For this Election Day playlist, Local Spins asked a panel of musicians to select emerging black artists with great potential from the region who deserve a brighter spotlight. Browse the picks, listen to the music.
Artists to Watch: Just a few of the picks by a distinguished Local Spins panel.
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The year 2020 will always be remembered as a turbulent one politically, socially and medically, from our struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic to black lives matter protests to a divisive presidential election campaign.
So on an Election Day that many consider the most important in decades, Local Spins decided to tabulate ballots — as it were — from an elite group of West Michigan musicians taking the pulse of the region’s music scene.
We asked this ‘panel’ to nominate black artists from West Michigan who deserve a brighter spotlight and whose music is making an impact. Our distinguished panel included Lady Ace Boogie, Jay Jackson, Wuzee Khufu, J.Rob, Jordan Hamilton and Karisa Sprite Wilson.
Check out these artists — arranged in no particular order — and listen to their music. Then head to the polls, if you haven’t yet done so already.
BLACK MUSIC MATTERS: The Local Spins West Michigan Playlist
1. Joose the Conqueror & The Seventh – From the crew AGO, these guys are very talented not only at rapping and singing, but production as well. There may be a connection with The seventh and Troy Caesar being from the same family, and that may be why the production is so good. Joose, in my opinion, can do it all and is very versatile. When you put these two together like this, you get magic. – JR
LISTEN: “Stay Around”
2. Eddie Codrington – Last Gasp Collective has had the pleasure of sharing numerous stages with Eddie. When Eddie was playing for the Kalamazoo-based jazz/fusion group Lushh, his talents were undeniable. He has recently branched off into his own face-melting and genre-bending music. – JJ
LISTEN: “Shine” (feat. Nashon Holloway)
3. Jess (Jessica Ivey from Kalamazoo’s Last Gasp Collective) – Jess is such a soulful, artistic, new age artist whose music has a lot of realness and meaning behind it. -JR
LISTEN: “Compare” from “First Time”
4. Maliq Jordan – Maliq Jordan represents an important era in hip hop. His rhymes and his visuals are always on point and he always gives much more than just a piece of himself. – LAB
LISTEN: “The Mantle”
5. Elijah Russ – Elijah hails from Grand Haven, which has turned out a number of stellar musicians over the years. Look for a new recording project soon. – KSW
LISTEN: “Mind Your Business”
6. Rijiri – Rijiri takes goth trap music to a whole new level. Her dark rhymes, mixed with trap beats, never leave you disappointed. I believe this genre is growing more and more and there’s not a ton of women who are at the forefront. – LAB
LISTEN: “Killer”
7. M.I.C Book – From Grand Rapids, M.I.C Book is a member of Almighty Foot Clan and SEMM. – WK
LISTEN: “Be Alright”
8. Wills Piff – Another Grand Rapids artist. Both M.I.C Book and Wills Piff are super-talented writers who capture life in Grand Rapids really well, with witty unpredictable wordplay and heartfelt beats. – WK
LISTEN: “Cold Breakfast”
9. Wunda Mike – Wunda Mike is a hometown hero (Kalamazoo) who has been established and creating incredible art in the Michigan scene longer than I can say I’ve known it existed. One might describe his sound as “classic R&B.” Since we met, he has been lending his talents and collaborating with the LGC crew. One of the most down to earth and talented guys in the biz. – JJ
LISTEN: “You Don’t Know”
10. Benna – Benna, aka Mike Anyonga, is one of my favorite musicians, songwriters, singers and people in Michigan. I. He recently released a single, “She Bad” with Ardea and has an Album out called Canopies and they’re both straight fire! I think he has a lot to offer to music and the West Michigan community. A mix between dream rock/pop, funk, R&B, with some Daniel Caesar vibes. Check him out. – JH
LISTEN: “She Bad” (Ardea feat. Benna)
11. Sarena Rae – Sarena, from Grand Rapids, radiates a genuine strength and sincerity, notes that come through in her recent release “Heaven.” Of the 3-song track, “Caught in Between” is a favorite for its funky keys, full horn section and soaring vocals. – KSW
LISTEN: “Caught in Between”
12. Troy Ceasar – Troy Ceasar is not only one of the best producers in West Michigan, but he’s one of the best period. His sound is like no others, but is reminiscent of a time of the golden age in hip hop. He’s simply one of the best. (In May, he released his latest album, “Phonographic.”) – JR
LISTEN: “Milk & Cookies” from “Ceasar Salads III”
13. Affy — Affy makes music for the streets. The Grand Rapids native represents well. It’s important to have that representation in hip hop. – LAB
LISTEN/WATCH: “Cancelled”
14. Amber Hasan – She recently released an unmixed mixtape called R.B.G. that I’ve been rockin’ with. Mad inspired by her hustle and look on life and think she has great music, flow, poeticism and thoughts to offer to Southwest Michigan. “Get It From My Mama” is my fav song on the record so far as the flow is dope and is about being unapologetically yourself. Hate it or love it. – JH
LISTEN: “Get It From My Mama”
15. Senua – Wow! This young lady — now based in Grand Rapids — came across my timeline maybe a year ago and I was IMMEDIATELY blown away. I’m a huge fan of 070 Shake and I could not deny the similar vibe I got from Senua. I haven’t had the opportunity to work with her yet but we have plans to make it happen. So in the meantime, check out her stuff. – JJ
LISTEN/WATCH: “Sleep”
16. Kazzy The Gypsy – I have Seth Bernard and Harvest Gathering to thank for this discovery. A true diamond in the rough. His voice alone warrants a listen. Detroit native Kazzy is truly in touch with his metaphysical existence. His lyrics, delivery, and tone combine to make a unique vibe that’s unmistakable. We had the immense pleasure of working with Kazzy recently. You can hear him on our upcoming release “Our Daily Bread.” – JJ
LISTEN: “We Know” (with Kelllzzz)
17. Daniel Gayden – Did a live session with this guy one time. At the time I thought he was only a drummer, a great drummer, but nothing more than a drummer to my knowledge. As the session progressed, he began to talk the keyboardist through chord charts (I’ve never seen a drummer do this before), so I immediately knew he was more than a drummer. Danny is a producer with an incredible ear for sonic cohesion. I am a huge fan and you should be as well. – JJ
LISTEN: “Tish”
18-20. Last Gasp Collective Solo Artists – I’m obviously biased on this one, but I am honestly inspired by these solo projects and output. Xavier Bonner’s saxophone artistry as a soloist and songwriter. Jessica Ivey’s album ‘First Time’ still has songs I crave a year after release and she has more heat on the way (FYI: Ivey already is listed above at No. 3), Sherdizzil is a brilliant songwriter and lyricist with a newly released song called, “My Daily Prayers” that I’ve been rockin ‘with lately. And the production, vocals and songwriting of Tyler Robinson is the best kept secret of us all. – JH
LISTEN: Xavier Bonner, “Streams”
LISTEN: Sherdizzil, “My Daily Prayer”
LISTEN: Jordan Hamilton, “Rat Race” (produced by Tyler Robinson)
BLACK MUSIC MATTERS: The Local Spins Playlist on Spotify
Copyright 2020, Spins on Music LLC
