Detroit’s Hip Hop Roots: A Conversation with P Gruv from Da Enna C

Published on November 21, 2024 in Introduction by Khary Frazier

Dive into the heart of Detroit hip hop history with P Groove! From the legendary Rhythm Kitchen era to today’s scene, discover the beats and stories that shaped it all. Through thick waves of artistic evolution, P Gruv grows his skill set during his school years, embodying the diversity of hip hop culture. Highland Park High School becomes a breeding ground for networking and artistic exchange, leading to influential connections with names like DJ Butter, Super MC, and others who share his passion for the craft. During this time, he also earns a reputation in both production and engineering, navigating Detroit’s studio scene and innovating within hip hop’s sonic framework. P Gruv, a figure rooted in Detroit’s hip hop scene, shares his journey in the industry, starting from his early days influenced by Run DMC, breakdancing, and forming his first group in high school. The conversation delves into the formation of his group Da Enna C, their early projects, and their DIY approach to music production. P Gruv discusses his family’s migration from Alabama to Detroit, his father’s influence and entrepreneurship, and the pivotal role of iconic Detroit figures like DJ Dez and J Dilla in his musical growth. The interview also touches on the changing landscape of music production from analog to digital and the importance of creativity over competition.

What began as a journey engaging hip-hop audiences, has grown into a career as a marketing consultant. As business people have seen my work, I was propositioned many times to provide graphic design, photography, videography, event planning, website development, and social media campaigning. These initial business contracts inspired me to build Creative Differences Marketing. I’ve balanced my entrepreneurial experience with formal education from Walsh College of Business and Accountancy. My degree in Marketing serves me well in understanding many of the formal, universal, and theoretical marketing approaches used in corporate environments.Formulating this business model has been anchored by the success of my BLOG ‘Detroit is Different.’ I create all content for Detroit is Different. This serves as a prototype of the ways I can design events, websites, graphics, music, podcasts, social media campaigns, and e-mail campaigns. ‘Detroit is Different’ focuses on the people and places of Detroit that add to the culture. Through these people and places, themes are driven. These themes will partner with, sponsor, and advertise for businesses and organizations using this innovative multilevel marketing approach.