This piece is a historical exploration of hip hop open mic spaces in The 734 area, as told through the perspectives of four pioneers in the scene whose work has helped to shape the local music culture we enjoy today. It also dives into the dynamic between Detroit and 734, building bridges between different music communities, and passing the torch to newer generations of artists.

Merch is often the quiet frustration in an independent artist’s career. The music might be connecting, the shows might be growing, and the audience might be real, yet the merch still feels off. Not bad enough to scrap entirely, but not strong enough to feel essential. When that happens, it’s easy to blame design skills, budget, or access. More often than not, though, the issue runs deeper. It’s not a production problem. It’s a reference problem. Most artist merch fails becau

Detroit just offered a glimpse of what long-term investment in music culture can look like. This week, Usher and Big Sean announced a $1 million investment toward a new entertainment incubator in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. The new space officially opened on Feb. 3 inside Michigan Central.

Launching The Family 734, our mission is simple: create real opportunities for artists. Not “exposure.” Not vague connections. Not promises that never turn into action. Real opportunities that move careers forward. Too many artists are told to wait their turn, pay their dues, or trust a system that never seems to work in their favor. We built The Family 734 to be different. We believe artists deserve access to platforms, resources, and support that actually lead somewhere.

Family 734 is finally live, and this is your invite to be part of something special. Whether you're an artist building your career or a fan who wants a closer connection to the local scene, this community is here for you.