Trick Trick

Christian Anthony Mathis, known professionally as Trick Trick, is an American rapper, record producer, and hip-hop philanthropist born June 28, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan, renowned for his unwavering loyalty to the city's music scene and collaborations with major artists such as Eminem, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg.^[1][2][3] He adopted his stage name in the 1990s to distinguish himself from the British trip-hop artist Tricky while emerging from Detroit's underground rap circuit, where he co-founded the collective Goon Sqwad and became a pivotal figure in promoting local talent.^[1][4] Trick Trick's early life was marked by hardship in Detroit's inner city, including selling drugs as a teenager and a suicide attempt at age 12, before he transitioned into music alongside figures like the late Proof of D12.^[4] In 2004, he faced first-degree murder charges stemming from an altercation, but the case was dismissed, allowing him to refocus on his career.^[4] His breakthrough came with the 2005 debut album The People Vs. on Motown Records, featuring the hit "Welcome 2 Detroit" with Eminem, which solidified his status as a Detroit ambassador.^[5] Throughout his over two-decade career, Trick Trick has released notable projects like the 2008 track "From the D" (featuring Esham, Kid Rock, and Proof) and contributed to the 2014 posse cut "Detroit Vs. Everybody" alongside Eminem and Royce da 5'9", emphasizing unity in Michigan's hip-hop community. In 2025, he directed and released the comedy-crime film The Last 24.^[5][6] He has also directed, scored, and provided voice work for films, TV shows, and commercials on networks like HBO and Cinemax.^[7] Beyond music, he established the "No Fly Zone" policy in the mid-2000s, a protocol requiring out-of-town rappers to seek permission before performing in Detroit to prevent violence and ensure respect for the local scene, earning him nicknames like the "Godfather" or "Boogeyman" of Detroit rap.^[5][4][8] As a philanthropist, Trick Trick has supported youth education by creating a school within his recording studio and offering financial aid to community members, including rewards for solving local crimes.^[2] In recent years, he has expanded into the cannabis industry as the owner of Heavyweight Heads, the first Cookies-branded dispensary outside California, while advocating for social equity and healthier lifestyles, including veganism.^[2] In March 2025, he drew criticism for remarks made during a podcast interview perceived as transphobic.^[9] Holding an honorary doctorate in music, he continues to influence Detroit's cultural landscape through events like those with the Detroit Phoenix Center and his role in documentaries such as FX's Hip Hop Uncovered.^[2][4]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Christian Anthony Mathis, professionally known as Trick Trick, was born on June 28, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan.^[3] He grew up in a musical household, the son of George R. Mathis Jr., a local DJ, and Michelle “Sassy” Mathis, a jazz singer, from whom he inherited an early passion for music.^[7][3] Mathis has a brother, Kameel Mathis, who performs as the rapper Diezel and shares similar musical inclinations.^[3] As a child, he played drums at church and became self-taught on instruments including the keyboard, piano, organ, and bass guitar, reflecting the creative environment fostered by his family.^[7] Raised on Detroit's eastside during the 1970s and 1980s, Mathis navigated a troubled adolescence amid neighborhood hardships and a strict family policy of zero tolerance for disrespect.^[7][8] As a troubled teenager, he became involved in street life, including drugs and gang violence, struggled with depression, and attempted suicide, leading to time spent in the Michigan Department of Corrections.^[10][7] This period shaped his resilience while contending with the socioeconomic struggles of the era.^[8] During his youth, Mathis developed an affinity for hip-hop, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Run-D.M.C., N.W.A., and Public Enemy, alongside the emerging local Detroit music scene.^[11] In his teenage years, he earned the nickname "Trick" for his determination, which he later extended to "Trick Trick" to emphasize his dual commitment to success and to differentiate his rap identity from British artist Tricky.^[7][12][13]

Entry into music

In the early 1990s, Christian Mathis, known as Trick Trick, immersed himself in Detroit's burgeoning underground hip-hop scene, where he began honing his rapping skills amid the city's vibrant yet challenging cultural landscape. Drawing from the raw energy of the era's local freestyle sessions and street performances, he developed a commanding presence that reflected Detroit's resilient spirit. This period marked his transition from casual participation to a more dedicated pursuit, as he sought music as a constructive alternative to the pervasive street life that tempted many in his neighborhood.^[3] Trick Trick's early inspirations stemmed from both national hip-hop pioneers and the emerging Detroit sound, including influential groups like Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Run-D.M.C., whose socially conscious and hard-hitting styles shaped his lyrical approach focused on authenticity and community pride. Locally, he looked to acts like D12 for motivation, admiring their raw representation of Motor City struggles, while broader icons like Public Enemy fueled his drive to address systemic issues through rhyme. These influences guided his initial efforts to record basic demos in makeshift studios, channeling personal experiences into tracks that emphasized empowerment over escapism.^[3][5] By the mid-1990s, Trick Trick had started building key creative networks within Detroit's tight-knit hip-hop community, connecting with figures such as Proof, Eminem, and Royce da 5'9", who shared a commitment to elevating the city's sound. These relationships, forged through shared spaces in the underground circuit, provided platforms for collaboration and feedback, solidifying his resolve to pursue music professionally as a means of personal and communal uplift. His family's musical heritage, particularly his mother's background as a jazz singer, offered an early foundation that encouraged this path.^[5][7][8]

Career

Goon Sqwad and group beginnings

Trick Trick, born Christian Mathis, co-founded the Detroit-based hip-hop group Goon Sqwad in the mid-1990s alongside his brother Kameel Mathis, known professionally as Diezel. The group drew from the gritty underground rap scene of Detroit, positioning itself as a collective voice for local street culture and forming a tight-knit unit that blended musical collaboration with community enforcement.^[14][15] Goon Sqwad's sound embodied the hardcore hip-hop ethos of 1990s Detroit, characterized by aggressive beats, G-funk influences, and raw lyricism centered on themes of street loyalty, resilience, and neighborhood solidarity. As the group's leader, Trick Trick's commanding presence and deep-voiced delivery helped define their no-nonsense approach, which resonated with audiences seeking authentic representations of urban life. The collective's dynamics emphasized brotherhood and mutual protection, often extending beyond music into real-world advocacy for Detroit artists.^[14][12] The group's debut album, G 4 Life, arrived in 1997 via the independent Click Boom Records, marking their entry into the industry with a limited-release project that captured their energetic style. Tracks like "Everywhere We Go (We Deep)" became local dance anthems, topping Detroit radio stations such as WJLB and earning modest airplay success in the Motor City. However, despite this regional buzz, Goon Sqwad encountered hurdles in the late 1990s hip-hop landscape, including difficulties in landing major label deals amid a competitive independent scene dominated by smaller imprints and limited distribution.^[16][15]

Solo debut and Motown signing

In the early 2000s, following his prominence with the Detroit hip-hop group Goon Sqwad and their 2001 album Who Want It, Trick Trick shifted focus toward solo endeavors amid personal challenges, including incarceration on first-degree murder charges in 2003.^[17][4] The charges were dismissed in 2004, allowing him to resume his career; upon release, he immediately began developing material that gained underground traction, particularly through the leaked single "Welcome 2 Detroit" featuring Eminem, which received significant radio play and built anticipation for his individual work.^[18][19] This momentum led to Trick Trick's signing with Motown Records, a major label under Universal Music Group, in 2005, marking a pivotal transition from independent and group efforts to a solo major-label debut.^[19] The deal capitalized on his growing buzz and connections within Detroit's rap scene, positioning him as a voice for the city's gritty street narratives. Trick Trick's debut solo album, The People Vs., was released on December 27, 2005, via Motown Records.^[20] It entered the Billboard 200 and topped the Heatseekers Albums chart, reflecting its breakthrough impact.^[21] Production blended self-handled elements—such as beats for tracks like "My Name Is Trick Trick" and "Get Bread"—with contributions from collaborators including Eminem (on "Welcome 2 Detroit") and Mr. Porter, creating a raw, bass-heavy sound rooted in Detroit's hip-hop aesthetic.^[22] Thematically, The People Vs. emphasized Detroit pride, as seen in anthemic cuts celebrating the city's resilience, while incorporating metaphors drawn from Trick Trick's legal ordeals, notably in the opening track "M-1," which recounts his two murder arrests and acquittals as a broader commentary on systemic battles faced by urban artists.^[22] This fusion of personal testimony and regional loyalty underscored his emergence as a solo force, distinct from his group roots.

Key collaborations and breakthroughs

One of Trick Trick's earliest breakthroughs came from his 2005 collaboration with Eminem on "Welcome 2 Detroit," the lead single from his debut album The People Vs.. The track peaked at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Trick Trick's first entry on a major national chart and exposing his gritty Detroit sound to a broader audience beyond the local scene.^[23] This partnership not only highlighted Eminem's role in elevating Midwestern hip-hop but also solidified Trick Trick's reputation as a key figure in Detroit's rap community, with the song later certified gold for 500,000 units sold in the United States.^[24] In the late 2000s, Trick Trick expanded his reach through high-profile features that bridged regional styles. His 2008 track "Let It Fly" with Ice Cube, from the album The Villain, fused West Coast gangsta rap influences with Trick Trick's raw Detroit lyricism, earning praise for its energetic production by Lil Jon and contributing to the album's critical reception as a step forward in his solo catalog.^[25] Around the same time, discussions emerged about Trick Trick potentially joining 50 Cent's G-Unit roster, though no formal collaboration materialized, underscoring his growing industry connections.^[26] A pivotal moment in Trick Trick's underground credentials arrived with his 2011 feature on "Another One" from Random Axe, the self-titled debut album by the supergroup of Sean Price, Guilty Simpson, and producer Black Milk, released on Duck Down Records. This collaboration immersed Trick Trick in a raw, boom-bap project that celebrated East Coast and Detroit hip-hop synergy, with Black Milk's production providing a soulful backdrop for the group's sharp bars.^[27] The album's cohesive energy helped position Trick Trick as a versatile collaborator in niche circles. Trick Trick's most prominent showcase of Detroit unity came in 2014 with his verse on "Detroit vs. Everybody," a posse cut featuring Eminem, Royce da 5'9", Big Sean, Danny Brown, and Dej Loaf, from the Shady Records compilation SHADY XV. The anthem peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, symbolizing cross-generational solidarity among Detroit artists and reinforcing Trick Trick's status as a hometown ambassador.^[28] Throughout the 2010s, additional features with local talents like Elzhi on tracks such as "My Detroit" (produced by Black Milk) further emphasized this theme, fostering a sense of collective pride in Detroit's enduring hip-hop legacy.^[29]

Mixtapes, later albums, and recent projects

Following his debut album The People Vs. in 2005, Trick Trick released the mixtape Welcome to Detroit (A Gangsta Grillz Special Edition) in collaboration with DJ Drama in 2006, which showcased his raw lyricism and deep ties to Detroit's hip-hop scene through independently distributed street tapes that emphasized local pride and street narratives.^[30] The project featured high-profile guests like Eminem and helped solidify his reputation as a gatekeeper for Detroit talent, distributed via underground networks without major label support. Later, Trick Trick continued this independent approach with the The Godfather mixtape series, including The Godfather 3 in 2014, a 20-track effort hosted by DJ Crazy Toones that blended hardcore rap with features from artists like Young Buck and Icewear Vezzo, focusing on themes of legacy and survival in the rap game.^[31][32] Trick Trick's later solo albums built on his established sound, with The Villain released in 2008 on Koch Records, a 18-track project produced in part by Eminem that highlighted his aggressive delivery and commitment to authentic Detroit storytelling amid industry challenges.^[33] Subsequent releases included The Landlord in 2011, Outlaw in 2016, Gatekeeper in 2017, SmokeGang in 2018, and Elemelem on June 28, 2021, via GSM Music Group, the latter a 14-track album featuring guests like E-40 and Redman that explored resilience in the face of urban struggles and celebrated Detroit's enduring spirit through introspective tracks on perseverance and community loyalty.^[34][35] These works often incorporated production from Trick Trick himself, reflecting his evolution as a multifaceted artist addressing local issues like economic hardship and cultural preservation without compromising his hardcore roots.^[4] In recent years, Trick Trick has shifted toward integrating hip-hop with broader social commentary, evident in his 2021 appearance on FX's docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered, where he discussed his role in shaping Detroit's rap ecosystem and the power dynamics behind major breakthroughs.^[4] Post-2021, he maintained momentum through ongoing production work, contributing beats and features to tracks like "I Only Talk Rns" and "Project Genocide" in 2023, while expanding into film with his directorial debut The Last 24, a crime drama he wrote, directed, and starred in, premiering on Amazon Prime and Tubi on February 28, 2025, which draws on themes of street life and redemption to extend his narrative style beyond music.^[36] As of 2025, Trick Trick is working on a new album project. This blend underscores his continued influence, prioritizing substance over commercial trends in both audio and visual projects.

Discography

Studio albums

Trick Trick's debut studio album, The People Vs., was released on December 27, 2005, through Motown Records. Featuring 16 tracks, the project highlights his aggressive Detroit street rap style with contributions from high-profile guests like Eminem on "Welcome 2 Detroit" and Jazze Pha on "Attitude Adjustment." Key producers included Eminem, who handled several beats, and Mr. Porter, contributing to the album's hard-hitting sound. The album debuted at number 115 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 40 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number 1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, selling approximately 59,000 copies in the United States.^[21] His second studio album, The Villain, arrived on November 11, 2008, via Koch Records, though later self-released editions appeared around 2013. Comprising 18 tracks, it emphasizes themes of personal resilience and Detroit pride, with Trick Trick delivering introspective yet confrontational lyrics over gritty production. Notable producers include Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Lil Jon, alongside Trick Trick himself, who executive produced the effort. Collaborations feature artists like Bun B and Jazze Pha, underscoring his growth from group dynamics to solo assertion.^[33] In 2016, Trick Trick released Outlaw under Time Entertainment, adopting an outlaw-themed motif to symbolize his rebellious status in hip-hop and loyalty to Detroit's rap scene. The 11-track album focuses on regional dominance and street credibility, with beats that blend trap influences and classic boom-bap. It includes collaborations with local Detroit talents such as Payroll and Kuniva from D12, reinforcing community ties without relying on mainstream crossovers.^[37] Trick Trick's fifth studio album, GateKeeper, was released on September 11, 2017, via GSM Music Group/Fly Zone Media/Time Entertainment. The 7-track project explores themes of protection and legacy in Detroit hip-hop, featuring aggressive flows and ensemble verses. Notable collaborations include Royce da 5'9" on "Blacc Wolf" alongside other local artists like Parlae, Diezel, Big Herk, Bumpy Knuckles, and Guilty Simpson, highlighting his gatekeeping role in the scene.^[38] His sixth studio album, SmokeGang, arrived on April 20, 2018, through GSM Music Group. Comprising 15 tracks, the album delves into cannabis culture and street narratives, with Trick Trick's commanding presence over laid-back yet potent production. Key features include Snoop Dogg on "Let's Get High" and George Clinton on "Round the Floor," blending West Coast influences with Detroit grit to affirm his evolving entrepreneurial ties to the industry.^[39] Trick Trick's seventh studio album, Elemelem, dropped independently on June 28, 2021, via Trick Trick Music LLC, marking a mature reflection on his career and enduring Detroit legacy. The 14-track set explores themes of longevity, mentorship, and cultural preservation in hip-hop, with Trick Trick's bars showcasing refined storytelling and motivational energy. Features from veterans like E-40, Redman, and Bumpy Knuckles, alongside West Coast and Detroit peers such as Young Maylay and Swifty McVay, highlight cross-regional respect and his role as a scene guardian.^[34][40]

Mixtapes

Trick Trick has utilized mixtapes as a primary vehicle for cultivating a dedicated fanbase in the Detroit hip-hop scene, often distributing them freely or at low cost to emphasize grassroots support and creative experimentation outside major label constraints. His early mixtape efforts focused on showcasing raw street narratives and local collaborations, helping to solidify his reputation as a fierce advocate for Detroit's sound. These projects typically feature dense tracklists with aggressive production, allowing Trick Trick to explore themes of resilience, power dynamics, and regional identity without the polish of studio albums.^[15] In 2006, Trick Trick released Welcome to Detroit (A Gangsta Grillz Special Edition) in collaboration with DJ Drama, a 20-track project that served as a bold introduction to his independent ethos. Hosted under the influential Gangsta Grillz banner, the mixtape blends high-energy freestyles, remixes, and original cuts centered on Detroit's gritty underbelly, including standout appearances from local talents and production nods to the city's hardcore edge. This release played a pivotal role in expanding his reach beyond club circuits, leveraging free digital shares to foster loyalty among fans and position Trick Trick as a gatekeeper of Motown rap. With over 20 tracks emphasizing unfiltered narratives of urban survival, it exemplified his strategy of using mixtapes for rapid audience growth and sonic experimentation.^[30][41] The 2011 mixtape The Landlord, hosted by DJ Thrilla and released via Time Entertainment, marked a maturation in Trick Trick's mixtape approach with 14 tracks exploring metaphors of territorial dominance and economic hustle in Detroit's streets. Tracks like "Hustla" and "Cocaine" (featuring Big Herk and K Deezy) delve into ownership as a symbol of street authority, using housing analogies to critique systemic challenges while boasting unyielding control. Self-distributed digitally, the project experimented with varied flows and guest spots from Goon Sqwad affiliates, reinforcing Trick Trick's role in nurturing Detroit's collaborative rap ecosystem and building hype through accessible platforms. Its concise yet thematic depth helped sustain fan engagement during a transitional phase in his career.^[42][43] Building on this momentum, The Godfather 3 arrived in 2014 as a self-released entry in an informal mafia-inspired series, featuring 18 tracks that amplify themes of legacy, loyalty, and underworld power plays. Guest appearances from Detroit rappers like Icewear Vezzo alongside broader collaborators such as Young Buck highlight Trick Trick's network-building prowess, with production emphasizing cinematic beats to evoke mob movie aesthetics. Released for free online, the mixtape served as an experimental canvas for narrative-driven storytelling, further entrenching his status as a veteran voice in hip-hop while experimenting with trilogy formatting to reward longtime supporters. Its focus on ensemble features underscored mixtapes' value in cross-pollinating Detroit talent.^[44][32]

Singles

Trick Trick's lead singles have highlighted his raw Detroit hip-hop sound, often blending aggressive lyrics with collaborations that underscore local pride and street resilience. "Welcome 2 Detroit," featuring Eminem, served as the lead single from his 2005 debut album The People Vs. on Motown Records. Released on November 8, 2005, the track peaked at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[23] The song's official music video, directed by The Tight Bros., captured Detroit's urban energy with appearances by local figures and Goon Sqwad members, promoting the album's themes of city loyalty.^[45] In 2006, "Stay Focused" was issued as a promotional single from The People Vs., emphasizing perseverance in the face of challenges, with its video depicting Detroit's gritty street scenes to build buzz for the project. "Who Want It," featuring Eminem, appeared on Trick Trick's 2008 album The Villain via Koch Records and was promoted as an independent release with significant local radio airplay in Detroit, challenging rivals and asserting dominance in the hip-hop landscape.^[46] A version of the track saw renewed attention in 2013 through digital platforms.^[47] "From the D," featuring Eminem and Kid Rock, was released as a single on February 9, 2009, via Koch Records. The track remixes verses from prior songs to celebrate Detroit's hip-hop heritage, gaining traction through promotional efforts tied to The Villain.^[48] More recently, "I'm Gon Getcha" (with Goodmoney G100) emerged as a standalone single in the 2020s, released on October 28, 2023, via TrickTrick Music LLC, focusing on themes of relentless pursuit and triumph.^[49]

Guest appearances

Trick Trick has contributed guest verses to several high-profile projects, often highlighting his gritty Detroit sound in support of fellow artists and collectives. In 2002, he appeared on an early version of "Welcome 2 Detroit," a track associated with Eminem that celebrated the city's hip-hop scene; the song was officially re-released in 2005 as part of Trick Trick's debut album The People Vs. on Motown Records.^[19] He provided a featured verse on "There They Go" from Obie Trice's 2006 album Second Round's on Me, joining Eminem and Big Herk on the Shady Records release to deliver a high-energy Detroit anthem.^[50] In 2010, Trick Trick guested on "Another One" from the self-titled debut album by Detroit supergroup Random Axe (comprising Elzhi, Guilty Simpson, and producer Black Milk), adding his signature aggressive flow to the Duck Down Records project.^[51] His collaborations extended to West Coast legend Ice Cube during the 2010s, though primarily through joint tracks like the 2010 single "Let It Fly" (produced by Lil Jon), where Trick Trick shared lead billing; no verified guest spots on Ice Cube's solo albums were identified in that decade.^[52] Trick Trick linked with 50 Cent through shared performances and industry ties, including rumored G-Unit discussions in the mid-2000s, but no recorded guest features on 50 Cent's projects have been documented.^[53] A standout later appearance came in 2014 on "Detroit vs. Everybody" from the Shady Records compilation Shady XV, where he joined Eminem, Royce da 5'9", Big Sean, Danny Brown, and DeJ Loaf for a posse cut paying homage to their hometown.

Philanthropy and activism

Community involvement in Detroit

Trick Trick established the Christian Anthony Foundation, which operates a dedicated studio space transformed into a hub for music education and production training aimed at Detroit's youth, including a school within the recording studio to support education.^[10] He has also offered financial aid to community members, including rewards for solving local crimes to promote safety.^[2] In 2023, he opened a music studio in Warren, Michigan, specifically to provide at-risk young artists with resources, mentorship, and opportunities they might otherwise lack, promoting access to the music industry.^[54] These initiatives prioritize conceptual guidance on the business side of music, helping participants navigate challenges in Detroit's neighborhoods.^[2] Trick Trick has actively participated in youth-focused programs addressing social issues, including hosting a free 313 Day concert on March 13, 2019, to support the Defeat the Label anti-bullying campaign, which aids young people in overcoming harassment and building resilience.^[55] His efforts extend to broader anti-violence and community-building activities, reflecting a commitment to reducing urban strife through positive engagement.^[56] In 2021, Trick Trick appeared in the FX docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered, where he shared insights into Detroit's hip hop community, highlighting personal and collective stories of survival, influence, and cultural preservation amid city challenges.^[4] Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, he has organized local events and benefits to enhance education and music access, such as studio workshops and performances that connect youth with industry professionals, ensuring sustainable pathways for artistic expression in Detroit.^[10]

Cannabis advocacy and business ventures

Following Michigan's legalization of recreational cannabis through Proposal 1 in November 2018, Trick Trick emerged as a vocal advocate for reform, drawing on his personal experiences from the prohibition era and the plant's potential to benefit underserved communities. Initially resistant to cannabis use despite his involvement in its trade during his youth, he later embraced it after trying a high-grade strain, describing the experience as "life-altering" and crediting it with providing a "new outlook on things" that made him more approachable. He has pushed for social equity measures, including the erasure of marijuana-related felonies and government-funded workshops to support those impacted by past enforcement, emphasizing cannabis's medicinal benefits and the need for destigmatization rooted in community perspectives.^[2] In the business realm, Trick Trick launched ventures post-2020, notably partnering with Berner and Gage Cannabis Co. to open Heavyweight Heads, the first Cookies-branded dispensary outside California, located at 6030 East 8 Mile Road in Detroit. This medical marijuana facility debuted in January 2020 under Michigan's framework, with plans for recreational expansion, and Trick Trick served as marketing director for Cookies, selecting strains and integrating branding into his music. By 2023, the site celebrated its three-year anniversary by launching adult-use sales, having hosted events with figures like George Clinton and Rohan Marley to promote the brand.^[57][58][2] In a 2023 Forbes interview, Trick Trick highlighted hip-hop's pivotal role in destigmatizing cannabis, noting how the genre has long promoted the plant and connected him with artists like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa: "Cannabis has united me with so many great people." He positioned himself as using music to advocate for liberation, integrating cannabis themes into his work to drive cultural acceptance. His efforts extended to public appearances, such as performing at the 2018 Midwest Cannabis Cup amid legalization discussions, further amplifying reform voices.^[2][59] Trick Trick's cannabis involvement has tied into Detroit's economic revitalization, channeling profits from Heavyweight Heads into community initiatives like funding a local school and food drives, while creating jobs in the legal industry. Up to 2025, he continued supporting expansions, including a meet-and-greet at the June 2024 opening of Gage 313 dispensary and the October 2025 relaunch of Cookies Michigan in New Buffalo, where he emphasized quality cultivation: "We’re proud to return with a renewed focus on quality... This relaunch is about showcasing what made Cookies a name people trust." These ventures have bolstered Michigan's $3.0 billion cannabis market in 2024, contributing to urban renewal through equitable business growth.^{[2][60][61][62][63]}

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Trick Trick has earned accolades from local music institutions for his impact on Detroit's hip-hop scene. In 2020, he received the Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Rap Artist or Group, acknowledging his enduring influence and body of work in the genre.^[64] He holds an honorary doctorate in music from The Academy of Universal Global Peace.^[2] In 2024, he was named a Vanguard Honoree at the Detroit Choice Awards.^[65] As of August 2025, his 2005 single "Welcome 2 Detroit" (featuring Eminem) was certified Gold by the RIAA.^[66]

Influence on Detroit hip-hop

Trick Trick has played a pivotal role in bridging Detroit's underground rap scene with mainstream hip-hop through strategic collaborations that elevated local talent. His feature on the 2014 track "Detroit vs. Everybody" alongside Eminem, Royce da 5'9", Big Sean, Danny Brown, and DeJ Loaf showcased the city's diverse voices on a national platform, helping to propel artists like Big Sean toward broader recognition while highlighting Detroit's gritty sound.^[67][68] Earlier, his collaboration with Eminem on "Welcome 2 Detroit" from his 2005 debut album The People Vs. introduced underground Detroit acts to a wider audience, fostering cross-generational ties that inspired emerging rappers to embrace their roots in mainstream pursuits.^[7] Trick Trick's promotion of the "Detroit vs. Everybody" ethos has been instrumental in fostering unity within the city's fragmented hip-hop community, transforming a local underdog mentality into a symbol of collective resilience. The phrase, popularized through the aforementioned track where he delivered the outro verse emphasizing loyalty and defiance, encapsulates Detroit's response to external dismissal and internal divisions, encouraging artists to support one another amid economic challenges.^[69] This mindset has permeated the scene, promoting city-wide collaboration over competition and reinforcing a shared cultural identity that unites veteran and new-generation rappers.^[68] Through his founding of Goon Sqwad Entertainment and the associated hip-hop collective Goon Sqwad, Trick Trick has established a lasting mentorship legacy, guiding 2020s Detroit talents in navigating the industry. As the group's creator, he has mentored emerging artists by providing studio access, production knowledge, and business acumen, including establishing an in-studio school focused on entertainment, film, and radio training to empower youth.^[7][2] This hands-on approach has influenced a new wave of rappers, helping them build sustainable careers while upholding Detroit's authentic street-oriented style.^[68] Trick Trick's cultural contributions extend to his representation in media and sustained presence in the 2025 Detroit scene, solidifying his status as a foundational figure. Featured prominently in the 2021 FX docuseries Hip Hop Uncovered as the "godfather" of Detroit hip-hop, he illuminated the genre's ties to street culture and community protection, inspiring ongoing discussions about the city's musical heritage.^[4][7] In 2025, he continues to shape the landscape as a gatekeeper, collaborating on projects like documentaries exploring his bond with Eminem and enforcing protocols for out-of-town artists, ensuring Detroit's hip-hop remains protective and unified.^[70][2]