When you ask people from another state who the best rappers out of Michigan are, their response will most likely include Eminem, Big Sean, or even Danny Brown. Yet, if you are from the metro-Detroit area, you should be aware of the Detroit rap sound and the multitude of great artists that aren't as well known outside of state lines. Here is your guide to some of the top rappers from the Mitten:
1. 42 Dugg
The 5’1 music giant has one of the most familiar and unique sounds in rap. Over the years, he has become one of the most popular artists from the city, collaborating with well known names like Lil Baby, Future, Roddy Rich, Tyler, the Creator, and more. What makes 42 Dugg even more iconic is his signature whistle tag you hear before he raps.
2. Sada Baby
If you ever plan on going to a party around Detroit, you have to know some of Sada Baby’s hits. From “Aktivated” to “Bloxk Party,” the east side rapper has a discography full of viral songs, even collaborating with female rap star Nikki Minaj on the remix of "Whole Lotta Choppas." This artist has a magnetic sound that is full of swagger.
3. Kash Doll
This talented woman is another well known Detroit-based rapper who started to gain even more attention when she was featured on Big Sean’s “So Good." Now, she has collaborated with many well celebrated artists including Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and Summer Walker. When people talk about some of the best female rappers in the game, Kash Doll is a name that is slowly starting to get more well-deserved mentions.
4. Babyface Ray
A favorite among many rap fans, Babyface Ray is a consistent talent that has been around for over a decade. He has just released a new album titled “Face," with features from Wiz Khalifa, Yung Lean, G Herbo and more.
5. Babytron
Not every rapper from Michigan is based in Detroit or Flint, as Babytron hails from right here in Ypsilanti. BabyTron is an upcoming star who is known for his comedic, yet clever lyrics. He has one of the fastest growing fan bases and is even a part of a rap group called ShittyBoyz.
6. Tee Grizzley
All of the musicians on this list have had major success in Detroit, some even nationwide. Yet, not a single one of them did what Tee Grizzley accomplished when he released the single “First Day Out.” This track is surely his most notable song, being one of the biggest songs of 2016, with a notorious intro that has been heard throughout the country. He has plenty of other hit songs as well including collaborations with Atlanta artists Lil Yachty and Lil Pump.
7. Bfb Da Packman
Bfb Da Packman may be one of the most enjoyable and hilarious rappers on this list, which is saying a lot. He has already made plenty of noise on social media, TikTok creating a major buzz for him especially. The Flint native broke the scene with his Sada Baby collaboration “Free Joe Exotic” back in 2020. He also has some other songs with artists Coi Leray and Zack Fox, all of which are sure to have you cracking up.
This was definitely not a ranking of Flint's or Detroit’s talent, but simply just a small dose of what the Michigan rap scene has to offer. There are plenty more artists that could have been on this list, but these are some of the most prominent in my opinion. Below are some honorable mentions of other Michigan rappers you should check out that were not listed:
Yn Jay , Drego, Bandgang Lonnie bands , Vae Vanilla, Rocky Badd, Baby Smoove, Icewear Vezzo, Payroll Giovanni, RMC Mike, KrispyLife Kidd, FMB DZ, Rio Da Yung Og, Cash Kidd.
