One of the most memorable hours of television I’ve seen in 2016 was Episode 7 of Viceland’s new series, NOISEY. In its first season, the show is described as “a first-hand look into the cultures and artists behind some of the world’s most compelling music scenes.” Each episode features a different locale, and last month they took the time to focus on Detroit.

I was first introduced to the music and the story of Big Sean during the summer before my freshman year at Michigan State, and I first listened to Doughboyz Cashout thanks to my students and baseball players at Northwestern High School. This 45-minute episode features both of these Detroit artists, along with Danny Brown, Trick-Trick, and more. It does an excellent job of telling the story of the music that comes out of Detroit and showcasing the perspective of the people upholding the city’s tradition as a music powerhouse. I would highly recommend taking the time to watch the episode.

• More information on the episode, including a one-minute trailer, can be found here.
• NOISEY Detroit is also available to watch online with a cable subscription here.

While on the topic of music, I wanted to take a moment to look back on the dozen or so albums that have gotten the most plays on my iPod during this Challenge year thus far:

• The Ataris  –  So Long, Astoria
• Bruce Springsteen  –  Born to Run
• Childish Gambino  –  Camp
• Death Cab for Cutie  –  Transatlanticism
• The Districts  –  Telephone
• G.O.O.D. Music  –  Cruel Summer
• Into It. Over It.  –  Proper
• J. Cole  –  The Warm Up
• Kevin Devine  –  Matter of Time
• Pusha T  –  My Name Is My Name
• Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers  –  Greatest Hits
• Weezer  –  The White Album

As we inch closer to a Detroit summer, I look forward to the medleys that will close out my Challenge soundtrack.