Rapper Big Sean and singer Usher are taking a big step forward in a decision to empower Detroit’s youth. Commitment to invest $1 million in the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator, which will be housed at the new Boys & Girls Club of Central Michigan in Southeast Michigan and will help donors by providing a virtual production studio, special effects lab, creators lounge and more.
The program will launch in February 2026. With Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School as additional partners, the incubator appears to be a promising entry point for the creative and cultural development of young artists in the Detroit area.
“I’ve always believed in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and give them the opportunity to achieve things we haven’t been able to access. This new Spark Lab in Detroit, along with my friend and Boys & Girls Club alum Big Sean, will not only minimize the opportunity gap for young people, but help prepare them for greatness.
It only takes one person to believe in your success, and I’m honored to be one of the many people in this partnership to help make it happen,” Arthur said in a press note about what it means to truly empower talent in its formative stages.
Big Sean echoed Usher’s thoughts, reflecting on his own journey and talking about how he hopes to build a supportive ecosystem so that Detroit artists have a space to foster opportunities in the local community.
“Detroit is where my creativity was born. From jamming in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world. My mission has always been to ensure that my city’s next generation of dreamers and innovators have the same opportunities, tools and guidance,” he said.
There is certainly hope and action is being taken, let’s see what impact this initiative will have. What do you think?
