The Detroit music scene has always told the inner city story. Blade Icewood, represented one half of Detroit, the side that embraces the mentality of street life. The grit, grime and money that comes from being a “Boss” while walking a thin line between life and death. Another musician that comes to mind is Producer J Dilla. He represented one side that resonates with the heart, battling with lupus, he still managed to cement himself in the history books by crafting classics. Both are legends within the city, both represented different scenes of Detroit’s hip-hop culture. Although the artist represents two different sides of the city, it is a common idea that stands between the both. The will to be a warrior fighting odds in a city ridded with frostbite and bullet holes.
Blade Icewood rose to prominence with the Street lordz rap group. Then branching off to a solo career with undeniable street anthems, “Come Roll” and “Boy would you”. The club anthems was the backdrop music that could be played in any VIP section with bottles of champagne with the finest woman on the face of this earth. Mink to the floor with gaitor shoes that come from the expenses of brands you can not pronounce. Establishing himself as more than a rapper with club anthems, he released “Give you my all” and “Great Lake Ruler”, two classics that shows the depth of his lifestyle and what comes with it. Giving us the tales of the street life, he showed listeners the sacrifices and the victory that comes with it.
Blade was more than just a rapper to the city. He was a businessman that pushed his own music in the underground circuit. People resonated with him because he stood for something that all natives in Detroit stand for. Get money, handle business, stay out the way. He refused to sign a record deal unless it was for more than a million dollars. The respect he earned in the streets even made him relatable in his music. He applied the success he seen into selling dope in his other ventures, leaving his old lifestyle behind.
Dilla was battling unfortunate circumstances that affected his lifestyle. Although he had Lupus he still managed to created music that will live in every Detroiter heart. Producing for Slum Village, Proof, Common, Erykah badu, he gave all artist a taste of Detroit. A soulful sound with a swing that can not be replicated even with the most skillful of ear and talent. He carried the sixties of Motown era Detroit in his work of art.
Even Dilla stated himself that being Independent is the best way to go. He pushed his music through underground platforms. After going through tough battles with his label to get his commercial album released. He released the RUFF DRAFT on a independent label. He was not going to let anyone or anything stop him from getting the music to the people. He was for the culture and for the people.
Both artist never gave up, both artist still seen there vision through to the end. Even if it was at the cost of health or life, they embraced what Detroit stood for. Push through the circumstances and you will see the fruit of your label grow. Coming from a place of harsh economic development, crime, and poverty. They took the essence of what Detroit was and where they came from and used it in there music. Detroit has helped mold musicians of this time to be the unstoppable deadly force that they came from .
Music I Chopped Slopped and screwed together in honor of both of them.(In No way I own Rights to this material, for educational and promotional purposes)