This week we are tapping in with GENA, a new project from Dallas-born, now L.A.-based vocalist Liv.e and legendary Detroit drummer and producer Karriem Riggins. The name is loosely inspired by Gina from the classic sitcom “Martin,” and the music moves in that same playful but grown lane, blurring jazz, R&B and left-of-center soul.

“Circlesz” is the first single from their collaboration, and it plays like a late-night loop: dusty drums, fluid keys and Liv.e’s floating vocal lines all orbiting each other in motion.

Here is GENA with “Circlesz,” and it is my Pick of the Week.

That was “Circlesz” from GENA, the duo of vocalist Liv.e and artist-drummer Karriem Riggins.

If jazzy, future-soul cuts like this are your lane, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and at wdet.org. 

This week we are tapping in with Detroit emcee, producer and sonic shape-shifter Ilajide. A former member of the acclaimed underground crew Clear Soul Forces, he has carved out a deep catalog on his own, dropping five full-length projects and seven EPs along the way.

Ilajide is back with a new release, “Pocket Jams 2,” a record that blends late-70s and early-80s funk and hip hop with the future-leaning sound of 2025. It is proudly Detroit to the core and carries the kind of cosmic swagger you could imagine The Electrifying Mojo spinning during his late-night transmissions.

The cut we are about to get into is a standout. It channels Rick James energy, P-Funk flavor and Ilajide’s signature rhythmic snap, with Radio Galaxy riding shotgun for an extra layer of groove. Here is Ilajide featuring Radio Galaxy with “Stallion,” and it is my Pick of the Week.

That was Ilajide featuring Radio Galaxy with “Stallion,” from his latest release “Pocket Jams 2.”

If this kind of Detroit-bred funk hits your bloodstream, lock in with The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and at wdet.org.

This week’s pick comes from multiple Grammy nominated artist and producer Solomon Fox, who has been steadily building a reputation as one of soul music’s most intriguing emerging voices.

After a much acclaimed mixtape in 2021, he is back with his proper solo debut album “Sweettooth,” loaded with collaborations from rising talents like Duckwrth, Samm Henshaw and Mai Anna.

The cut we are about to get into features vocalist Amaria. Their back and forth on this track is all chemistry and feel, wrapping tight melodies around a warm, future soul groove.

Here is Solomon Fox featuring Amaria with “Fallin’ Back,” and it is my Pick of the Week.

That was Solomon Fox with “Fallin’ Back” featuring Amaria, from his debut album “Sweettooth.”

If future soul sounds like this move you, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and at wdet.org.