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Detroit Proud Playlist: Week of 5/19

Week after week, the Detroit Proud Playlist is dedicated to bringing you the inside scoop about Detroit's best musicians, bands, and artists. We often focus on our local up-and-comers, though every now and again we put the spotlight on those famous names that make us proud to say they hail from Detroit! You know, the names that inspire us…after all, we're a city that's renowned for its music!

So go on, check out some of the names that give Detroit bragging rights!

Aaliyah – "One In A Million"

Aaliyah
(credit: wikipedia.org)

This young starlit was taken from the world way too soon, but within the time she had, she accomplished more than most do. With three full-length albums appearing in two feature films and being credited with helping redefine rap and hip-hop in the 1990s, Aaliyah is one we're proud to call a Detroit native! Hear her music and learn more about her legacy here!

Mike Posner – "Cooler Than Me"

Mike Posner
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Mike Posner seems to have his hands in everything music related. He's not only an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer with his solo album 30 Minutes To Take Off, but he's also credited for writing and producing the song "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber, as well as songs for Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Pharrell Williams. Check out more from him here!

Red Hot Chili Peppers – "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie"

Red Hot Chili Peppers
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Okay, okay, you caught us. This band is not *technically* from Detroit – though, their drummer Chad Smith grew up just outside of the city in Bloomfield Hills, and with lead singer Anthony Kiedis also reigning from Michigan, we thought they deserved a spot on our list. They've evolved from a funk band with a lot of attitude to acclaimed rock musicians. Check them out here!

Eminem – "Survival"

Eminem
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Probably the first thing people from out of town ask you about Detroit is, "Have you been down 8 Mile?" Right?! Eminem can take all the credit for making 8 Mile Road, which runs west from Detroit, famous with his 2002 feature film 8 Mile. He's constantly representing Detroit in all he does, and we couldn't be more proud of him for that. Check him out here!

Madonna – "Lucky Star"

Madonna
(credit: wikipedia.org)

A cultural icon for over three decades, Madonna is a name that will be remembered for generations to come. She's influenced millions of people with her daring lyrics and mesmerizing dance moves, selling over 300 million records worldwide - that puts her as the top-selling female recording artist of all time. Whoa! Check her out here!

Mayer Hawthorne – "The Only One"

Mayer Hawthorne
(credit: wikipedia.org)

So, this guy does everything. Literally. He's a singer-songwriter, producer, audio engineer, DJ, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist. See what we mean? His passion for music developed at a young age. In high school, he replaced his class photo with a photo of Elvis Presley. Cool, right? Having supporting parents, he moved to Los Angeles in 2006, and that's where his career took off. See what he's up to now here!

Ted Nugent – "Take It Or Leave It"

Ted Nugent
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Ted Nugent is known for his ripping rock songs, such as "Cat Scratch Fever" and "Stranglehold." In the 1970s, he was famous for using Fender amps, a large part of his signature sound, and for playing the hollow-body Gibson Byrdland guitar. He's released more than 34 studio albums that sold over 30 million copies. Check him out here!

Uncle Kracker – "Follow Me"

Uncle Kracker
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Starting off his career in a similar fashion to Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker dabbled in rap-rock before turning into more of a country-rock sound with his later releases. Interestingly enough, he even went head-to-head with Kid Rock (back before they were famous, of course) in a turntables competition. Check him out here!

Stevie Wonder – "For Once In My Life"

Stevie Wonder
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Considered a child prodigy for his musical talents, Stevie Wonder has become one of the most creative and beloved musical performers of the late 20th century. He's recorded over 30 U.S. Top Ten Hits, won 22 Grammy Awards, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, and even nabbed an Academy Award for Best Song. We didn't even know all of that was possible from one person! Check him out here!

Alice Cooper – "Department of Youth"

Alice Cooper
(credit: wikipedia.org)

Famous for his crazy stage performances and iconic rock music, Alice Cooper's career spans over five decades. "Department of Youth" is from the album Welcome To My Nightmare, which is a concept album; the songs, heard in sequence, form a journey through the nightmares of a child named Steven. Check him out here!

Who are you listening to? Tell us in the comments!

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