The Tigers aren’t the only game in Detroit. Heralding one of the most prolific MCs in the game in Eminem, one of the all time greatest groups in Slum Village and one of the best battle MCs in Proof - the bubbling Detroit underground is also making a strong stamp in hip-hop. Catching the ears of J-Dilla and Black Milk amongst others, Guilty Simpson is ready to make his mark as the next Detroit legend.

HHDX: Whats good with u G?
Guilty: Shit fam, just got back from Europe with Stones Throw, I’m getting back in the swing of things ready to bring the world Ode To The Ghetto.

HHDX: Now your name is Guilty Simpson, explain how you got that name for those who don't know.
Guilty: Well back in like 94-95 when I was just starting to write my thoughts, me and my dog
Hex was throwing around names and he wrote guilty as one of the names. I thought about it for a while and went with it, it just sounded raw to me. Simpson came later because I heard somebody was trying to get the name out of state. So I threw my last name on it to make it unique and authentic. Guilty Simpson!

HHDX: What's good with the Detroit hip hop scene right now fam?
Guilty: It’s muthaf****s with serious talent here that's what I can say about the crib. They just need that outlet because a lot of cats stay right in Detroit trying to get it to pop with the music. I can name endless crews that's spitting in the D. You just gotta get that shot!

HHDX: As an up and comer, do you feel there's a stigma with Detroit artists because of how Eminem entered the game or do you think he paved the way for a lot of you guys?
Guilty: I think Em paved the way for a Detroit rapper. He might not have represented me in every way I mean how could he? But he's an elite emcee from the D and its not many that can touch him. He gave a lot of cats I know jobs, and got them off the streets, so you gotta love that. Nothing but respect for Em, a Detroit legend.

HHDX: You been featured on some projects as of late, like Bishop Lamonts up and coming CAL-Troit album, as well as Skyzoo's Corner Store Classic mixtape. That's some diversity, how you hook up with them?
Guilty: Well I was in New York with Black Milk and Hex and I met Sky! Cool ass dude from the jump he showed us nothing but love in New York so I'm gonna always keep it 100 with him. He got at me about getting on a joint and we did it. With Bishop, my dog Hex hooked that up and when I was out west I fell through the lab and cut for that shit him and Black was working on. It was a pleasure working with both of them! We dogs for life! Continued on page 2 »