Detroit Hip Hop has a storied legacy that was more than the music. From the legendary open mic scene to music production that changed the sound of hip-hop, Detroit is known internationally for innovation. Since the early 1990s, Laswunzout was a part of that movement.
“Laswunzout was a really large crew,” says founding member Lo, “Even Paul Rosenberg was a member the crew, PMO, Dj Dez, Baatin from Slum Village (RIP), 31 Flavors, AOU, Bugz of D12 (RIP), and Dj HouseShoes.”
We bridged the gaps in the early 90’s doing the legwork leaving the city and setting up shop in north Hollywood introducing the world to underground Detroit hip hop music helping expose countless Detroit acts along the way.
Laswunzout would perform in cyphers at Hart Plaza throughout the early 90’s. From malls or at any given time on any street in downtown Detroit MI, the crew would battle competitors yelling out, “Who wants to battle??” a phrase that remains a part of the crew today.
In 1995, Immortal Records released the compilation The Next Chapter that included the group’s breakout underground hit, “Just To Be Famous.” Members spent the next year traveling back and court from Detroit to California performing and promoting the album. In late 1995, the group was shaken up with the discovery of member Sanchi Da Mizfits battle with schizophrenia. Some members returned home to Detroit while others stayed in California.
Their 1995 single, Just to be Famous remains a Detroit hip-hop classic. The crew: 31 Flavors, Lo, Zo, Oscrdagrwch, Snick, Sanchi Da Mizfit, Popsquali, Fist, Tricky, Masood, Jet Black (RIP), and Grm Reefa (RIP). Laswunzout was the inspiration for the group, The Free World, in the film 8 Mile.
The historic nature of the crew can’t be overstated. In 2009, Laswunzout was featured in the book, Hip Hop in America: A Regional Guide by Mickey Hess. After years of ups and downs, group changes, and even the deaths of members, Laswunzout is back and recording together with just two original members, Lo and Zo.
“Zo and I met in the early 90’s through the Detroit Hip Hop scene. We always went to the same parties and knew the same people. We stayed close by each other off Fenkell, we would meet up at Coney Island all the time smoking weed, drinking, talking about Hip Hop.”
Laswunzout is a legendary hip-hop crew back with new music to open up the minds of a new generation of hip-hop fans.
Check them out.
