Detroit's recent rise as a prominent force in the rap landscape can be attributed to artists like Babyface Ray, Peezy and the standout talent of 42 Dugg, who is leading the pack. While many rising Detroit rappers employ a distinctive slurred, off-beat flow that characterizes their sound, 42 Dugg's style is unmatched. His voice is both nasally and a bit scratchy with a flow that remains consistent on any beat he rides. Dugg began rapping in 2015 while behind bars, but it wasn't until his release in 2017 that he started taking it seriously. In 2018, the rapper's growing buzz as an up-and-coming artist caught the attention of Lil Baby. During a trip to Atlanta, Dugg played more of his music for Baby and their connection grew. Lil Baby also introduced Dugg's music to Yo Gotti, leading to Dugg's joint signing with both Baby's 4PF (Four Pockets Full) and Gotti's CMG (Collective Music Group).

In 2019, Dugg dropped his mixtape, Young and Turnt, featuring standout tracks like "Dog Food" and "The Streets" with Babyface Ray. The following year, Dugg's collaborations with Lil Baby on "Grace" and "We Paid" charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with "We Paid" peaking at No. 10 and "Grace" reaching No. 48. This propelled Dugg's 2020 project, Young & Turnt 2, to secure a spot on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at No. 58. To date, Dugg has a total of nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and three projects on the Billboard 200, including 2021's Free Dem Boyz and Last Ones Left, his 2022 collaboration album with CMG labelmate EST Gee. Detroit's rich hip-hop history cannot be erased, and with artists like 42 Dugg, the city's rap scene continues to thrive.