Detroit's Most Wanted
| Company type | Hip hop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Detroit , United States |
| Products | Hip hop music |
Detroit's Most Wanted is a hip hop ensemble originating from Detroit, Michigan, established in 1986. The group played a pioneering role in shaping Detroit's hardcore hip hop scene. They were among the earliest rap acts from Detroit to obtain a national recording contract, although widespread commercial success remained out of reach.
Formation
Motsi Ski encountered MC Lee at Cooley High School, while DJ Dunkin Hines was introduced through a shared acquaintance. Initially adversaries, they set aside their differences to create Detroit's Most Wanted in 1986, with financial backing for their debut album provided by a local drug dealer.
Tricks Of The Trades and Tricks Of The Trade, Vol. II: The Money is Made (1990-1992)
In 1990, DMW independently launched their first album, Tricks Of The Trades, under Motsi Ski’s Bryant Records label. It achieved local commercial success and reached number 83 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Subsequently, after signing with Ichiban Records for broader distribution, they released their most acclaimed work, Tricks Of The Trade, Vol. II: The Money is Made, on April 6, 1992. This album climbed to number 58 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and was highly regarded within Detroit's music community. The single "The Money Is Made" was accompanied by a music video that received regional and some national exposure; notably, it was the first rap video filmed inside a casino (Atlantic City, New Jersey). During this era, the group cultivated a dedicated fanbase beyond Detroit and attracted interest from industry personalities such as MC Hammer.
Break-up, DMW continuing on as a Motsi Ski solo project (1993-1997)
A conflict arose when DJ Duncan Hines expressed a desire to increase his vocal contributions to the group’s tracks, but Motsi preferred that Hines concentrate on his role as DJ, leading to internal friction. Although MC Hammer showed intent to sign the group to his Bust It Records label, Motsi Ski declined due to disagreements over Hammer’s proposals, which involved altering the group's name and adopting more mainstream lyrical themes. Consequently, DJ Hines and MC Lee accepted Hammer’s offer and departed from Detroit's Most Wanted to establish Ditch Diggers under his label, leaving Motsi as the sole member remaining.
On March 29, 1993, DMW released their third and final collective album titled Many Faces Of Death, Vol. III. While it did not enter the Billboard charts, it performed well locally within Detroit and marked their last release through Ichiban Records. As a solo endeavor, Motsi retained the DMW moniker for the fourth album, Bow The F--- Down, which was released on May 16, 1994. This record contained diss tracks directed at former members DJ Duncan Hines and MC Lee in response to their exit.
Despite the animosity conveyed in this album and its liner notes, the former members continued to maintain respect for one another and kept in contact after parting ways. A compilation album titled Early Days, featuring selections from DMW’s initial two albums, was issued on November 15, 1994. The final album released under Motsi’s leadership as DMW was Ghetto Drama, which came out on January 9, 1996.
In the mid-1990s, Motsi encountered various legal challenges including imprisonment related to marijuana possession, probation violations, and firearm charges stemming from his status as a convicted felon. Following Ghetto Drama, the DMW name was retired as Motsi transitioned into a solo career during the early 2000s.
Reunion, Tricks Of The Trade, Vol. II Anniversary Release, and Recent Developments (2004–Present)
In 2004, Motsi joined forces again with DJ Dunkin Hines and MC Lee to bring Detroit's Most Wanted back together. Shortly thereafter, on December 28, 2004, they reissued their most acclaimed album, Tricks Of The Trade Vol. II: The Money Is Made. This Special Anniversary Edition came with refreshed artwork and included a bonus disc featuring nine additional tracks. Although there were plans for a new album entitled Timeless, it had not been released by 2019. On June 16, 2011, Detroit's Most Wanted debuted a new song called "Pay Homage" on YouTube. The group still performs sporadically in the Detroit area. On May 25, 2012, they unveiled Greatest Hits, a collection encompassing 15 of their most popular songs. Later that year, on November 14, DMW appeared at the Detroit Old School Legends Of Hip Hop reunion event alongside other prominent local artists. Marking their 25th anniversary on March 4, 2014, the group released another compilation titled Anthology, which includes 26 of their well-known tracks.
Studio albums
- 1990: Tricks Of The Trades
- 1992: Tricks Of The Trade, Vol. II: The Money is Made
- 1993: Many Faces Of Death, Vol. III
- 1994: Bow The F--- Down
- 1996: Ghetto Drama
Compilation albums
- 1994: Early Years
- 2012: Greatest Hits
- 2014: Anthology
External links
- [ Allmusic entry]
- Discogs entry