Detroit has a history of producing artists who don’t just make music—they shift culture. Scott Junior is on that path, even if the world hasn’t fully caught on yet. Since releasing his latest project in January 2024, he’s been gaining momentum, with Awake and Tribe standing out as undeniable proof of his talent.

Awake opens with an airy, looping sample of Bobby Caldwell’s “How Long”, pulling listeners into Scott’s late-night reflections. “Lie awake most nights / And find myself in this room again alone…” The song plays like a restless cycle of regret and self-examination, his hypnotic delivery making every word feel lived-in. The production sways between haunting and soulful, mirroring the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Then there’s Tribe, which begins with a tribalistic melodic chant that seeps into the beat before Scott enters, spitting sharp, self-assured bars. “Not the type to check by day n’ night comparing listens / Not the type to pay for blue checks, charging for subscriptions…” It’s a statement of independence, a reminder that he’s building something real—no shortcuts, no industry games.

Scott’s ability to balance introspection with raw confidence makes him stand out in a city known for its grit. But perhaps his most overlooked gem is Missed Call—a track that captures the quiet weight of regret. “Talking to your voicemail the other day / I said some shit I wish I didn’t…” It’s stripped-down, vulnerable, and painfully relatable.

Scott Junior isn’t waiting for validation. He’s already making the kind of music that people will wish they had found sooner. Right now, he’s still the underdog. But when the world catches on? It’ll be too late to say you were here first.