Hot take: when it comes to swag, style and moving the culture forward, we owe a lot to Detroit. For more than a century, Detroit has been a consistent source of inspiration in American culture. From the iconic sounds of Motown and the innovative beats of J Dilla to the mouthwatering delights of Detroit-style pizza, this city has long been a cultural powerhouse. With its distinct character, the city of Detroit continues to charm both locals and visitors alike. Join us as we explore just a few of the countless reasons why there’s simply no place quite like the D.
The Sounds
We can’t talk about music and some of its biggest moments without mentioning Detroit. When Berry Gordy shared with us his “Sound of Young America” via Motown back in 1959, it was something that shifted the course of music as we know it. Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes and the Jackson 5 all came out of this camp and gave the world a new sound. Fast forward to the 90’s and early 2000’s, and J Dilla does it again as both an artist and producer with his style of beat making and drum programming – and don’t forget the sampling. His sound gave way to songs by some of your faves, like The Roots, Erykah Badu, Common, and D’Angelo, and influenced modern producers from Pharrell to Kanye. And
We can’t forget about artists like Eminem, Dej Loaf, Kash Doll, Big Sean, and Sada Baby who all hail from Detroit.
And techno fans can tell you that Detroit is the birthplace of that genre as well. It was that sound that influenced artists like CoCo + Breezy and – stay with me here – Beyonce’s Renaissance album.
And you have to put some respect on Detroit’s name for giving us the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. All of these icons and changemakers gave the world something new to vibe to– sounds that still resonate with generations today.
No conversation about music is valid nor complete without Detroit and its iconic contributions throughout history and even today.
Visit the Motown Museum, or time your trip to catch Dilla World Weekend, or one of the other events honoring the hometown hero throughout the year.
The Dances
A homecoming, wedding, or otherwise Black gathering is not complete without the obligatory line dance. And while the specific dance of the moment has changed through the years, chances are, once the DJ gets to the line dance portion of their set, you’re gonna hear and see a hustle of some sort. You know what a hustle is. It’s that fast-paced, all-footwork style of line dancing. Detroit has laid claim to that.
Detroit is also home to the Blade, the Jit, and the hustle capital of the country.
The Food
Pizza preference is really personal, no? Some are diehard for one style over the other, and to that, we say, “to each their own.” But have you tried Detroit-style pizza? Known for its thick and airy crust, and crispy caramelized edges, Detroit-style pizza is typically baked in rectangular pans (which we hear has to do with the Motor City’s car production roots). One defining characteristic of Detroit-style pizza is the cheese, which is spread all the way to the edges of the pan, resulting in a crispy, caramelized cheese crust with the perfect crunch. When you’re ready to experience Detroit-style pizza from the source, swing by The Detroit Pizza Bar. It’s Black-owned.
The Style
Ladies, check your makeup bags. Your new favorite lippie might be straight outta Detroit. The Lip Bar, which has brought us bold, bright colors like Bawse Lady and Prom Queen was created by Detroit’s own Melissa Butler. Check out their flagship store when you’re in town.
If makeup is not your thing, no worries. Carhartt and Shinola are both Detroit-based style brands that represent the swag, craftsmanship, and innovation synonymous with Detroit. Plus, the Detroit look itself is undeniable. Book an appointment at Dandy Detroit for a bespoke look, visit renowned designer Tracey Reese’s latest endeavor, Hot Sam’s who has been the foundation of Detroit’s iconic style for over 100 years, or stop by one of the many Black-owned boutiques on the historic Avenue of Fashion for all of your swaggy needs. You might find a nice pair of buffs while you’re there.
The Cars
You probably know that the revolution of the car industry started in Detroit– hence the nickname, the Motor City. It’s home to GM, Chrysler, and Ford. And while Detroit is known for its historic impact on the auto industry, the city is still making waves in this space today. Did you know that Detroit is the first city in the world to launch an EV charging road? Detroit’s impact on how we move is literally moving the world forward. The world rides with – and because of – Detroit.
The Hometown Pride
Detroit has had its fair share of obstacles to overcome as a city, but true to form, nothing stops Detroit. And that energy is embodied by the “Detroit vs. Everybody” motto. The phrase was popularized by Tommey Walker who founded the apparel brand, Detroit Vs Everybody, in 2012. It’s a testament to the city’s fearlessness and determination to persevere together no matter what happens. Detroiters don’t subscribe to the narrative that the outside media portrays because they know who they are and are deeply proud to be from the D.
The Sustainability
We’re all about responsible tourism, and so is the city of Detroit. For the city, that means “integrated sustainability” as the approach to preservation tourism and destination stewardship. So that’s not just sustainable practices when it comes to the environment. It’s also about small businesses and preserving the culture itself. Maybe that’s why they say, “Come to Detroit, but come correct!”
If you’re looking for a low-key place, but big on culture, with a swag and style you won’t find anywhere else, Detroit is a vibe. Its rich history and undeniable influence, inspire and shape our global culture. The city’s culture and creativity invite us all to follow our own beat. Detroit said they’re not taking a backseat. And with swag like that, we’re riding with them.
