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The “Top 40” music billboards contain a listing of the
most popular music rated by album sales and radio air time. These
musical genres range from rock to rap to… anything that a large
number of people listen to. However, for most, before these top grossing
musicians were headlining, they had much humbler beginnings. But this
overlooks a large group of both fans and artists that prefer that
“underground” sound; refusing to leave their humble beginnings.
Luckily, Michigan has at least two nationally known hot spots for
that “underground” sound: Detroit and Ann Arbor. In Ann Arbor, Mi. the foremost “underground” music venue is the Blind Pig, located just off of First Street. According to www.blindpigmusic.com, this particular venue plays host to a wide variety of musical genres, ranging from rock and punk to hip hop and others that cannot necessarily be classified. Some of the more recent featured acts at the Blind Pig include Mr. Lif, Del tha FunkyHomoSapien, and most notably, KRS-One (a founding member of the underground hip hop movement from the early 80’s). Stephen Yu, 24, of South Lyon, Mi., attended the most recent KRS-One performance and the Blind Pig and was thrilled. “It’s a totally different experience when you are within 20 feet of the artist and they give you a shout out. I mean come on, he’s the blast masta,” said Yu. Blast masta is an alias of KRS-One. Kevin Heath, 23, of Livonia, Mi., recently attended a Del tha FunkHomoSapien concert and was exuberant. “To hear him on an album is one thing, but to see him live, the way he can rock a crowd, in person, is awesome. Plus Mike Relm opened for him which was amazing,” said Heath. Mike Relm is a hip hop audio-video artist that uses traditional hip hop audio equipment, such as turntables, in conjunction with MP3 and DVD scratchers to create a multi-media experience. KRS-One, before becoming a hip hop legend, was actually a homeless transient from New York City, NY., who has a loyalty to those who remain true to their roots and don’t “sell out.” Another well known underground artist featured at “the pig,” as it is referred to, is Esham. Esham is a rather dark hip hop artist that fits into a category of hip hop known as “acid rap.” He is akin to groups such as ICP (Insane Clown Posse), NATAS (satan spelled backward), and Brotha Lynch Hung (hailing from northern Arizona). Detroit, Mi. has numerous local venues which host a variety of genres, depending on the location. According to http://www.harposconcerttheatre.com/, Harpos is known for dark rock, such as Dope, Gwar, and Cannibal Corpse. According to http://www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1776/, St. Andrews Hall is known for a variety of genres including puck rock, acid rap, and death metal. Most notable of their reoccurring performances is ICP’s (see above) Hallo-Wicked show, taking place annually, every Halloween. Another popular local venue in Detroit, Mi. is the Magic Stick which is located above The Magic Stick, just off of Woodward Avenue. The Magic Sticktypically features rock and punk artists such as The Suicide Machines, Suicidal Tendencies, and Sick of It All. The Suicide Machines are a locally rooted punk rock band hailing from Redford, Mi. and Suicidal Tendencies has one of the longest punk rock careers, stretching back to the mid-80’s to current. No matter your taste in music, these local venues have them all. The cover charges are usually modest in comparison to acts that perform at Pine Knob or Ford Field and as Stephen Yu pointed out, you can be within feet of your favorite artist. The people are of the same mind as the acts as they are there to see and the drinks are cheap; a good time for all. |