Detroit or Memphis: Where Will The Next Epicenter of Hip-Hop Be?

As Atlanta’s dominance as the epicenter of Hip-Hop starts the backside of its lifespan, new cities have begun to explode with talent in hopes that their region will be stamped as the next epicenter of Hip-Hop. In my view, two cities have separated themselves from the rest of the pack to this point. The first is Memphis, Tennessee, home of break-out stars like Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty, and BIG30, as well as Hip-Hop moguls Yo Gotti and the late Young Dolph. The second city Detroit, Michigan, home to Hip-Hop mainstays Eminem and Big Sean has seen a renaissance with new rappers like 42 Dugg and Icewear Vezzo poised to carve out a niche in the game for the Detroit sound. Also sharing responsibility for Detroit's Hip-Hop renaissance is Babyface Ray and his new project FACE may solidify Detroit's up next status.

I’ve written and talked ad nauseum about the need for Hip-Hop to evolve into its next sound. The Atlanta Trap boom was a fruitful era with a bountiful list of classic albums and hits that'll be remembered for a lifetime. However, Hip-Hop is a genre known for its constant and inevitable evolution. And audiences may be growing tired of the same Atlanta sound for what’s now going on the seventh year.

Of course, some new artists have captivated Hip-Hop listeners after the Atlanta Trap boom. Subgenres like New York Drill and Trap Blues have spread across the country, however not to a level where they can claim to be the epicenter of Hip-Hop during their peak. This places increased importance on the renaissance of Detroit and Babyface Ray’s latest offering.

FACE is a versatile project that successfully combines the signature Detroit sound with multiple subgenres of Hip-Hop. The tracklist is a preview with features from fellow Detroit natives, Icewear Vezzo and 42 Dugg, Swedish artist Yung Lean, Atlanta artist Landstrip Chip, and the seasoned veterans G Herbo, Pusha T, and Wiz Khalifa.

The intro track, ‘My Thoughts 3 / Pop’s Prayer’ sets the perfect tone for the rest of the project. The track starts with a soulful piano paired with a sample under some 808s before slowing the beat down for a different flow. After that, the track ends with Babyface Ray’s father praying for his son to close out the song. This track gives the listener a sample of the vulnerability, versatility, and status quo to expect throughout the rest of the record.

‘Overtime’ featuring Yung Lean, might be the most important track on the project. On FACE’s track five, Babyface Ray recruits Yung Lean to lend his vocals to opening the track and the hook. Yung Lean’s presence on the track gives an Emo Rap feel with an airy piano and violin combo that is carried as the base of the beat with the Detroit style 808s laid on top.

Tracks like ‘Overtime’ are important because they distinguish Babyface Ray from his Detroit rapper counterparts while still maintaining his identity as a Detroit native himself. This is an overlooked aspect that determines the lifespan of a region’s dominance over Hip-Hop’s sound. Every area has its own distinct sound. However, what separates the dominance of the Atlanta Trap boom from the flash in the pan moments of New York Drill is versatility. How many ways can you recreate the same sound with the same principles before it gets stale? Additionally, how easy is it for diehard and casual fans to identify the principles of that sound?

With Atlanta, the answer is clear, rappers like Future, Young Thug, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, and Gunna each have their own distinct lanes within Atlanta trap; however, the foundations of their music are the same. The same can apply to Detroit as the signature sounds of the region permeate throughout the music of Babyface Ray, 42 Dugg, Tee Grizzley, and Icewear Vezzo. However, how much different will a Babyface Ray song be from a 42 Dugg song? Based on what I’ve heard from both artists thus far, I’d say different enough to mimic the formula that created the Atlanta Trap boom, especially when you consider 42 Dugg’s unique voice and Babyface Ray’s ear for beats.

The same argument can be made for Memphis. Examples of the current Memphis sound can be found on tracks like ‘Wat Be Wrong??’ by Moneybagg Yo, ‘King Of My Projects’ by BIG30, and ‘Back In Blood’ by Pooh Shiesty featuring Lil Durk. Each of these tracks display the foundation of the Memphis sound, an intense 808 bass, and high-hat combo. However, what discerns each artist that I mentioned is their distinct pronunciations, adlibs, and use of slang. The different ways Memphis artists get their messages across in their music is the most important aspect of the versatility and ultimately the appeal of the city.

It might be all but inevitable that either Detroit or Memphis will be the next epicenter of Hip-Hop. However, it might be too early to place legitimate bets on which city can ultimately claim that title. Babyface Ray’s FACE currently has Detroit in the lead, but Memphis has the talent and plenty of time to close the small margin between the two cities. With 2022 shaping up to be an abundant year in Hip-Hop, the battle for supremacy between Detroit and Memphis will be a major storyline throughout the year.