Top Detroit Rappers
List of the 25 Best Rappers from Detroit
With Detroit rappers being located in a city with one of the most unique cultures that has often been copied and imitated by many, especially since the days of Big Meech and the BMF, there are now dozens of rappers from Detroit that are taking over the rap game and bringing the Detroit lifestyle and culture through rap music to the masses.
As there are numerous Detroit hip hop pioneers, like Eminem, Blade Icewood, Street Lord Juan and the Street Lordz, J Dilla and Slum Village, Chedda Boyz, Trick Trick, Proof of D12, Big Herk, Esham, and several others, it has already been proven that Detroit rappers consist of the much needed talent to not only hold their own, but to reach higher levels in the music industry.
From top producers like Helluva, Antt Beatz, or Mac Back on da Track, who have produced the exclusive Detroit sound of up-tempo and fast-paced beats with heavy bass, to top artists like Eminem, Big Sean, Dej Loaf, and Tee Grizzley who at their peak were at the very top of the rap game, it is only right for the the city of Detroit to be at the very top of today’s hip hop.
For those who never had the chance to experience or even witness Detroit’s culture, viewing the top rappers from Detroit and the local rap scene is the next best thing than visiting the city. From the buffs and the fashion, to the flashiness and the flamboyant personas to the mind state of hustlers and go getters, Detroit rappers make sure to display their culture and their culture only through their music, videos, and performances.
Top 25 Detroit Rappers
Eminem
Debut: 1999
From: East Side (8 Mile?)
Eminem, an icon in hip hop, made his introduction with The Slim Shady LP in 1999 and quickly became one of the top, and most talked-about artists of the early 2000s. His catalog includes The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show, and Recovery, helping him to win several awards, including several Grammys and even an Oscar for his song “Lose Yourself,” which was featured in the movie 8 Mile.
Big Sean
Debut: 2007
From: West Side
One of the very first rappers from Detroit to reach national and eventually international success following Eminem’s debut and reign over hip-hop. Discovered by Kanye West and signed to his GOOD Music label, Big Sean would become one of the rap game’s top artists. From his early days releasing mixtapes, Finally Famous volume 1 through 3, to debuting his freshman album, Finally Famous in 2011, Big Sean’s rise has been well documented.
Tee Grizzley
Debut: 2016
From: West Side’s Joy Road
Possibly the man that started one of hip-hop’s top trends, Tee Grizzley entered everyone’s view following 2016’s “First Day Out,” a hit song that was released following his incarceration. Since his “First Day Out” release, Tee Grizzley has been on a nonstop grind into becoming one of the top Detroit rappers and one of the top artists in the rap game. His career has led to a release over 10 projects, including a collaboration with Lil Durk, and numerous smash hits, like “From the D to the A,” “Young Grizzley World,” “No Efforts,” “Robbery Part2,” and more.
42 Dugg
Debut: 2018
From: East Side’s Mack Ave.?
The young East Side native, signed with both Lil Baby’s 4 Pockets Full and Yo Gotti’s CMG, made his very first appearances in 2018. 42 Dugg swiftly climbed to the top of hip hop, especially after several Yo Gotti collaborations and his 2019 album Young and Turnt. 42 Dugg has remained in the spotlight over the last few years as one of top rappers in the industry despite a short stint in prison that has caused a minor setback.
Babyface Ray
Debut: 2015
From: East Side’s 6 Mile
One of the most skilled rappers from Detroit, Babyface Ray’s recent surge is one of hip-hop’s most rewarding moments. Beginning under the brand Team Eastside, Babyface Ray would release a multitude of mixtapes, beginning with 2014’s Young Wavy. With years of consistency, Babyface Ray has finally reached a level of recognition beyond the consideration of just being a Detroit rapper, but gaining a nationwide stance within the music industry, especially following 2022’s Face and Mob albums.
Dej Loaf
Debut: 2011
From: East Side’s Mack Ave?
Dej Loaf first received widespread recognition with her hit single “Try Me” in 2014, which became a viral sensation and landed her a deal with Columbia Records. Her distinct voice and blend of hip hop and R&B have made her a unique presence in the music industry.
With projects like Sell Sole and All Jokes Aside, Dej Loaf has explored themes of vulnerability, power, and femininity, establishing her as a multifaceted artist.
Peezy
Debut: 2014
From: East Side’s 6 Mile
Team Eastside representer, Peezy was one of the first emerging Detroit rappers of today’s era, a career that began with 2014’s Mud Muzik. Now, following the release of albums Free Rio of 2021 and Only Built for Diamond Links in 2022, Peezy has placed himself in position as being one of the most streamed and viewed rappers from Detroit.
Icewear Vezzo
Debut: 2012
From: East Side’s 6 Mile
Debuting during the early 2010s, Icewear Vezzo is another one of the top Detroit rappers whose stock in hip-hop has been on a considerable rise. The East Sude native, raised on 6 Mile, has had longevity within Detroit’s hip-hop scene, but over the past couple of years his reach of fans has moved well beyond the city limits of Detroit.
Payroll Giovanni
Debut: 2000s
From: West Side’s Fenkell Ave.
Entering hip-hop during the 2000s with the Doughboyz Cashout, Payroll Giovanni and his West Side counterparts were once the only faces for Detroit hip-hop music. While the supergroup made much noise during their time, eventually many would emerge as solo artists, one would be Payroll Giovanni. Arguably one of rap’s most lyrical and underrated artists, Payroll Giovanni’s has been providing listeners with much inspiration since his existence in hip-hop, remaining in a league of his own.
Skilla Baby
Debut: 2015
From: West Side
One of the newcomers of Detroit hip-hop, Skilla Baby has been releasing and making music throughout the years, but 2019 was the official start of one of the next faces of Detroit rappers. With multiple albums, like 2022’s Crack Music 2 and Detroit Raised Me, 2021’s ME vs ME and Standing On Business, and 2020’s Carmelo Bryant and Crack Music, Skilla Baby has showcased enough talent to be on the lookout as the future standout artist in the city.
Kash Doll
Debut: 2017
From: West Side’s Dexter
As Detroit stands on top of the rap game, one of hip-hop’s top female rappers helped led the Motor City into the spotlight. Already a local star long before her rap career took off in 2017, Kash Doll has blessed hip-hop fans with tracks like “For Everybody,” “Ready Set” featuring Big Sean, “Ice Me Out,” “No Lames,” and “Doin Too Much.”
Sada Baby
Debut: 2017
From: East Side
With the extensive lineup of Detroit rappers, Sada Baby has appeared as one of the best performers hailing from the city. Quickly emerged as one of the top requested rappers from Detroit during the late 2010s, Sada Baby has continued his ascent in the rap game, following projects like 2017’s Skuba Sada and Dat One N**** and 2019’s Bartier Bounty, into the 2020’s as one of the city’s most highlighted hip-hop artists.
Baby Smoove
Debut: 2017
From: West Side
For over the last ten years, Baby Smoove has been working and staying persistent as an artist. Quietly and slowly emerging, Baby Smoove has now become one of the most talked about rap artists in Detroit. Officially beginning in 2017 with the mixtape Riding With the GOAT, Baby Smoove has provided the scenery of Detroit hip-hop with tracks like “Bape,” “Akorn,” “Losing My Mind,” “On the Flo,” “Tings,” “Animal Control,” and over 10 mixtapes.
VEEZE
Debut: 2019
From: West Side’s 7 Mile
Fresh off the release of 2023’s Ganger album, Veeze made his early entry into Detroit’s rap scene during 2019, eventually becoming one of the city’s most underrated. Easily separating himself from the crowded hip hop scene of Detroit by showcasing his own style, Veeze has landed himself into a position of being next up. Since arriving he has released hits like “Law N Order,” “GOMD,” “A&W,” “Not A Drill,” “Let It Fly,” and “Choppas in Hawaii.”
Cash Kidd
Debut: 2014
From: 6 Mile
With his earliest release being 2014’s mixtape BeBe Kid, fast forwarding multiple years, Cash Kidd has worked his way into becoming a name brand rap artist in the city. From albums like No Socks, one of eleven projects Cash Kidd has released, to songs like “Who Shot You?,” Cash Kidd has now become one of the top profiled rappers from Detroit.
Boldy James
Debut: 2012
From: West Side/East Side
While many rappers from Detroit are repetitive and consists with similar sounds and deliverances, Boldy James has built his own lane and brand of music. Often seen linked with top East Coast producer The Alchemist, the talented Boldy James began his career during the late 2000s and early 2010s, approximately releasing close to 20 mixtapes, EPs, and albums throughout the course of his career.
Tay B
Debut: 2017
From: West Side
Linking with all the top artists of the industry, like Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Tay B has skyrocketed past many longstanding members of Detroit’s hip hop scene to possibly becoming one of the next leaders of rap music. From 2017’s AFLN to 2022’s 4Eva In My Bag, the trajectory of Tay B’s career seems to be a future with much favor.
G.T.
Debut: 2014
From: East Side
Gradually rising over time, G.T.’s career has attained multiple heights in music, from once being an up and coming artist just entering the local rap scene to now becoming one of the fan favorites within the lineup of Detroit rappers. Fresh off the acclaimed project of 2022, Money Counter Music: Born In It, G.T. has been relentless with his effort of being accomplished in music.
Dame Dot
Another one of the Detroit rappers whose years of an unceasing hustle has landed him within the conversations of the top artists hailing from the city. Officially releasing music for over the past 10 years, Damedot has constantly level up after every release, reaching the top ranks of Detroit hip-hop.
Bandgang Lonnie Bands
Debut: 2016
From: West Side
As BandGang was making noise in the city, one of the standout artists in the group was BandGang Lonnie Bands. The album Ghost of Dede and the song “Whatever I Say” was his solo introduction in 2016. While his career been met with many obstacles, BandGang Lonnie Bands remained resilient and pushed through into becoming one of the top Detroit rappers of today’s era. With over a dozen albums and projects released since his debut, BandGang Lonnie Bands has been gathering fans for some time now with his trademark sound and style.
Baby Money
Debut: 2017
From: West Side
While the West Side native has been rapping since a teenager, Baby Money would have his first introduction to Detroit’s hip hop fans in 2017, with the release of projects Baby Brothers and Sosa World. Eventually, Baby Money would take off towards the top of Detroit’s saturated hip hop scene, especially with the help of 2022’s New Money and Easy Money.
Drego & Beno
Debut: 2016
From: East Side
The duo of Drego & Beno have been making names for themselves in the city since 2018. While Drego is often seen performing as a solo artist, there has never been a duo in the city like Drego & Beno. Remaining active individually and as a group, Drego & Beno has blessed fans with songs like “Slatt Season,” “Recipe 2,” and “Swear To God,” and albums like 2022’s Sorry We Was Trappin’.
Molly Brazy
Debut: 2017
From: West Side’s Joy Road?
Molly Brazy was once part of a new generation of female rappers making waves in the industry during the late 2010s. Known for her aggressive flow and unapologetic lyrics, Molly gained attention with tracks like “More Facts” and “Big Brazy.” Her mixtapes, including Molly World and Queen Pin, delve into her life experiences in Detroit, giving her music authenticity and grit.
FMB DZ
Debut: 2017
From: West Side’s Plymouth Road
To many, FMB DZ was one of the first familiar faces of rap music in Detroit. The once newcomer, arriving during the mid 2010s, has now become one of the living legends of Detroit hip-hop. Known for popular songs like “Dripple Dragons” and “Friday,” and albums like I Ain’t Gone Lie of 2017, FMB DZ has been contributing to the national expansion of Detroit’s presence in the rap game.
Allstar JR
Debut: 2016
From: East Side
Allstar JR has made a name for himself with his smooth delivery and street-savvy storytelling. JR’s music captures the hustle and determination of growing up in the tough environment of Detroit, as he reflects on his journey and aspirations. He earned recognition with projects like “Big Daddy S***” and “Organized Crime” that embody the spirit of Detroit’s underground rap culture.
Honorable Mention Rappers from Detroit:
– TOB Duke Instagram: @TOB Duke and Youtube: TOB Duke
– DaeMoney Instagram: @DaeMoney and Youtube: DaeMoney
– Sterl Gotti Instagram: @Sterl Gotti and Youtube: Sterl Gotti
– Big Quis Instagram: @Big Quis and Youtube: Big Quis
– Coach Joey Instagram: @Coach Joey and Youtube: Coach Joey
– Risktaker D-Boy Instagram: @Risktaker D-Boy and Youtube: Risktaker D-Boy
– Ace Cinco Instagram: @Ace Cinco and Youtube: Ace Cinco
– Dam Jon Boi Instagram: @DamJonBoi and Youtube: DamJonBoi
– Jaiswan Instagram: @Jaiswan and Youtube: Jaiswan
– Snap Dogg Instagram: @SnapDogg and Youtube: Snap Dogg
– Shredgang Mone Instagram: @Shredgang Mone and Youtube: Shredgang Mone
Detroit Rappers Related Topics:
1 Top 7 Detroit R&B Singers List
2 Top Chicago Rappers List
3 Map of Bay Area Rappers: ‘Hoods of Bay Area’s All-Time Best
4 Map of Detroit Hoods
*Unofficial Order. The more popular artists that have a combination of the most streams, views, and recent releases are near the top.
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