Detroit Proud Playlist: Week of 12/29 - Special Mike Posner Edition!

Every now and then, a musical prodigy is discovered, and lucky for Detroit, we've been home to many of them. Michael Robert Posner, or as he is more commonly known around town, Mike Posner, has definitely earned his place on the list.

Born and raised in Southfield, Mike Posner attended Groves High School where he ran varsity track and cross-country, then went on to attend the prestigious Duke University. He became a member of the fraternity Sigma Nu and graduated in 2010 with a degree in sociology and an overall GPA of 3.6! That's pretty impressive, Mr. Posner!

Even though Mike was interested in music his whole life, he really didn't begin to get serious about it until he was in college. He got his start producing music from another Detroit musician and friend, Big Sean. He was featured on Big Sean's first mixtape, on a song called "Smoke & Drive". Shortly after the release of Big Sean's mixtape, Mike went on to release his own. His second mixtape started to get industry attention in 2009.

Mike signed a record deal with J Records in July of 2009, just after his junior year at Duke. He chose to return to Duke after signing, in the fall, and only toured on the weekends, while at the same time, recording for his debut album. His debut album, 31 Minutes to Takeoff, launched him to national attention. It was released in August of 2010, and his first single, "Cooler Than Me," reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

Aside from his own musical productions, national touring, and performing at Bonnaroo music festival, Mike has lent his talents to producing and writing music for other big-time celebrities. He co-wrote the international mega-hit "Boyfriend" for Justin Bieber, as well as songs for Pharrell Williams, Maroon 5, 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Nelly, TI, Snoop Dogg, Nick Jonas, and Avicii! He has his hands in pretty much everything.

Despite all of his contributions to other notable artists, Mike is currently finishing up his sophomore album, Pages, due out inearly 2015…something to look forward to! We've decided to dedicate this week's playlist to the one and only Mike Posner…check out our top 10 song picks!

Also, here's a Mike Posner fun fact for you: with the help of his manager - and the Food Bank of New York City - Mike has vowed to serve one meal to a hungry American child for every one album he sells. Talk about an all-around awesome person!

From the 2010 album, 31 Minutes to Takeoff…

1.    "31 Minutes to Takeoff"
2.    "Cooler Than Me"
3.    "Synthesizer"
4.    "Déjà Vu"
5.    "Do U Wanna?"
6.    "Please Don't Go"
7.    "Bow Chicka Wow Wow"
8.    "Cheated"
9.    "Falling"
10.    "Gone In September"

For more information on Mike Posner, check out his website here!