Within Detroit’s rich rap history, Lelo wants to stand out, to interpolate many of the city’s popular sounds and create something entirely new. Hence the title of his 2025 album, New Detroit. Throughout the project, the Oak Park MC takes bits and pieces from Motor City’s DNA, bringing scam-rap flows together with house-music beats and diaristic storytelling. On “Soldier,” he spits over a beat that fits firmly into the pluggnb underground, nonchalantly recalling his route from the penitentiary to the streets. “In a cell, hop straight to the field, skip the NFL,” he raps matter of factly. He goes international on “Paris,” thinking about life outside of Michigan with a playful imagination. The rhythm echoes footwork beat tapes of yore, allowing the rapper to flex his skills as a speedy and precise MC. Lelo saves his most introspective moments for last: “Survivors Guilt” is a mournful meditation on all those who are no longer around to help him celebrate these wins. Despite the pain, Lelo sees plenty of hope in the future: “I tried to show my daughter the way to do it/I came a long way from kitchen floors,” he raps.