezzo opens up about the complexities of street life and the high-stakes hustle lifestyle he leads. He also reserves a few choice words for “plagiarists”– his term for the disloyal, and those who may want to question his authenticity. The confident lyrics are built on a pumped-up yet simple old-school beat, sure to get anyone up and ready to go. “Mudd Baby” has since garnered over 11 million streams on Spotify, making it one of Icewear Vezzo’s most popular songs to date.
Want to catch Icewear Vezzo go bar-for-bar with one of the biggest names in contemporary Hip Hop? Check out “Know The Difference,” featuring none other than Lil Baby. While Baby kicks things off the song with an impressive performance, Icewear Vezzo switches up the entire flow of the song. He touches on several topics across the song: his relationships, trust, loyalty, and hard work. With 17 million Spotify streams and over 9 million Youtube views, “Know the Difference” is an Icewear Vezzo essential.
“Up The Sco’” is one of the songs that give you a glimpse into the life of Icewear Vezzo. The track also features Chicago native, Lil Durk, offering a combination of the aesthetics of both areas. Icewear Vezzo gets vulnerable on this track, and it adds to the overall appeal of the song. He starts by telling the story of his rise to fame, his humble roots, and his determination to surpass his rivals. Although he’s happier now, he’s still hustling and struggling in his way.
Icewear Vezzo also raps about his struggle with addiction to lean and molly in the song. He then pays tribute to the late rapper Speaker Knockerz, who died under the influence. Altogether, “Up The Sco’” is the most commercially successful of Icewear Vezzo’s songs, and for good reason. It currently has about 29 million views on YouTube and is also one of his most streamed songs on Apple Music and Spotify.
In the late ‘90s, Slum Village emerged as a formidable force in Hip Hop. They burst into the scene with poignant lyrics and a commitment to authenticity. Despite the challenges the group and its members faced, Slum Village has endured and managed to stay together. Although their popularity has declined, the essence of the group has endured over the years. However, there have been different lineups in the group since it was first formed. Because of that, some fans may not know past members, depending on when they began listening to the group. Lovers of the group are in luck though, as Slum Village will be releasing a new album, FUN, soon enough. For old fans who lost track of the group, and newer fans, here’s an overview of the state of Slum Village and the whereabouts of its members.
Slum Village: Detroit Kings
In 1996, J Dilla, T3, and Baatin, the founding members of Slum Village, formed the group in Detroit, Michigan. Subsequently, the first album they recorded together, Fantastic, Vol. 1, unofficially dropped as a bootleg release in 1997. It wasn’t until nine years later that the group officially released the album. Nevertheless, Fantastic, Vol. 1 is still regarded as their debut album. As a trio, the original lineup signed their first record deal in 1998 with Barak/A&M Records. After Fantastic Vol. 1 made its way to listeners, the group’s popularity grew. As the group’s star ascended, they released Fantastic, Vol. 2 (2000), their acclaimed sophomore album.
Lineup Changes
While they achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, Slum Village soon faced the harsh realities of the industry, as well as inner turmoil. In 2001, J Dilla left the group to pursue a solo career. Soon after, T3 onboarded Elzhi as a new member, and along with Baatin, the trio released Trinity (Past, Present and Future) in 2002. However, shortly after the album dropped, Baatin had to drop out of Slum Village due to health complications. As a result, T3 and Elzhi were the only members of Slum Village on their fourth album, Detroit Deli (A Taste of Detroit). They remained a duo for their self-titled fifth album as well. Fortunately, in 2008, T3 announced that Baatin would finally rejoin Slum Village. In addition, he also announced that J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, and producer Young RJ would join as members of Slum Village.
Sadly, Baatin passed away in 2009, but he had already recorded new material with Slum Village. As such, he is a credited performer on the group’s sixth album, Villa Manifesto (2010). Unfortunately, this was also the last album recorded or released with Elzhi in the lineup, as he left the group in July 2010. Subsequently, after their seventh album, Evolution (2013), was released, Illa J left the group as well. Since then, Slum Village has operated as a duo, with the current lineup consisting of T3 and Young RJ.
A founding member of Slum Village, T3 is the only one to have never left the lineup. Besides his work with the group, the rapper and producer never really embarked on any solo musical ventures. He has been the most devoted member of the group since its inception, and he remains committed to the group. Besides music, T3 also works as a radio host for Hot 107.5 Hip Hop Detroit.
While he doesn’t rap, Young RJ significantly contributed to the sound of Slum Village for years before he officially joined the group. He has production credits on Slum Village albums as far back as 2002’s Trinity (Past, Present and Future). In addition, the producer has been releasing solo and collaborative projects since the mid-2000s. On September 23, 2022, he released World Tour, his most recent album. He is one half of the current lineup of Slum Village and tours with T3 for performances.
Before Elzhi left Slum Village in 2010, he released his debut album, The Preface, in 2008. Since then, he has dropped two additional albums, as well as several mixtapes and collaborative albums. In 2020, the rapper released Seven Times Down Eight Times Up. His latest project, Heavy Vibrato (2023), is a collaborative album with rapper and producer Oh No.
As aforementioned, Illa J is the younger brother of former member J Dilla. The rapper’s solo debut album was released in 2008 before joining the group. After joining in the early 2010s, he left the group to re-focus on his solo career. Since then, he has released several music projects, including his most recent album, No Traffic (2023). Although he left Slum Village, he has appeared as a guest artist on a few of their tracks like, “Fantastic/Love Is” and “Expressive.”
J Dilla AKA Jay Dee
Another founding member of Slum Village, J Dilla only stayed for their first two albums. Subsequently, he left to focus on his solo career. Between 2001 and 2006, the producer and rapper released three acclaimed solo albums and three EPs. However, on February 10, 2006, he unfortunately passed away at the age of 32 due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lupus. Since his untimely demise, many posthumous projects have been released under his name. These include the iconic Hip Hop classic, The Shining(2006), Dillarronic (2015), and The Diary (2016), among others.
Baatin
The third founding member of Slum Village, Baatin first left the group in 2002 due to health complications. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Yet, he returned in 2008 and contributed to Villa Manifesto. However, the rapper died before the album was officially released in 2010. Baatin sadly passed away on July 31, 2009, due to an accidental overdose of drugs. He was 35 and was succeeded by his two kids, Michael Majesty Ellis and Aura Grace Glover, as well as his sister, Tina.
