Welcome to our first Daily Dose contest! Wanna skip all the good stuff? Fine. Just jump down to the comments and let us know:
What’s your favorite thing about Detroit?
[UPDATE: The contest is now closed — many thanks to all who participated! The winner will be announced in tomorrow's Daily Dose.]
The winner will score a D-town prize pack: a signed copy of Finale‘s yet-to-be-released debut album, A Pipe Dream and a Promise; Black Milk‘s latest LP, TRONIC, on vinyl; eLZhi‘s acclaimed 2008 album, The Preface; and a signed, limited-edition copy of artist Jamar Nicholas’ Interdependent Media coloring book.
Make sure you enter a working email address when you post a comment — it’ll remain invisible, and we’ll only use it to contact the winner, who’ll be selected at random and announced in next Tuesday’s Daily Dose.
Are you not receiving the Daily Dose, Flavorpill’s quick look at what’s new in music, print, art, film, and online? Sign up here.
Detroit has a chip on its shoulder. Consistently among the most economically depressed and crime-plagued cities in the US, the D has suffered from decades of institutionalized poverty and systematic neglect. However, the city’s unparalleled musical heritage continues to inspire young, homegrown talent, who emerge with critical acclaim only to find nationwide popular indifference. Toughened by the struggle, Detroit’s native artists and musicians continue to excel, while waiting for the rest of the world to wake up and give the next generation its due. It’s a testament to the failures of politicians and policies that the Motor City — home of Motown, and once the country’s fourth-largest metropolis — could have fallen so low, and the current economic downturn isn’t helping. But through it all, the resilient residents of the 3-1-3 continue to have each others’ backs.
Finale is a rising star in Detroit’s close-knit hip-hop scene, who’s spent eight years grinding his way to the upper echelon of his city’s deep talent pool. A former automotive engineer turned full-time rapper, he is uniquely positioned to represent his hometown on the national stage. However, the self-proclaimed “studio rat” is happiest holed up with a mic, honing his introspective and quick-witted lyricism over beats by many of Detroit’s most gifted producers, including Black Milk and the late, great J. Dilla. Finale’s hard work will pay off next month when his first full-length album, A Pipe Dream and a Promise, finally sees the light on April 7.
We caught up with Finale right before a round of shows at South by Southwest to discuss the Motor City’s fate, learning from the legends, the art of collaboration, and the man behind the mic.
Flavorwire: The media has largely slept on your city. What’s different about Detroit?
Finale: I grew up on the east side, where the landscape is very different from other cities. It sounds crazy, but when I travel to other places and see whole blocks of houses, that’s like the weirdest shit to me. In Detroit, you either have about two houses per block, or it just looks like a war zone. But nobody believes me until they visit and I show them.
We’ve got a lot of growing up to do in Detroit, but I’m proud to show off the struggle. I think it’s what sets us apart. The fact that we speak about ourselves with no glitz and no glamour — this is us, either love it or leave it.
FW: The current recession may have hit Detroit the hardest of anywhere in the US. How is the economic downturn impacting the city?
F: Well, I left my job as an automotive engineer to give myself six months to do hip-hop 100%. And those six months turned into eight years — I’ve been steadily working on music ever since. But when I left my job, the [automotive] industry was already on a downward slope, and that’s nothing compared to the situation now. Of course, it’s hard to see friends get laid off, week after week.
That said, the industry is reviving a little bit. If I were to get back into engineering, now might be the perfect time. The companies need fresh ideas to revitalize themselves and the city. If they go under, Detroit’s in serious trouble. We’ve seen it happen before. After Ford shut its plant in Highland Park, the area quickly fell apart — it became, like, transvestite projects [laughs]. Same story in Flint, Michigan. It’s like a ghost town. Without the auto industry, the whole city of Detroit would be headed in that direction.
FW: Do you feel connected to Detroit’s iconic musical legacy?
F: We’re all connected to the tradition of growth and innovation in Detroit’s music scene. Many Detroit hip-hop artists clearly interpreted the influence of Motown and, like Dilla, they’re influencing the scene all over the world. We carry along what we learn from the past, but we also show growth on top of that. But I definitely see us continuing to extend the reach of what Motown created. I might be biased, but I think we were at that point years ago.
FW: Speaking of Detroit’s own J. Dilla, his death in 2006 [due to complications from a rare blood disease] has only increased his stature, resulting in an unending flow of tributes to him as both a producer and a person. Why has his legacy continued to grow?
F: Dilla was Detroit. We weren’t close friends, but we connected because he always looked out for the city. Dilla was all about the city, no matter where he went. Even living in LA, he was always shouting “Detroit!”
If had an opportunity to work with [Detroit MC] Guily or, I dunno, Jay-Z, he would pick Guilty, because he was one of us. That’s how he gains immortality. And his legacy will be kept alive, because his influence is contained within a lot of our styles — maybe 80% of the game right now owes something to Dilla.
FW: Your album is filled with drops from old-school and golden-age hip-hop legends. Do you see yourself as possessing that mentality?
F: I don’t see myself as having an old-school mentality. But, like Wordsworth told me when we did a show together, you’re not going to make it in hop-hop until you learn from those who came before you, the old-school veterans. They’re the people who’ll tell you, “Make sure you save your money!” “When you rock the show, this is how you do it.” They know — they were there in the beginning. I’m just learning from the past in order to get ahead.
It always just flips me out every time someone like Prince Whipper Whip [hip-hop pioneer and original Furious Five member] pops up on my cell phone. Whatever I’m doing, I’m there, because there’s just so much to learn. They’ve been through it all, and they’ve got mad stories.
I’m not necessarily a backpack rapper or a commercial rapper. Honestly, I want to hit both sides of the fence. I’m not trying to tell anyone, you know, “You’re too stupid for my shit! Go listen to Lil Wayne.” And I’m not gonna front like if I’m in a club, and there’s a big-booty girl in front of me, and the DJ plays [Lil Wayne hit] “Lollipop,” that I’m not gonna hop on that. There’s a drop from [Detroit rap legend] Awesome Dre on my album that says it best: “All this backpack versus commercial shit is really irrelevant.”
FW: Your writing is very introspective, and the album features a dense and structured lyricism. What is your process like as an MC?
F: I don’t write without a beat. I’m not the kind of rapper that just scribbles random a capella verses and has them ready on command. I need to hear the beat — that helps to determine the topic and the vocal sound. Once I start, I usually write down a couple lines and then the rest just spills out. The key is that I’m real picky about beats. Once I find the right beat, then my writing can reflect its vibe. I’m not gonna write about, you know, saving the world if I’m on a Mannie Fresh beat. The production and the lyrics have to work together. I’m a big believer in working closely with a producer to make a great song, to meet that person half way. It’s the lyricist’s job to take up where the producer left off.
FW: How involved are you with the beat-making process?
F: I don’t like to make music by arrangement, meaning I would never just hit up a random producer and say, “Hey, I want to work with you. Let me cut you a really big check right now.” And then you just send off the a capellas by email. It might just be me, but I can always tell when songs are created like that. Everybody on my project is a friend, someone I actually know. I need to demonstrate that connection between a producer and an MC, you know, the way it used to be.
FW: In your song “Issues,” you state: “It ain’t real ‘cos I rap it / it’s real ‘cos this shit really happened.” Given that the album is full of emotional honesty and personal details, is “Finale” a character, or is “Finale” really you?
F: I’ve always been told that I’m two different people. If you catch me offstage, I’m usually at the back in the corner, or at the bar just quietly chillin’ with a drink. I’m not going to go out of my way to either talk shit or just spill what’s on my mind. But on the record, the reason it is so personal is because it’s really me — I’m making up for the fact that in some ways I don’t really talk to people. The only thing I’m worried about right now is what goes on in the booth. I’m a studio rat; the only time I leave is if there’s money outside. I don’t hit every club around the city and act out. This record is my outlet.
To answer your question, Finale’s not a character — Finale’s an extension of me. It’s the person I don’t let a lot of people see unless I’m onstage. And when I’m offstage, I tend to be reserved, because I just gave you all of me during the performance. So when I come off, I just go back to being quiet… Derrick.
Comments (50)
Love the bar "Town Pump" for it's great neighborhood feel. It also helps that it is next to both the football and baseball stadium as well as across from the firehouse so there are plenty of hot jocks and firemen to chat with. Also love the Sushi bar/night club "Oslo." Sushi up top and awesome techno and dancing on the bottom… what else could a girl want in a city?!?!
DTW, it was the gateway to whiny five hour car rides to summer vacation
The people's pride in the city, its music, its history, its past industrial glory is what keeps Detroit great – despite everything.
The old Michigan Central Station in Corktown. I'm obsessed. Still gives me chills in a good way.
I have travelled to 40 different countries so far and every continent except Anartica…and what I love about Detroit is it's resilience , multiethnicity, and culture. I am able to relive all my travels until I can afford the next journey with all the happenings in the Detroit area. It's all there, just waiting for hometowners and visitors to discover for themselves.
My favorite thing about detroit: stubornness. There is a strong refusal to give up but also a refusal to embrace anything that seems too foreign to it's culture. There is a great history in Detroit and a lot to be proud of. If they can weed out the corrupt politicians and embrace something new there is a future for this beautiful city.
Aside from being born in Detroit? :)
I love Eastern Market, the Magic Stick/Garden Bowl, the Tigers (rrrow!) and Cloverleaf Pizza.
The hope, faith, and determination that the city will be great again.
my best friend lindsat, she's from detroit!
I like Detroit because Detroiters are all about Detroit. Downtown Detroit has a sense of communitiy unlike anywhere else I have ever lived. There are people of all ages, color, profession, but there above all there is the shared experience because we're all downtowners. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
Mad raps out of Detroit are interesting in their RAWNESS. i can t stand this overproduced sh*t anymore. Thank you motor city for bringing back grease elbow beats.
I love Detroit. What about it? you may ask.
I love Union Street – those dragon eggs are dee-licious! and it is the place to be on turkey eve.
I love the Dirtbombs. 'nuf said.
I love Eastern Market – great produce, great restaurants, great stores, great energy.
Slow's Bar BQ in Corktown. Reason enough to visit Detroit (oh, um, and to see my family)…
http://www.slowsbarbq.com/
Its the home of some truly awesome public and collaborative art. The Heidelberg Project's Dotty Wotty House (a tribute to jellybeans) and Noah's Ark (a painted car hood sculpture as homage to the city's history) are emblems of Detroit's unique spirit. http://www.heidelberg.org/
seems like a superstar in the making – he has a great story and will hopefully hit it big.
Umm, the Dirty Show every Valentine's weekend at Bert's Warehouse Theatre; the Buzz Bar; the moodiness – everyone complains about Detroit, but if someone from outside tries to take Detroit down, people rally to protect their city; and how could you NOT love a city that dresses their city statue (c'mon it's called The Spirit of Detroit!) in local sports team jerseys?!
Detroiters don't expect success. They know they have to hustle for it. They don't take it for granted.
What do I love about Detroit? Well, where do I begin? Maybe the fact that, through everything (economy, unemployment, gray cold winters, etc.) You can still find Detroiters who are ready to laugh and smile and share a story. Maybe it's because I know that if I have a project that requires blood, sweat, and tears mixed with some elbow grease, I don't have to look any further than Detroit to find a worker who has the experience to fill that position. Maybe it's the knowledge that wherever I go in the world…Detroiters have my back. Because that's what they are supposed to do — Stick up for one another. I love Detroit because it still has hope (even for the Lions). I love Detroit because of the sound of a backyard full of family & friends surrounding a small charcoal grill filled with hot dogs & hamburgers. I love the sound of the Horn at the Joe when those fantastic red & white winged wheels are flying around the ice. Detroit is a lot of things, but mostly, the city and its people are REAL. Detroit is not a goat cheese pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto…Its a slice of pepperoni served on a grease soaked paper plate. And, yes, that is a good thing!
My favorite thing about Detroit is the abundance of good music. From Rock to Hip Hop there are always good and affordable shows to go to.
MC5! Kick out the jams! I love Detroit's serious and diverse musical richness: from Motown to hip-hop that you write about and the garage-rock and proto-punk stuff near to my heart. Detroit is real, tough, and if down-and-out, still alive. Who can't relate to (and love) that?
My favorite thing about Detroit is that despite all the negativity concerning local economy, politicians, and race issues, I am constantly meeting new people who care about the city. Some are suburban-dwellers, and some actually live in the city. We're all different ages, classes, and races, but we do care about Detroit.
My favorite thing about Detroit are the glorious, yet abandoned, Art Deco buildings and Victorian homes. They are a reminder that this once was a great city, that it was fresh, vibrant, and beautiful.
Detroit: keeping PR in business year after year.
Detroit doesn't follow the trend and get down on itself just because everybody else does. We know we got something special happening here, and when the world figures it out, they're gonna feel foolish for not seeing it earlier. Flying in the face of all the struggles and lost jobs and murders and foreclosed houses, Detroit defends itself and continues to display the true spirit of the city.
Detroit gave us Techno. Period
Allee Willis, who wrote Boogie Wonderland and September and… most saliently, the Neutron Dance from Beverly Hills Cop, is an alum of Mumford High, hence the Mumford Phys Ed t-shirt Axel Foley wore throughout, and she is all about Detroit. Between her and Madonna, my goodness… white ladies channeling urban dudes through unforgettable tunage, that's what i love about D-town.
Finale is awesome. Detroit's musical culture is unfathomably rich. With overwhelming contributions to jazz, the wonder that is Motown music, the explosion of techno, and now the ever burgeoning hip hop empire (that is still growing), Detroit and it's surrounding areas are soaring ahead of the rest of the world musically… and no one else seems to know it. Detroit is a large part of the reason for why I am hip hop.
Finale is awesome. Detroit's musical culture is unfathomably rich. With overwhelming contributions to jazz, the wonder that is Motown music, the explosion of techno, and now the ever burgeoning hip hop empire (that is still growing), Detroit and it's surrounding areas are soaring ahead of the rest of the world musically… and no one else seems to know it. Detroit is a large part of the reason for why I am hip hop.
[...] We’ve got a lot of growing up to do in Detroit, but I’m proud to show off the struggle. I think it’s what sets us apart. The fact that we speak about ourselves with no glitz and no glamour — this is us, either love it or leave it. . . .” Read the rest here. [...]
has anyone heard of blotting? I suppose its the new architectural revival of land use in detroit.
The DEMF is one of the best events ever. Detroit has a fantastic scene and the surroundings depict electronic music at it's best! Rock on!!
The potential
And of course Detroit techno !!!! Derrick May and his Strings of Life and CARL CRAIG with everything he does. It's incredible !!!!
Derrick May will always be my hero and my favorite DJ from Detroit.
saw finale performing at the elements galery (michigan ave) last year, was the shit! greetings from the hague (nl)
As far as the greatest thing about Detroit: The people, and Underground Resistance
Moodymann, Omar S, Rick Wilhite, Slum Village, Carl Craig, Derrick May, Mike Banks, Kyle Hall, Theo Parrish, Malik Pittman, Jeff Mills, Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, and Dez/Andres. To name a few.
I miss WJLB! And booty music! and techno! and the clubs! there's just nothing like it in the rest of the country.
My favorite thing about Detroit, besides the Grand Pubahs & DJ Asault is….. that there "ain't no thing like a Detroit party, 'cuz a Detroit party don't stop"…..FYI: there will be a movie coming out entitled: "A Detroit Thing".
Thank you Detroit !!!!
Interesting interview. I too have been to Detroit numerous times and I'm always amazed at the resilience. I can't say I've ever heard of Finale but I do admire his honesty.
[...] Daily Dose Contest + Interview with Finale, Rising Detroit Hip-Hop Star (Via Flavorwire) [...]
how has no one said this yet? RED WINGS!
DILLA
thank you jay dee
The shocking similarity it bears to Disneyland … and the fact that when you go to a show out there, you can walk outside to go home and run into the band getting into their trailer (think Pendulum) – something that'd NEVER happen in New York City.
So many great things growing up in Detroit. I'm dating myself, but one of my earliest memories is ice skating at Belle Isle. Eastern Market, Trapper's alley when it was still an alley, the Gaurdian building. Lots of treasures. Musically, though, I would have to say that the best thing about Detroit is St. Andrew's Hall. So many amazing bands have played there throughout the years. I swa everyone from Smashing Pumpkins and Alice in Chains to Morphine and of course, who could forget, New Year's Eve with Goober and the Peas! The Detroit music scene has always been amazing and that is one great venue!!!
The Virgin Suicides
Detroit techno music
The sad, beautiful, empty buildings.
I have been to Detroit a few times and I love it. Detroit has drive and determination. I love it. I manage a hip hop artist Christian Bindah I swear he should have been from Detroi because his determination is there also. His is focused on positivity would you mind checking him out. You may want to do something with him His music has a message. Turn your speakers up his music is playin in the backround and Check it out Intro
“Everything I do, I gotta do it from the heart and soul, People gonna respect you if your real with everything you speak” -Christian Bindah
“Some artists tell stories for recognition. See if I tell a story it’s for internal relief after my deepest decisions” – Christian Bindah
I found your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep it up! I just added your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you later on!
Post a new comment