This isn't quite a rivalry. However, Detroit Could Learn A Huge Lesson from Chicago's Music Scene Anyone on the art or music scene in Detroit knows that it's broken, divided, and oftentimes repetitive. There's the artists with genuine passion and then, like everywhere, there are the vultures. Living in both Chicago and Detroit part-time, I get the pleasure of experiencing two very different, yet equally creative artist communities. Unfortunately, Detroit hasn't quite figured out how to work together for the greater good of what could be a thriving, revolving door of talent. Chicago on the other hand, feels like a mecca of artists both audio and visual that are eager, hungry, and down to collaborate and most importanly - build. Folks definitely have their crews, but in my experience, if your energy is good and you come around and genuinely support, reciprocation will happen organically. In a recent article by Complex contributor Justin Charity, Mick Jenkins states “CHICAGO IS NOTORIOUS FOR N****S NOT F***ING WITH EACH OTHER. THAT’S CHANGED. EVERYTHING I’VE GOTTEN IN CHICAGO, A RAPPER DID THATFOR ME.” Artists need artists, and respect needs to be at the forefront of any creative collaboration. Mick not only stated that things in his city have progressed, but he went on to acknowledge the help he's gotten to gain the platform he has today. Detroit could be so much further, many groups just won't mix and build. It's a true shame. Many groups have counterparts that have progressed and don't return to build with their crews. This perpetuates the divide. Detroit artists fails to understand there is actually room for the best of the best, there's opportunity and profit to be made for more than a few. If you know of an artist whose work you respect and love, if you're in the position, help them get a step further or acknowledge that by connecting. You ever know what could come of this type of comradery, OVOSOUND is another great example, not only does Drake raise his homies to the spotlight, but he picks up artists from other areas off the simple fact that he likes what he hears. Watching Vic Mensa's Traffic Tour supported by Towkio (previously Tokyo Shawn) was inspiring, it reminded me of the artists community I have come to know and genuinely want to be a more integral part of in Chicago (in hopes some of this will rub off on my home, Detroit). As you could imagine, I was glad to be able to personally commend Vic Mensa for his part in this Chicago music mecca. On tour with one of his SAVEMONEY brothers, Vic is one example of how Chicago sticks together and pulls eachother through the cracks in this industry. If we work together then maybe the world might see a more complete representation (unlike this one in The Fader today) of what we have to offer. Check out a recap of Vic Mensa's Traffic Tour at Populux in Detroit by Dishon Ambrose above.
The appreciation for curated words & rhythm with a hint of True.