Guilty Simpson

• Genre: The Midwestern Basement

About

Detroit has produced some amazing hip-hop in the past decade, and few are as gully or as connected as Guilty Simpson. The emcee has been rapping since the early part of this decade, and he came up with the likes of Slum Village, Eminem (whom Guilty still calls "Marshall"), D12, Obie Trice, Proof, Phat Kat and Black Milk. But it was an encounter with J Dilla in 2001 that led the emcee to national prominence. The legendary producer included the emcee on his 2003 collaborative album with Madlib, Champion Sound, and afterwards suggested that indie stalwart label Stones Throw sign the talented young rapper. Though Guilty's gutter flow and street-smart lyrics were a departure for the label, Simpson's arrival was celebrated by the Stones Throw faithful. His debut, Ode to the Ghetto, dropped in 2008.

- Sam Chennault