A$AP Rocky has always pushed against the edges of hip-hop. After spending time focused on fatherhood and acting, he returns with something different again, leaning into psychedelic textures, alt-rock energy and post-punk attitude.

Some critics are connecting it to a broader movement of Black artists exploring indie rock spaces, sometimes called afro-grunge. 

Whatever name you give it, the mood is hypnotic, experimental and bold. Rocky lets the atmosphere breathe while he floats across it. Here’s “PUNK ROCKY.” My Pick of the Week.

That was A$AP Rocky with “PUNK ROCKY.” If you appreciate when artists color outside the lines, join us every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org for multi-genre journeys.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. We’ll see you next time. Peace.

This one brings together rapper Doechii and vocalist SZA on a record that lands like an anthem. It speaks to misogyny, pressure, survival inside the industry, and it doubles as a reminder for women of color to keep rising no matter what stands in the way. 

Doechii is razor sharp here. Technically gifted, confident, fully in command. And SZA adds emotional lift, tone and atmosphere that wraps perfectly around the message. Together, they turn affirmation into sound. Here’s “Girl, Get Up.” My Pick of the Week. 

Doechii and SZA with “Girl, Get Up,” a powerful meditation wrapped in rhythm.

If you love progressive hip hop with substance, tap in every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. Peace. 

Detroit’s own Zo! and Tall Black Guy are getting ready to release a brand new album titled “Expansions.” It follows the acclaim of their 2021 project “Abstractions,” a record that fused soul, jazz, hip hop and electronic textures and had the industry buzzing. Now they are back with the lead single, and once again they call on frequent collaborator Sy Smith, who recently released her album “Until We Meet Again,” also shaped by this production team. 

If this new track is any sign of what is ahead, expect a love letter to classic soul and dance culture. You can hear flashes of the Mary Jane Girls, Parliament-Funkadelic, Slave, those joints that used to light up the roller rink and keep the floor packed all night. Let’s get into “Keep Him Satisfied.” My Pick of the Week. 

Zo! and Tall Black Guy featuring Sy Smith with “Keep Him Satisfied,” the first single from the forthcoming album “Expansions.”

If grooves like that are your thing, join us every Saturday evening at 6 p.m. on 101.9 WDET and wdet.org, where we live in future soul, deep house, nu-jazz, b-sides and rare grooves.

For The Progressive Underground, I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time. 

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.