ROX-TV’s Summer Concert Series continues as the Dayton Family, Project Born, Ant G, Zitro, Bake-Lo and many others take the stage at the Diesel Lounge in the Murder Mitten.
Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. I am happy to announce another edition of the ROX-TV Summer Concert Series is here for your enjoyment. Tonight, we have special coverage for the readers, as we talk about the recent 810 Invasion of the Diesel Lounge. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, there were two power house titans from Flint-Town aka Murder City in the building, along with special guests performing all night. Who might I be referencing? Shit, if you’ve ever ripped through the City of Flint or followed the rap scene there, then the names will come as no surprise. I’m talking about the Legends Dayton Family and Project Born. Two of the hardest hitting, longest running, and pioneers from the City which offers no mercy.
Anyone who is worth their salt knows the story of both of these groups well. Their careers are legendary in the underground scene and have made their mark over the last thirty plus years, cranking out some of the finest grade-A dope tracks you will ever find in Midwest and beyond. Both groups made their mark in a heartless city full of shooters and dope slangers.
The City of Flint is well documented for the level of tough times felt through the town. From the devastating water crises which poisoned untold numbers a few years back, which by the way…no one was ever held accountable. The pulling out of General Motors which devastated the City and the economic well being of the town, which is still being felt today. A City with a shell of a police force which is incapable of stopping the violence on the streets. A fire department that at times can’t put out a fire without help from surrounding area departments due to lack of funding or poor oversight. Crumbling roads, the closing of schools, and a sense of loss and desperation that hangs in the air like a rain cloud.
This is and was the perfect conditions for creating some of the best rappers in the State of Michigan. Why? Because they had so much to say, whether it was a statement on the conditions in the projects or the dope trade, the rappers became an un-sanctioned source for information about the state of their city and well being. In a town that at times refused to acknowledge how citizens were being let down by their local government as well as state representatives, the rappers of Flint Michigan took their message to the people via music. In the early 1990’s they were telling anyone that would listen what type of shit was going on. At times, music was probably the only avenue to voice concern, outrage, and frustrations that were manifesting in the City of Flint. Beyond the annual crime report numbers, which were very bad, sometimes the worst in the country per capita, nothing was done to ease the pain and suffering of the citizens of the city. That type of betrayal is something else and can remove any trust in the institutions that were suppose to monitor and assist in the populations well being and general right to live without fear of violence, crime, etc.
Well, things are no better today than they were thirty years ago, at least in some regards. I didn’t want to turn this into a big fuck you to the man, at least not tonight. This article is featuring a concert and the artists who participated, but since the two biggest names on the bill were Flint Town Legends, I felt that it was only right to talk a little bit about their city, how tough it was and is, and why lasting thirty plus years is such a big deal.
The Dayton Family and Project Born, both were signed to Psychopathic Records at one time, travelled the country, and cranked out some serious bodies of music over the years. Juggalos are no strangers to these groups and whenever they come out to do a show, you can bet your last Faygo that there will be Juggalos in attendance. They’ve collectively performed with some of the greatest rappers in the country and have held their own, while leaving their mark.
Several Days before the show
I was doing what I always do and that consisted of putting more shit on my plate than I have time to deal with. I’m writing a book with the homie Skitzo from Kalamazoo at the moment, another on hold until I can slow down and catch up about Harpos with the owner and club legend Ruzvelt. There are plans for a couple of others, including a children’s book with Alfonzo Polk Jr, when I can catch my breath. Beyond that I recently starting working at a Cannabis Company, working with concentrates and flower. I got some shit going on and that’s no bullshit. I’m happy, but constantly zipping around as best I can to help people out and get work done. So anyway, I was driving home from work when I got a call from Polk D of the Legendary Project Born.
It was good to hear from him. He had a tough spell with Covid earlier in the year and was sick for a couple of months. The pervious year, we had worked very closely on the “Forever in the Jects” book that was about Project Born and featured their history, personal stories, and memories from the underground. (https://www.amazon.com/FOREVER-JECTS-Mike-Shepard/dp/B09778M84F
We got it in last year, and I attended numerous events with the PJB during and after the book’s release. The recent times had been filled with sickness, but also something much darker. Nothing can be more dark, than when a death comes to the door. I’m sure by now most people are aware of Pint Capone’s passing (PJB lifelong member). The death had rocked the group hard and had caught everyone off guard. Pint was a true rock and roller, but no one could have guessed his untimely passing. https://www.psychopathicrecords.com/post/a-message-from-vj?fbclid=IwAR1B0fZGw3HRx1k12jiHiXTq_ayZj02MD785HKwBN41mWX9MozxcPLMZzis
So we caught up on old times and Polk D told me about the show with Dayton Family. I told him that I would be there to show support and bring some copies of “Forever in the Jects” for the merch table. The last time I had seen Dayton Family perform was at the GOTJ 21 and they rocked the house. There was no way that I would miss out on an opportunity like that and made plans to leave from work and head to the Diesel Lounge on 23 Mile for the occasion.
Day of the show
I got out of work and made my way slightly north from Hazel Park. I jumped on I-696 and took that to I-94, then headed north towards the Diesel Lounge. It had been a long day but sometimes that’s just the way they are. I powered through my exhaustion and prepared to catch up with some old friends. I arrived fucking way early, but if you know me, that’s how I roll most of the time. I’d rather be two hours early than ten minutes late, no matter what. I have found that arriving to places early provides me comfort and a chance to figure out the score. If your are looking for success or a leg up, I recommend going early. Try it sometime, it could make all the difference.
So, I found myself driving through a part of the State that I seldom visit. To be honest that whole area has a strange likeness to that of Ohio and if I squinted my eyes just right, I could have swore I was in a different State, but enough about that. I found the Diesel and decided I would look for some food as I waited. My initial reaction was to hit an Arby’s next store but when I pulled in, I realized that the parking did not connect to the Arby’s lot. Somewhat pissed I decided to weigh my options, perhaps park and walk over. But when I pulled behind the strip mall there was a group of Jet’s pizza workers smoking out back. I instantly felt self aware and as their eyes watched me, I decided to abandoned the idea and go else where. I wasn’t in the mood to be judged by Pizza workers, who in all honesty could have given no fucks about what I was doing, but that’s the head space I was in.
Angry at myself, I drove across the street and decided to try and eat at Diesel. I parked and headed into the front doors. I hadn’t realized it but, the place was connected to a bowling alley, restaurant, and a “pinball museum”. It was almost too much to mentally navigate, but I pressed on. I tried the doors the restaurant, which were in the bowling ally, but the fuckers were locked. I again felt slightly stoopid for the second time in less than ten minutes. What the fuck was going on? I wondered as I started walking again.
I stopped at the desk to pay for bowling and it turned out that they also served food. I told the good man behind the counter (more like a guy in his late teens) I wanted to order up a hot plate. I asked him about the Diesel Lounge which was in back but the kid couldn’t help me out much. I found this weird since both places shared the same building and space, but I didn’t hold it against him. I’ve worked plenty of jobs, where the only thing I knew was how to get there. I too have been asked questions over the years while working in Detroit, about directions or some business. Sadly, I always responded the same way “sorry I just work here, I only know two ways to get here and that’s about it. Today I would be more help but, 13 years ago, I just didn’t have all the answers.
Food
I ordered the bowling alley Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich and fries. I wasn’t sure what to expect when my food arrived. I’ve had some great plates in food in bowling alleys and other times no so much. Thankfully this time the sandwich was good, they had a full bottle of A-1 for me to use (which is fucking unheard of these days) and the fries weren’t bad. I sat and ate for awhile in silence. Listening to bowling balls crash into pins in the distance. Behind that sound, I could hear a continual drone from the arcade which featured the “pinball museum” or at least that was my guess. The building was odd and seemed to offer shit around every corner, without crowding a person. I’ve been in places where people have tried to do too much with too little space, but they didn’t have that problem there. The more I took in the scene, the more I felt like coming back someday. There is something familiar and nostalgic about bowling alleys and arcades. For all I knew, I had accidentally found a worm hole to the 1980’s America. I dwelled on that thought for awhile and it wasn’t a bad thought.
6:45 pm
I made contact with the head security man at the Diesel Lounge (he was in charge and did a fine job) and told him I would be selling some merch and taking photos for Project Born. The guy was nice, got me a small table to set up at and so it went. As it turned out, the Detroit Demon was sitting next to me at his merch table. It was good to see him and I had just ran an exclusive interview with him a few weeks earlier. We made some small talk before I let him get back to what he was doing. https://rox-tv.com/2022/06/02/rox-tv-gets-an-exclusive-interview-with-the-detroit-demon-our-homie-zitro-we-talk-about-his-history-the-gotj-21-performance-and-much-more/
While I was setting up some books, I talked with Bake-Lo briefly as well, he was hustling by doing something. I’ve never not ran into this guy, when he wasn’t busy doing something and on the move. The guy is a great rapper, sound guy, and a nice person. I said hello, asked him how he was doing, but decided to let him get back to what ever he had going. I think he was setting up the sound perhaps? But that is only going off previous experiences. Bake-Lo was a godsend when Daniel Jordan came to Simons for promotion of his “Dark Night of the Soul” release. We didn’t have a sound guy and Bake-Lo came in on his day off to help. Like I said, the guy is pretty dope. https://rox-tv.com/2021/08/27/daniel-jordan-gives-rox-tv-an-exclusive-interview-about-his-upcoming-michigan-show-going-down-september-11th-in-allen-park-and-much-more/
8:00ish pm
The show kicked off and the night had officially began. I was happy to be out on the town and fans were filing in for the show. I scene a lot of Dayton Family gear, Reel Life Productions shirts, and a bunch of Hatchetman gear. I spoke with a member of the Persecuted Souls MC who was bouncing around the room and chilling near the Zitro merch table. He was a good dude and told me if I wanted, I could park out back where the artists were allowed. That way carrying shit in and out would suck so bad. I appreciated that and thanked him.
The Project Born crew showed up about eight deep and we met up at the merch table. Frank Nitty and Polk D introduced me to their brother Vic, who I had heard so much about while writing “Forever in the Jects”. Vic had been away for a long time and was finally back with the family. Although I didn’t get a chance to chop it up with him proper, it was nice to finally put a face to the name.
A short time later I found myself smoking a cigarette on the patio, when my homie Gary came walking through. I hadn’t seen him since the ICP and Project Born show at Harpos for New Years Eve and it was good to catch up. We had been roommates at the GOTJ21, at the Project Born house (AirBnB) just outside of town. Gary made a guest appearance in “My Life the Funhouse” which is also available on Amazon (The Rude Boy story) which I had dropped with Rudy in November. I always enjoy rapping with Gary because he is an expert in the Michigan/Midwest rap scene. He can tell you anything you want to know and is always on top of the latest news around the scene. I hope he writes a book someday about his travels in the underground. He always does lots of stuff on Instagram and YouTube, check out his videos when you can.
While we were outside hanging out, Gary introduced me to RonThaDon (Ron Rubel). We hung out for awhile and kicked the can around, talking about upcoming shows and what have you. RonThaDon grabbed a few dope pictures and was nice enough to send them my way. I have a feeling I will be running into Ron again, another cool cat. Also during this time I ran into my homie Ant G and we shared a few laughs. Ant G is a great performer and if you haven’t checked out his shit, do it. The guy knows how to work a stage and has a personality that is larger than life itself. I’ve never seen the guy without a smile on his face and some quick wit for a laugh.
Time goes by
Time began to do what it does and slowly began seeping out of the corners of the room. It’s always hard to notice at first, but at some point there is no denying the night is lurching forward. I watched Zitro and Bake-Lo rock the stage, both did a great job.
I found myself floating between the merch table, rapping with Polk D and Nitty, taking pictures of the performances, and talking about underground news with the infamous “Big Will”. Big Will had recently decided to grow out his hair and it poofed out around his hat. As usual, Big Will had a beer surgically attached to his right hand, which I had been known for myself years early.
At some point Ant G made his way to the stage and rapped with a guy I thought was named “Red” but don’t quote me on that. He had his adorable little kid on stage with him and Ant G and she stole the show. More time slipped by, another cigarette here and there, and the sun slowly started to settle in the west.
Project Born takes the stage
PJB took the stage and brought the thunder like they always do. These guys are seasoned vets and true showmen. They know how to engage with the crowd, they keep the energy up the entire set, and always come correct. It was Polk D’s return to the stage after a lengthy battle with Covid and you could tell he was where he wanted to be…rocking the crowd. Frank Nitty and Polk D were rocking classic red for the show. The Project sounds from the infamous Carpentar Road Projects (River Park) coated the crowd and they loved it.
PJB had released a song in tribute to Pint Capone a few days earlier and I recommend it to the readers. After show, Frank Nitty gave me a copy of Project Born’s latest EP release called “Halloween on Morningside Drive” which I also would advise the readers to add to their collection. I will be doing an album review on it later in the month or early July so stay tuned. While rapping with Polk D, I ran into La Purp and we chopped it up for a bit. It was good to see so many familiar faces. You can’t do that from your couch. We need to support the music scene or lose it forever. Get out of the house and see a fucking live show today.
Dayton Family arrives
The moment everyone had been waiting for had finally showed up, when Dayton Family took to the stage. I’ve been a fan for decades and when my life finally catches up, I wouldn’t mind exploring a writing project with the boys from Dope Dayton Ave, but only time will tell. I believe if things are meant to play out, they will. So just relax and enjoy the ride. I stood up front and got some great pictures from the Dayton Family set. And just like that, in the blink of an eye, it was all over. I found myself trying to get home, half dead from lack of sleep but it had all been worth it. Dayton Family are living legends in Flint and in the the scene and I would have came even if I had to drag myself by one arm. Nothing lasts forever, so before things change again, get out and see your heroes. I did.
Drive Home
It was shitty and even harder to navigate “transplanted Ohio” in Michigan, while in the dark. Traffic issues forced me to use M-59 for twenty miles and it was disorientating. I blew by at least ten cops on the ride home, before getting on I75 towards home. Halfway there a group of brand-new Mustangs started fucking around on the highway, blocking all lanes and going fifty miles and hour before racing off. If I could have, I would have beat the shit out of each of the driver because I wasn’t in the mood for there bullshit go-cart games at 1:30pm. I don’t know whey people feel so bold in cars…it’s not like someone can’t follow you home and whip your ass. Oh well, all things come to those that deserve it, eventually. I hit the bed at 1:45am and got up for work at 5:00am. It was one of those days.
Signing Off,
Mike Shepard
ROX-TV Head Writer (aka the only writer)
shepard2909@hotmail.com
