Hey! I’m new around here. So, allow me to introduce myself — I go by a slew of names, but you can call me Dominique Dabs. For my first article on RMR, I wanted to share something that was both timely and worthwhile. I present to you – Tee Grizzley’s spectacular new music video for his new single, “Teetroit”, taken from the motion picture soundtrack for the film “DETROIT”, out in theaters August 2nd. “Teetroit” is something like a somber love letter to the hometown of rising rapper Tee Grizzley. In the track, he tells the story of the struggle and perseverance of Detroit and his fellow residents.
The video is instantly captivating and opens showing the faces and lives of the residents of Detroit in addition to Tee and a young man holding a picture frame. In the very beginning of the clip, a disclaimer of sorts says “The following features Detroit residents including those present at the 1967 rebellion.” The clips then show the framed images coming to life with the residents lip-synching the verses along with Grizzley. It makes for an instant moment and capitalizes on great cinematography.
The frames continue to come to life with footage of the 67 Rebellion including that of Detroit Congressman John Conyers climbing on top of a car in the middle of 12th Street in the middle of the morning following the riots, looting, and violence. The rebellion was in response to rumors of excessive force being used by police when arresting over 80 black patrons at a “blind pig,” an unlicensed bar. A party celebrating the return of two servicemen from Vietnam was taking place on July 23 in the city’s oldest and poorest black neighborhood.
The release of this movie highlights that not too much has changed in fifty years. It is a statement that both the abuse and mistreatment of Black people have yet to cease and that we sadly are unable to bring about change and often resort to harming our own communities. Before you watch the trailer or see the movie, I invite you to do some research on the topic as Tee Grizzley does in his verse.
