Chances are you’ve been a Fat Ray fan for a long time, even if you didn’t realize it. The 7 Mile veteran has rep’d the D proudly since the days of the Hip Hop Shop, whether it’s with fellow Detroiters like Black Milk and Young RJ as the trio of B.R. Gunna, or in the national spotlight as a contestant on 106 & Park’s Freestyle Friday. But this year, you’ll know who you’re hearing: after enjoying breakout success in 2007, Black Milk has started his own label, Music House. The label’s first release is The Set Up, an LP that features him behind the boards and Fat Ray on the mic. The album has garnered critical acclaim, putting it at the forefront in what many have dubbed as the year that The Mitten finally gets the attention it deserves: a destination that Fat Ray has been working toward for years. As he says in the interview below, “When it’s your time to shine, and the camera lights turn on, you gotta be ready.”

Follow the jump to read MichiganHipHop.com’s conversation with Ray. From beats & rhymes, to talking about the times, the way Fat Ray amazes is amazing… Continue reading →

Fat Ray & Black Milk “Flawless”
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Fat Ray & Black Milk “Take Control (Feat. AB)”
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Fat Ray & Black Milk “Bad Man (Feat. Guilty Simpson & Scorpian)”
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MichiganHipHop.com is proud to present the world premiere of Buff1’s “Beat The Speakers Up,” the first single for his sophomore album “There’s Only One,” which is set to drop on August 5, 2008. You’ll find the music video and a stream for the song below, or you can download the track by clicking here.

For more Buff1, checkout his MySpace www.myspace.com/buff1der

Frank Nitty on “Automatic,” the first single from “The Concert Hall EP,” a project with Young RJ and Craig Lane:
I just felt it was a strong record. I ain’t necessarily looking for “singles;” if it’s got a good hook, it’s a single. I’m looking for strong music that’s well put together … and this record felt friendly enough, and still musical enough at the same time.

[audio:http://www.michiganhiphop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/frank_nitty_automatic.mp3] Continue reading →

This past week, the mitten had some great hip-hop events go down: Respiration’s two-year anniversary in Lansing, a Binary Star show in Detroit, and The Roots’ Official Detroit Listening Party at Confidential Lounge. Follow the jump for rundowns and pictures:

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With the variety of concerts that occur in Michigan, it’s easy to overlook the weekly events that are happening here. This is why I decided to choose three of my favorite weekly Hip Hop events and let everyone know about them. “Elevation,” “The Next Big Thing” and “Throwback Thursdays” are three surefire ways to satisfy your Hip Hop fix. Whether you like to dance, to go out and have a drink with your friends or to chill and listen to good music, each one of these nights is the place to be. Continue reading →

Fans of Royce Da 5’9″ who were looking forward to seeing him on the “Sacrificial Lambs” tour with Esham are going to have to hold their horses.

In a HipHopDX report, the self-proclaimed King of Detroit cancelled his participation in the national tour. Royce’s statement after the jump.

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We are looking for new music from Michigan artists for our website. Currently we are working on our first Mixtape and Podcast, both of which will be available for free download on MichiganHipHop.com. If you are interested in submitting tracks for the Mixtape, Podcasts or to have posted on the site’s Audio section, please send mp3’s to [email protected]. The deadline for the first Mixtape is May 12.

P.S. We also need drops for these projects. Drops can be phoned in by leaving a voicemail at (206) 350-6583.

Public Media Group brings you another jump-off not to be missed!! This Sunday, after the ERYKAH BADU show at The Fox Theatre!! Detroit’s official listening party for THE ROOTS New album… Continue reading →

If you’re out in Lansing on May 1, check out the 2 year anniversary of Respiration. F.O.S. will be performing along with many surprise guests. It’s all going down at Mac’s Bar (2700 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing MI). Doors are at 10pm and the cover is $5 for 21+ and $7 for 18+. Continue reading →