The Wastelanders are a proud throwback to the grunge days of a sweaty basement filled to its brim with rebellious angst, occupied by the blaring sounds of an underground artist playing music just for the love of playing music

History looks fondly upon artists who prove themselves commercially yet seek to occupy more underground grit. 

Rappers and artists have become storytellers of their environment.  They’re the truth-tellers of their grind, so when one artist blows up from the depths of nowhere, the public becomes infatuated with their story and the artist’s lore.

Derrick Shorter has quickly become one of Michigan’s top producers. Working alongside an impressive stable of local hip-hop heavyweights, the Ypsilanti-standout’s auteur career has been heavy on creative substance.

For the majority of this year, Breez has rapped with a chip on his shoulder, putting out four projects and navigating instrumental as if he has a personal vendetta to any emcee holding a microphone within a 1,000-mile radius.

You will not get too far in the hard-stomping, poetically powerful Black Note Graffiti album, “Volume III Rise.” Without experiencing a mosh-inducing jolt, charged by the disorderly-beautiful tones of BNG.

Dani Darling is somewhat of a musical polyglot, shifting between soulful, R&B, poetic, and jazz. She’s an atmospherically altering performer, where her presence changes the air surrounding her audience.

Doja Cat’s album Planet Her. is a mix of raw sexual expression with polished artistic passion. Planet Her features a laundry list of music-heavy hitters

Stan The III is an anomaly in music. As the rapper routinely puts together verses that rival mainstream artists in terms of creativity.

"Rappers Are In Danger." by DBL is an album that essentially chalks up to a compilation of freestyle cyphers recorded amongst stablemates and friends.

In 2021, rapper Killa Ghanz finds himself in a position to capitalize off of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Breez’s latest project, “Hiiigher Goal.” is one that feels equal parts triumphant and strategically artistic.

Singer Keonna released her latest single, “Energy.” A laid-back song featuring Keonna hypnotically, harmonizing her way through the four-minute track.

Artist BigShakem released his latest track, “Say What You Need.”

Rapper Stacey Rosé released his latest song “Chicken Little.” a tough and forceful track, which shows Stacey unleashing his verbal hustler’s ambition over a traditional Detroit instrumental.

Derrick Shorter’s album “SMBTNM.” Quietly showcases the progress of Shorter’s career as an emcee.

Can we finally admit that this new style of Eminem-influenced hip-hop is the worst form of hip-hop.

"The Next Episode." By Dskillz Harris & Chile_Madd, the two Baltimore natives provide boom-bap-tism at its highest caliber with standout lyrics and solid guest verses.

“Beezy Back In The House.” By Bossman Beezy follows what has now become the formulaic Detroit approach to music.