Veeze, Peezy, Baby Money and more to perform at “Hart Of Detroit” Festival

Veeze, Peezy, Baby Money to headline “Hart Of Detroit” Festival

Over the last four years, Detroit’s underground rap scene has turned global heads. Artists like Icewear Vezzo, Babyface Ray, Peezy, and Veeze have taken their gritty, unapologetic sound from neighborhood studios to national stages. Their success isn’t isolated. The movement has momentum, and on June 19, that energy explodes live at the Hart of Detroit Festival, right in the heart of the city, at Hart Plaza.

From the noon block party to the nighttime lineup, the festival honors both the legends and the newcomers shaping Detroit hip-hop today. Whether you’re a day-one fan or just discovering the city’s sound, this event is designed for you.

Detroit’s Hip-Hop Scene: A Comeback Story Rooted in Reality

Detroit has always been a music city. Motown made it legendary. Techno made it experimental. But hip-hop made it raw and real. While cities like Atlanta and New York have historically dominated rap headlines, Detroit artists have quietly (and now not-so-quietly) built a style that’s impossible to ignore: fast-paced flows, piano-heavy beats, and uncompromising honesty.

What’s different now is the reach.

From Icewear Vezzo’s Billboard appearances to Babyface Ray’s collabs with national stars, Detroit artists have gone global without losing their local identity. Many still shoot their music videos in the city, still work with hometown producers, and still rap about the same blocks they grew up on.

That loyalty is the heart of the Hart of Detroit Festival.

Festival Overview: What to Expect on June 19

📍 Location: Hart Plaza, Downtown Detroit
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2025 (Juneteenth)
🕛 Block Party: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🎤 Live Performances Begin: 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Available now at 313Summer.com

Who’s Performing?

This year’s lineup is a mix of Detroit hip-hop royalty and breakout names. Here’s a closer look at who’s hitting the stage:

• Icewear Vezzo – Street-certified and industry-backed, his voice defines the current sound of Eastside Detroit.
• Peezy – With heartfelt bars and an ear for melody, Peezy tells stories that resonate beyond city limits.
• Baby Money – A newer name but already signed to Quality Control, he brings humor, punchlines, and Detroit swagger.
• Babyface Ray – Perhaps the most introspective of the bunch, Ray’s music is a smooth balance of luxury and loneliness.
• Pretty Brayah – Bold, talented, and stylish, she’s a force in the city’s female rap scene.
• Veeze – Vibe-heavy with viral reach, his laid-back delivery has carved out a distinct lane.
• Babyfxce E – A rising star whose sharp pen and clever cadences demand attention.
• 22DaBoat – High energy, catchy hooks, and raw charisma — 22DaBoat is built for big stages.
• GT – One of Detroit’s most respected lyricists, GT represents consistency and craftsmanship.

💡 Expect surprise guests too — Detroit festivals are known for impromptu reunions and co-signs.

More Than Music: The Community Block Party

Before the music starts, the Hart Plaza transforms into a block party from 12 PM to 5 PM. Think of it as a daytime celebration of Detroit’s creative spirit.

• Local vendors and fashion brands
• Food trucks serving Detroit-style eats
• Art installations from local creators
• Community groups and nonprofit booths
• Live DJs, pop-up cyphers, and interactive exhibits

This part of the day is family-friendly, open-air, and perfect for those who want to experience Detroit culture beyond the music. It also reflects a broader movement: festivals becoming spaces that center community and economic opportunity.

Why This Festival Matters (Especially on Juneteenth)

There’s power in the timing. The Hart of Detroit Festival lands on Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. For a majority-Black city like Detroit, that symbolism resonates deeply.

Celebrating freedom, creativity, and community through music is as Detroit as it gets. The festival serves not just as entertainment, but as cultural affirmation. It’s a reminder that Black art — born from struggle, fueled by resilience — continues to thrive and evolve.

Out-of-Town Visitors: How to Prepare

Traveling in for the festival? Here are quick tips:

• Book a hotel early: Downtown spots near the Riverwalk fill up fast.
• Use the QLINE or People Mover for easy, walkable transportation.
• Weather: June in Detroit is warm (high 70s/low 80s), but bring a light jacket for evening waterfront breezes.
• Parking: Use official garages near the Renaissance Center or Greektown — or rideshare in.

Pro tip: Make a weekend out of it. Visit the Motown Museum, African American History Museum, or grab a bite at Detroit staples like Slows BBQ or Coney Island.

Local Impact: Supporting Small Businesses & Artists

The Hart of Detroit Festival is more than a concert — it’s a financial boost for the city. Many of the festival’s vendors, sponsors, and staff are local. For entrepreneurs, this exposure can lead to long-term growth.

Even more importantly, the event highlights how Detroit’s independent music economy is thriving. Most artists on the bill started without major-label budgets. They built fanbases through consistency, mixtapes, and city-wide respect. Now, that ecosystem supports stylists, videographers, managers, and young artists watching from the crowd.

Why Detroit Keeps Delivering

There’s no one reason Detroit hip-hop keeps rising. It’s not about trends. It’s not about clout.

It’s about authenticity.

Detroit artists don’t chase popular sounds — they define them. Their music is often recorded in home studios, distributed independently, and promoted through local DJs and Instagram pages. The scene values rawness over polish, truth over theatrics.

Even as national attention grows, Detroit artists stay grounded. They shout out neighborhoods. They wear Detroit brands. They put their city on — over and over again.

And the world is listening.

Don’t Miss This

The Hart of Detroit Festival isn’t just a concert. It’s the heartbeat of a movement.

It’s where culture, community, and creativity intersect. It’s where fans can say they saw their favorite artist before they blew up — or where they can see their hometown hero shine on the city’s biggest stage.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at 313Summer.com.

Whether you’re born and raised in the 313 or just catching the vibe, the Hart of Detroit Festival is your invitation to be part of something real.